Finally

Finally is the second book in Wendy Mass’s middle grade Willow Falls series. It comes after 11 Birthdays and is followed by 13 Gifts, The Last Present, and Gracefully. Although most of these books have different protagonists, all of the stories take place in the peculiar, magical small town of Willow Falls and several characters overlap from book to book.

The novels are full of humor, charm, and whimsy. Their young protagonists have exciting adventures and rely on their own growing independence and friendships to reach their goals. Some of the books feature fantasy elements, while others are more realistic. The series is focused on themes related to growing up, such as learning to know oneself and the bonds of friendship. Each novel centers birthdays to symbolize the transitions each passing year brings.

In 11 Birthdays, protagonist Amanda experiences her 11th birthday over and over as she gradually finds a way to fix her broken friendship with Leo, who happens to share the same birthday. In 13 Gifts, a mysterious elderly woman—Angelina d’Angelo, whose prophecy guides the plot of Finally—insists that Tara collect 13 strange things before her 13th birthday.