13 Gifts
By Zane, Colin, Dominik, Grace, and Sam
About the Author
Video Segment
Characters
Kayla Maisonet as Tara
In 13 Gifts, Tara is the main character and the narrator of the story. She has to get used to everyone in Willow Falls, and the story is revolved around this. All the events that happen have her in it, or related to it. Her adventures in this book teach a lot of good life lessons to readers.
Katie Leung
Cecilia Balagot as Emily
Book Cover Analysis
Wendy Mass (the author of 13 Gifts) most likely chose this cover because Tara must collect thirteen objects for Angelina D’Angelo, and the cover depicts a girl holding thirteen boxes. The thirteen boxes that the person on the cover is carrying are gift boxes which represent the thirteen objects in the story that Tara must get for Angelina. These boxes are most likely gifts because they are wrapped in wrapping paper and ribbons which is how gifts are usually presented. The girl holding the boxes is probably Tara because she is the one who must get all of the items for Angelina, and no body except for Tara ever had all thirteen items at one time during story. To speak of the background, I would have to say that the background is probably Aunt Bethany's and Uncle Roger's house because that is the only house-like setting in which Tara would be with the items. For example, she would not be at home because she did not even have to collect thirteen items during the time period when she was still at home. Furthermore, the background also would not be Bettie’s house because she did not have all thirteen items at the only time that she was in Bettie’s house.
13 Gifts was probably chosen as the title for this book because Tara must collect thirteen items for a lady named Angelina. Gifts was used in the title rather than the word items probably because Tara had to get all thirteen items for Angelina by July 13th which is Tara’s birthday, and typically on one’s birthday when they receive items they are called gifts. The “13” in the title 13 Gifts has multiple meanings that tie into each other. For instance, the thirteen stands for the date that Tara’s birthday is on which is in July, which ties into her turning another year older because July 13th is when she turns thirteen. Also, as I just said, the thirteen shows how old Tara will be on her birthday which is connected to the items because if Tara does not collect the thirteen items by her thirteenth birthday, her soul is doomed to wander the world without her. Lastly, as previously stated, the thirteen also represents the thirteen items that Tara needs to get for Angelina which is connected with July 13th because the 13th of July is when Tara must get the items to Angelina.
Book Review
My book review- 13 Gifts by Wendy Mass was an excellent piece of literature exploring the life of Tara, as she discovers who she is and why she is at Willow Falls. Although particularly easy for our grade level, with little to no higher level vocabulary terms, it was an exciting book to follow. You never really know what is going to happen next, always a great quality to find in a book. The author also did an amazing job describing everything Tara was feeling, the places she was going, and the people she saw. This made me feel as though I was Tara myself. My favorite part of the book was the beginning, since I felt she added a lot of mystery, yet humor to the situation Tara was in at the time. Throughout the whole novel in general, there were many laughs and many questions as well, which is why I would definitely recommend this book to others.
5-Stars- I gave this book a four and a half stars out of five. The reason for this was because although it was an amazingly fun book to read, I felt as though it could’ve used some higher vocabulary terms for our grade level. Overall though, in my opinion, four and a half stars is the rating this book deserves.
1st other review- “13 Gifts is very good. The plot is suspenseful and the characters are well developed. Mass’ extremely descriptive writing makes the story even better. It really pulls readers into the story, so they will feel like they’re trying to earn $200 along with Tara, the main character. 13 Gifts also has a unique plot and interesting characters… If you like realistic fiction with some funny elements, this book might is for you.” - Sonia Wiecek, RTbookreviews.com
2nd other review- “A rash decision involving attempted theft of a school mascot sets into motion a series of life-altering events for nearly 13-year-old Tara. Mysteries abound as readers return to Willow Falls in this third installment of the series… Banished to her aunt’s house for the summer, Tara soon finds herself embroiled in another mishap… Mass skillfully resolves mysteries while perpetuating Willow Falls’ mystique. Readers will be eager to discover the outcome of Tara’s quest. In equal parts philosophical and wryly humorous, this magical tale will satisfy both fans and new readers alike.” - Kirkus Reviews, WendyMass.com
Bibliography
- http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4566652/mediaviewer/rm3103045120
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http://www.paperbackswap.com/13-Gifts-Willow-Wendy-Mass/book/054538494X/
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