Review: The Wrap-up list by Steven Arntson

Summary-

In this modern-day suburban town, one percent of all fatalities come about in the most peculiar way. Deaths—eight-foot-tall, silver-gray creatures—send a letter (“Dear So-and-So, your days are numbered”) to whomever is chosen for a departure, telling them to wrap up their lives and do the things they always wanted to do before they have to “depart.” When sixteen-year-old Gabriela receives her notice, she is, of course devastated. Will she kiss her crush Sylvester before it’s too late?
Friendship, first love, and fantasy artfully mesh in this magically realistic world that ultimately celebrates life.

 

Review-

That red envelope is one of the last things Gabriela ever wanted to see. Hercule has informed her of her 7 days left. Granted the opportunity to ask for what ever she wants she looks to make her three best friends happy before she leaves, asking that Iris, Raahi, Sarena and herself get their first kisses. How ever the pardon she asks for comes with a taxing clue. Gabriela works through great obstacles, to make all that she wished come true. Learning the truth to why her grandfather vanished, and watching as everything comes to a screeching halt. Things become more impossible as one of her items suddenly becomes unreachable. Nothing becomes any easier when Hercule makes his appearance. A new look on life, and the hardship of a friendship dealing with the complications of war, love and death. A good book over all while missing some clarification of the Deaths. Highly recommend this book!

 

Publisher-Houghton Mifflin Books for Children

Reviewer Rating: 4.5 Stars

Reviewed by~Emma Ritchie (Student at Franklin High School)

Thank you to the author for the donation of this book to the Read for your Future book program in exchange for a honest review!