12 Again

12 Again
Author(s)
Publisher
Age Range
10+
Release Date
July 22, 2002
ISBN
9780142407295
Buy This Book
      

In this captivating novel, wife and mother of three Bernadette McBride makes a wish she never expects to have granted—to be young again. When she awakens—transformed into a twelveyear- old—on what should be the morning of her fortieth birthday, she is at first jubilant, and then quickly realizes how complex life has suddenly become. She enrolls in her son’s seventh-grade computer class in hopes of enlisting his help, but it’s not that easy. . . . Patrick, Bernadette’s oldest son, has no idea what happened to his mother, but he refuses to give up hope. Unless he can get her back, he faces a life of waiting on his brothers. Can Patrick do the impossible? Can he rescue his mother . . . and return his family’s life to normal?

In this captivating novel, wife and mother of three Bernadette McBride makes a wish she never expects to have granted—to be young again. When she awakens—transformed into a twelveyear- old—on what should be the morning of her fortieth birthday, she is at first jubilant, and then quickly realizes how complex life has suddenly become. She enrolls in her son’s seventh-grade computer class in hopes of enlisting his help, but it’s not that easy. . . . Patrick, Bernadette’s oldest son, has no idea what happened to his mother, but he refuses to give up hope. Unless he can get her back, he faces a life of waiting on his brothers. Can Patrick do the impossible? Can he rescue his mother . . . and return his family’s life to normal?

Editor reviews

2 reviews
What if....?
Overall rating
 
4.0
Plot
 
N/A
Characters
 
N/A
Writing Style
 
N/A
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
 
N/A
In the mood for something different? 12, Again has two protaganists: 12 year-old Patrick, whos mother has just inexplicably disappeared and Bernadette (Detta), his mother, who suddenly finds herself back in her 12 year-old body, but in the present day. It takes her a while to figure out just what happened and in the meantime, she cant exactly go home besides, whatever magic turned back her biological clock also brought her mother (who is&was&dead) back, but only in her mothers old house.

The book switches between Patrick and Detta. Patrick, always the responsible one in the family, is trying to hold everyone else together. He believes his mother is out there, somewhere, and even sends e-mails to her work email address, since she disappeared with her laptop.

Detta, on her side, is at first bemused and bewildered. She was wishing for something to happen in her life, but definitely not exactly this! She registers at Patricks school and finds herself strangely enjoying what once had been drudgery. She also gets to keep an eye on Patrick there, though he has no idea the strange new girl with the old fashioned clothes is really his mother.

Ultimately, Patrick is the one that helps Detta get her own life back. Hes a resourceful and plucky character and probably my favorite in the book. Detta is also quite charming, though sometimes her reactions dont seem very plausible if shes so worried about how her family is feeling, why doesnt she at least leave them a note or something?

All in all, this was a captivating read with interesting characters. Recommended for readers aged 10 and up.
Report this review Comments (0) | Was this review helpful? 0 0

User reviews

1 review
Overall rating
 
5.0
Plot
 
5.0(1)
Characters
 
N/A(0)
Writing Style
 
N/A(0)
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
 
N/A(0)
Already have an account? or Create an account
Reminded me of 13 going on 30, except in the reverse
Overall rating
 
5.0
Plot
 
N/A
Characters
 
N/A
Writing Style
 
N/A
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
 
N/A
Reader reviewed by Allire

In this book the main character is turning 40. For her birthday wish, she wants to be young again, and on her 40th birthday he wish is granted and she is turned 12 again. There is only one problem with this. Bernadette McBride, (now 12), had a son. And with her being 12 again, she cannot claim to be his mother. So everyone assumes that she is dead or gone.


I liked this book. It reminds me of Freak Friday, and 13 Going On 30, but then again it's unique and different. The storyline is original and memorable, as well. This is a book for all ages.
= ]
G
#1 Reviewer
Report this review Comments (0) | Was this review helpful? 0 0