Eleven

Patricia Reilly Giff

Dec 2008 · Sold by Wendy Lamb Books

About this ebook

Sam is almost 11 when he discovers a locked box in the attic above his grandfather Mack’s room, and a piece of paper that says he was kidnapped. There are lots of other words, but Sam has always had trouble reading. He’s desperate to find out who he is, and if his beloved Mack is really his grandfather. At night he’s haunted by dreams of a big castle and a terrifying escape on a boat. Who can he trust to help him read the documents that could unravel the mystery? Then he and the new girl, Caroline, are paired up to work on a school project, building a castle in Mack’s woodworking shop. Caroline loves to read, and she can help. But she’s moving soon, and the two must hurry to discover the truth about Sam.

Ratings and reviews

Sam has been having nightmares that involve the number 11. The problem with this is he is turning 11 in one day. He has always been able to find his presents but this time is different. The only place he hasn't looked is the attic. He can't just walk in there. The ladder to the attic is in his grandfather's room. Sam decides to go up the drainpipe outside of his room. What he finds is not his presents but the top part of a newspaper article with his picture. He learns from the headlines that he was missing. He needs to find out what the paper means, but to do that he has to find someone to read it to him. Sam can't read, this is the opposite of the new girl Caroline who always has her nose stuck in a book. She is determined not to make any friends. When the two are assigned to work together on a class assignment Sam realizes he has someone to help him. What he doesn't realize is that in the end he helps Caroline. This was a great book with an emotional ending. Either that or as my husband put it I am just getting sappy in my old age. Either way I am glad one of my students asked me to order it and then read it first. She was right, it was an awesome book.

It is a great book for ages 9-12. One thing Ifound while reading this book is that it's hard to know if the author is talking about the past or future.

Well-written and interesting- you spend the book wondering if the main character will solve his mystery (and trying to figure it out yourself!).

About the author

Patricia Reilly Giff is the author of many beloved books for children, including the Newbery Honor books, Lily’s Crossing and Pictures of Hollis Woods. She lives in Trumbull, Connecticut.