A review by yapha
13 Gifts by Wendy Mass

4.0

This is the third book by Wendy Mass that takes place in the somewhat mystical town of Willow Falls. Both of Tara's parents grew up there, but she has never even visited. She is quite surprised to learn that her overprotective mother is sending her there for the entire summer, to live with her aunt whom she has never met. Once there, she quickly becomes friends with Rory(from book 2) and Leo & Amanda (from book 1). As with them, she has several run-ins with the mysterious Angelina, and is sent on a quest to gather 13 seemingly random objects from around town. An excellent book about friendship, promises, and the differences we can make in the world. Written in Wendy Mass's usual style of humor and excellent story telling, I recommend reading 11 Birthdays and Finally first. You may want to have the fourth book, The Last Present on stand-by, since this one ends in a cliff-hanger. Recommend for grades 4-8.