 |
Andy is a fifth grader anxiously anticipating his tenth birthday. He is entirely too excited about his swim party plans to focus on mundane matters such as Mrs. Thompson’s math class and lessons on long division. No, Andy’s thoughts are full of water slides, fun pool activities, and hanging with his friends. The promise of ice cream, cake, and pizza also makes for a tantalizing distraction. Andy’s birthday plans are all he can talk about in the weeks leading up to his epic party. But a note from a so-called secret admirer deflates Andy’s dreams of an awesome birthday, leaving him reluctant to discuss his party plans. When Andy’s mother discovers the note, she takes it to the school principal, who is determined to find the source of this act of cruelty. The principal, faculty, and student body of Andy’s elementary school band together to surprise Andy with a birthday celebration that exceeds his expectations and makes his dream of an epic party come true.
The book perfectly captures the exuberance and excitement of a young boy on the cusp of his tenth birthday. The author uses a simple writing style that is age-appropriate for young readers yet still manages to convey the main character’s full range of emotions. Andy’s eager anticipation of his birthday pool party jumps off the beginning pages. The stark contrast of his quiet desolation after receiving the mean-spirited note eloquently portrays the detrimental effects of bullying. As an individual on the autism spectrum who was the victim of childhood bullying, Ball delivers an encouraging tale for children experiencing similar cruelty. Andy’s elation over his school community’s surprise is a compelling reminder that compassion and acts of kindness are significantly more powerful than any hateful words or intentions.