Staying Nine

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

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.