Finally: A Wish Novel - by Wendy Mass (Paperback)

About the Book

The author of "11 Birthdays" delivers once again with this humorous, touching, and abundantly charming novel about a girl who has been waiting her whole life to turn 12.

Book Synopsis

Turning 12 isn't all it's cracked up to be!

Get a cell phone. Stay home alone. Go to the mall with best friend and No Parents. Wear makeup. Get contact lenses. Attend a boy-girl party. Rory Swenson has been waiting her whole life to turn twelve. And she's got a list to prove it. Whenever Rory asks her parents for something, they always say, "When you're twelve . . ." Well, in exactly, 18 hours, 36 minutes, and 52 seconds it will finally happen. Rory's life will officially begin!

Review Quotes

"Finally is a treat-a delicious story about fitting in, falling down, and growing up. Wendy Mass has done it again!"-Rebecca Stead, author of When You Reach MeA Washington Post KidsPost Summer Book Club selection"Author Wendy Mass captures the frustration of pre-teens as they reach the magical time that allows them to begin experiencing tidbits from the grown-up world. Finally will have readers laughing, nodding in agreement, and sighing in sympathy as they follow Rory's tale of reaching 12."-Teensreadtoo.com"Children will relate to this warm, funny story of a heroine who can't wait to grow up."-School Library Journal"Rory's lively first-person narrative clearly expresses her emotions as she seesaws between longing and fear, confidence and insecurity. The jacket photo will attract tween readers."-Booklist "Rory's chatty, friendly voice and relentless optimism in the face of her many mishaps are heartwarming."-Publishers Weekly"A funny story that will appeal particularly to girls who are just learning what it means to begin growing up."-Rave Reviews Log, blog review"I was either smiling, chuckling, or outright laughing all through this book."-Everead, blog review "Finally is a fast-paced, hilarious novel...Mass captures an authentic 12-year-old here that never once feels forced, too old, or too young."-Stacked, blog review

About the Author

Wendy Mass is the author of award-winning books for young readers, including 11 Birthdays, Finally, 13 Gifts, The Last Present, and the Twice Upon a Time series; as well as A Mango-Shaped Space, Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life, Heaven Looks a Lot Like the Mall, Leap Day, Every Soul a Star, Space Taxi, and The Candymakers. She lives with her family in New Jersey