11 Birthdays: A Wish Novel

In a hospital in Willow Falls, a fictional American town, two babies are born on the same day. The respective parents of Leo and Amanda gather around the glass-enclosed nursery to look at their babies. An old woman, Angelina D’Angelo, who has lived in Willow Falls for as long as anyone can remember, unexpectedly arrives and tells the bemused parents that they should celebrate the children’s birthdays together every year. They agree, but fully expect to never see each other again.

There has been a double booking at the Birthday Party Palace. Mr. McAllister apologetically says that the families will have to share the space; Amanda’s mother is annoyed. They are shocked and amused when Leo’s family arrives. Leo and Amanda play; Leo hands Amanda his teddy.

Mr. McAllister winks at Angelina, who walks past the front window of the Birthday Palace.

Amanda tries to land a back handspring before gymnastics tryouts the next day. Her best friend, Stephanie, helps, but Amanda cannot master the move. Amanda’s older sister, Kylie, does homework with Dustin, a boy from his class.