Staying Nine - Softcover

Conrad, Pam

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0064403777 ISBN 13: 9780064403771

Publisher: HarperCollins, 1990

Synopsis

Nine-year-old Heather thinks her life is perfect just the way it is. Why should she ruin it by turning ten? So instead of a birthday party, she and her mom plan an unbirthday party -- with a cake but no candles, guests but no presents and absolutely no singing "Happy Birthday."

But the party doesn't go exactly as planned. And with the help of her Uncle Lou's girlfriend, Rosa Rita, Heather realizes that maybe staying nine isn't the best thing after all....Nine-year-old Heather thinks her life is perfect the way it is. Why should she ruin it by turning ten? So she and her mother plan an UN-birthday party, with a cake, but no candles, guests but no presents, and absolutely no singing. But when the party rolls around, things don't go exactly as planned. And with the help of her uncle's girlfriend, Heather realizes that maybe staying nine isn't such a great idea after all . . .From well-loved author Pam Conrad, this is a touching tale about a young girl facing the challenge of growing up. "Captures a few pivotal days in a young girl's life. A story delivered with grace and depth." Starred Review/Booklist

About this title

About the Author:

Pam Conrad wrote many award-winning books for children, including the immensely popular The Tub People and The Tub Grandfather, both illustrated by Richard Egielski. She is also the author of a number of critically acclaimed novels, including Prairie Songs, a 1986 ALA Best Children's Book of the Year and a 1985 ALA Golden Kite Honor Book, and Stonewords, winner of the 1991 Edgar Allan Poe Award for Best Juvenile Mystery.

From School Library Journal:

Grade 2-5 A book that may have a limited audience. The large print and short sentences and chapters will attract children ready for their first chapter books, but the situation will appeal more to older children. Heather, nine, has had a wonderful year. Now her tenth birthday is close at hand, much to her dismay. She tries of number of ways to slow the march of timewearing last year's clothes for the school picture, climbing the door frame, refusing a birthday party. Finally, at an un-birthday party, 23-year-old Rosa Rita tells her that she tried to stay 11, and that, although it didn't work, she has managed to keep some of the good things of that year in her life. Reconciled at last, Heather settles down to enjoy her party and begins to look forward instead of back. While the story is slight, it is good humored and nicely presented, and should attract reluctant readers in grades three to five. Li Stark, North Castle Public Library, Armonk, N.Y.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Publication date: 1990
• ISBN 10: 0064403777
• ISBN 13: 9780064403771
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 80
• Illustrator: Wimmer Michael