Birthday Surprises: Ten Great Stories to Unwrap
Grade 4-7?This unique collection of short stories celebrates the creative power of imagination. At Hurwitz's invitation, 10 well-known children's authors have written pieces based on a single premise: a young person finds an empty box (beautifully wrapped) among his or her birthday gifts. The enormously varied responses range in tone from amusing to heartwarmingly sad; all provide food for thought. In the selections by Barbara Ann Porte, Ellen Conford, and Richard Peck, selfish girls fail to see or appreciate the symbolism of their gifts while Pam Conrad, Ann Martin, and David Adler depict children who understand the love their gifts represent. On a more somber note, Jane Yolen and James Howe depict characters who, while dealing with death, find courage and hope in their "empty" boxes. Karla Kuskin and Hurwitz herself add the lightest touches with an amusing poem and a story told through a collection of irate letters. Certainly each author handles the premise differently, but they all write with immediacy. Taken as a whole, this collection displays effective use of dialogue, vivid characterizations, accessible language, and intriguing plots that reach into the hearts and minds of preadolescent readers. The thoughtful arrangement nicely varies the pacing. This is a book to read for fun or in conjunction with writing assignments. An excellent surprise package.?Maggie McEwen, Coffin Elementary School, Brunswick, MECopyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.