Leap on with LEAP DAY, the book!
Another February 29th is coming ’round the bend! I’m feeling nostalgic over my second book, LEAP DAY. I really loved writing this book even though the characters are older than what I usually write (the book is for kids 12 and up because the main character is 16). I wrote it mostly over the spring and summer of 2003, and mostly outdoors. Afterwards I remember asking my editor if I could write a sequel to it, and she said to focus on a new story, instead. I’m glad I listened since that story turned out to be Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life.
Still…I recall Josie and her Leap Day birthday adventures fondly. I hope you’ll like it, too! Try something this Leap Day that you’ve never tried before, whether it’s a new food, a new route to school/work, a new hairstyle, or a few kind words to someone you’d like to get to know. The day only comes around once every four years so…Leap On!
Click here to watch one of the original “book trailers” for the book.
I love your books!
I love this book! Are you a Leaper? I am, and was so glad I found a book about it. I’m in sixth grade but will be turning four!
NOTE FROM WENDY: NOT A LEAPER, BUT THAT’S SOOO COOL THAT YOU ARE!! I HOPE YOU HAVE AN AMAZING BIRTHDAY!! XO
I meant “I love this book!
Thank you!
I can’t wait for leap day! I have so many new things ready to try that day. Maybe I will even let someone read the book i am trying (!) to write 😉
Loved Leap Day, it was the fourth book I read by you. I LOVED how after each chapter by Josie there’s a chapter from the point of view of everybody else around her. That was THE best idea ever!
NOTE FROM WENDY: Thank you for loving it! I had so much fun writing that aspect of the book. :o)
i love all of your books my friend ania and i have been following you we read your birthday series and many of your single books. We love you cant wait to read more.
This book was amazing and one of my favorite. I liked the fact that it was targeted at an older age, because I found it related more to me. I thought it was really inspirational and taught me that things are never what they seem. The story really touched me and changed the way I think, just as all your books do. Thank you for writing!
NOTE FROM WENDY: Thank you so much! I rarely get to hear about Leap Day! It sounds like you totally got what I was trying to get across in that one. Thanks again!
I read Leap Day a couple of years ago, and decided to read it again today to celebrate leap day. I hope you keep writing awesome books.
A Mango Shaped Space and Every Soul a Star are my two favorite books! My Mom called the Sparta bookstore and ordered another copy of those two books for me. She asked them to have you sign them for me. I am your BIGGEST fan!
When we go to the bookstore, I always tell other kids about your books. During our school book fair, I stood by the table where they selling some of your books, and told all the kids and parents about how much they would love your books. They sold out in 30 minutes!
I can’t wait to read your next book!
NOTE FROM WENDY: You are hilarious! I’ll have to send you around to all the school bookfairs!! You’ve inspired me to re-read Leap Day today, too. I usually have a hard time re-reading the books b/c i’m afraid i’ll find things that i wish I did differently. But i’ll do it in honor of Josie’s 16th (i mean, 4th) birthday. :o)
Feeling Nostalgic too!You are an amazing writer. My girls still talk about your books that they read years ago. It is a joy to see all the wonderful creations you have given to the world and all the people you have inspired, including myself. You are the best 🙂
Niki from Boston
Hi Wendy! I have read 11 Birthdays, Finally, 13 Gifts, and Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life. I LOVE all of them. I am going to start reading A Mango Shaped Space and then maybe I will read Leap Day. My cousin was born on leap day so we have to call her! My teacher keeps giving us assigned books to read! I just want to read what I want to read. I am such a big fan. My dream gift would be to have you sign and write a message in my copy of 13 Gifts. I will send you a letter soon!!!
Thank you for reading this!!!
NOTE FROM WENDY: We can pretend this is your copy of the book, and here’s my message: You’re a true gift!! 🙂
That’s very cool about your cousin!
This is a completely irrelavant comment, but I just finished “13 Gifts,” and I was wondering if there’s going to be another book because some questions weren’t ansewered and I really love that series! Please reply!
NOTE FROM WENDY: yes, things will be wrapped up…i wish i could say it’s coming out soon, but it won’t be for a while….will update as it progresses though! ;o)
Dear Wendy!
Im huge fan! You can do no wrong when you start writing:D!!!!!I was wondering, when did you decide to write such great books? I love how in all your books what I think is going to happen is totally different!!! When ever I see one of your books I have to get it!
All though I havent read Leap day yet or the once upon a time seiries, Im always on the look out;)!! My favorite books of yours is finally and the meaning of life(The movie was the bomb!!!!!)
I love Monk almost as much as I love your books (it was a sad day when they stopped:( but was wondering if you could tell me what episode you wrote?
Anyway I hope you write back!!!!!!!
NOTE FROM WENDY: The episode my friend and I wrote the storyline for was called Mr. Monk Goes to the Theater. It was in the second season. I hear there’s going to be a Monk TV movie coming up soon…Fun!!
Oh this book was awesome! 🙂 Love the switching between points of view. <3 I have read almost all of your books, and they inspire me. 😉 I've been trying to get all of my friends to read your books too. I'm dying to go see the Jeremy Fink movie too. Happy (late) Leap Day!
Earlier this year I read Leap Day. I loved it. I used it for a school project where I was required to read a book, pick an excerpt from it that would inspire someone else to read it, and then write a little bio about the author. I’m happy I chose Leap Day. I am going to be honest, I am hard to please when it comes to books. I only read books I truely love, and when I find one I love, I read it over and over again. That’s what I did with this one.
I remember the day after my class started the project. I came into the library to sit with the rest of my class, and found I was the ONLY ONE to have already FINISHED their book. Leap day captivated me; it became one of those books you stay up to midnight on “school nights” to read. I took this book with me everywhere I went, contiunally reading it over and over again. I took it so many places that I lost it! It took me a while before I could return it to the school library.
Like Leap Day, I also loved your books Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life and Every Soul a Star. Like many schools, we have a summer reading list. Two summers ago, many of the summer reading books were writen by you. I am not one to typically read summer reading, but the reading of Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life was required. It was suggested to read a second book too. When the last week of summer vacation came around, I finally borrowed the books from my reading-obsessed friend. On the first day of school, I disdained giving them back too her.
Ever since I’ve read Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life, I’ve wanted to read it again and pick out all the little things i missed rushing through it. Ever since I read Every Soul a Star, I’ve wanted to learn how to fly in my dreams.
You probably wouldn’t remember, but last year, you came to my school. We were the “one book one school” school. You held a workshop there, in which students enetered a writing contest and the winners did a writing work shop with you. my reading-obsessed friend attended.
Back then I didn’t realize how much I really did like to read and write, and now I envy her for the expierence with you she was granted.
NOTE FROM WENDY: YOU’RE so sweet!! Thank you for sharing all that with me. I think the thing with reading/writing is that it builds, that’s it’s totally normal not to be into something until you’re really ready for it to grab you. I bet the teachers or librarian still has that handout from the workshop that they can print out for you. If not, have them email me and I’ll send it. xo
Hi Wendy! I love your books! Everybody’s reading 13 birthdays so it’s checked out of all of the librarys. Can’t wait to read it! My FAVORITE book of yours is Every Soul a Star. I just <3 it!
I don’t know how you write books this well, but they’re GENIUS!
I literally just finished Leap Day today and loved it! You have inspired me to write a book with the same kind of narration.
My teacher Mr. Patterson absolutely loves you. He had some kind of weird thing with comparing Jeremy Fink and Hunger Games…don’t ask me why he just connected them somehow.
I’m writing a report about you in English and have to compare Every Soul A Star and Leap Day, which will be lots of fun! I’m dressing up like Bree (so I’ve decided that I need a denim skirt…oh snap). I cant wait to to do my presentation but I would like to know if you could give me some info that I couldn’t find…
PLEASE WRITE MORE BOOKS!!!
NOTE FROM WENDY: That should be a fun project!! I’d probably focus on the self-esteem angle. And lol at connecting Jeremy Fink and the Hunger Games. Now THAT would take quite the creative mind!
Loved that book! Reread it again in honor of Leap Day! I wish my birthday was on Leap Day…
Wouldn’t that be the coolest?! 🙂
Loved that book!Reread it again in order of leap day! I wish my birthday was on Leap Day. Loving my signed copy. 🙂
My 12 year old daughter and I have started reading your books. We really enjoyed Finally and decided to pick up another one. It happened to be Leap Day when we looked so of course we chose Leap Day. Imagine our surprise when the main character’s name was Josie like her. Then as we started to read the story we were shocked to find out that Josie lives in Orlando like us (even though I am originally from NJ like you)! We can’t wait to find out what else they have in common. We also picked up 13 Gifts and Candymakers at the book fair this week so we are set for a while. Thanks for the great stories.
NOTE FROM WENDY: That’s hilarious about the coincidences!!! So funny!! Now if you told me your Josie was born on Leap Day I might start to get worried!! I had the most fun writing Leap Day, and I don’t get to hear about it much. So thank you for picking it up and I hope you guys enjoyed it. Leap On! :o)
hey wendy its one of your biggest fans jackie rivera and im 10.
i luv reading your books and it just entertains me right now i am reading candy makers great book and i read leap day its kul!
i would be so awesome if someday i would meet you
i go to our lady of fatima in colorado.
Thank you and this means so much! Have a great summer! 🙂
You should totally right a sequel! I just finished it and loved it. I’m not a big reader but I can’t put down a book written by you!
I remember I was reading Leap Day and I just happened to finish it on February 29th! I loved this book and all your other books and I like realistic fiction! You are my favorite author and I can’t wait until Pi in the Sky comes out! Do you have other plans for other books because I want to read them and I want to know what to look for in the Library when they come out!
NOTE FROM WENDY: Thanks so much! funny about leap day! See new blog for info on latest book, and after PI comes book 4 of the willow falls series. :o)
I love realistic fiction too!!!! it;s my favourite kind of reading!!!!! Wow, Wendy, are u really making a 4th book to the willow falls series? Do you know much about it, or do you just want to write another one? either way…AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH I AM SO EXCITED FOR IT!!!!!!! 😀 😀 😀 😀 😀
NOTE FROM WENDY: I’m working on it now, it’s all mapped out pretty much. it’ll tie up some loose ends and explain more about Angelina’s past. :o)
I’m excited too! I can’t wait! Do you know what the title will be? If you don’t, here is a suggestion. 14 cupcakes. All my classmates read Mango Shaped Space and absolutely LOVED it even though it was sad. Some even cried! It’s one of my favorites! Everyone is now reading it because of me! They love your other books too! Do you know what the main character will be in 14 ______? Your books brought me into the world of Realistic Fiction… Before I read your books I hated to read. Thanks to you, my favorite author, I am posting on here and read all your books in less than ONE DAY. I CAN’T WAIT! <3
NOTE FROM WENDY: Hi Alice! You’re soooo sweet!! As for the main character in the next birthday book, i’m deciding that right now. I’m writing the beginning from different character’s points of view to see which feels best. I’ll let ya know!!
Dear wendy,
I Loved this bok, along with all your other books! It was very interesting, and along with all your other books, it made me see people differently. Thank you so much for writing your books, they have helped me understand people and handle difficult situations. When is the fourth willow falls books coming out? I love all of the books and the characters. Are you going to write a sequel for every soul a star?
I’m so glad the books had that effect on you, that makes me feel very honored. By now you’ve found the last two Willow Falls books! I’m not planning a sequel to Every Soul a Star but I did stick the characters into a book that was a sequel to the Candymakers, but you may have found that too. so sorry for missing this earlier and if you see this, please feel my gratitude. xoxo Wendy
Hi Wendy!!!
I absolutely LOVE your book!!!! whenever someone says they are all tired out trying to find SOMETHING to read, I tell them anything by Wendy Mass will put a little sparkle, and maybe even a little extra shine, into your day! A week or so after, that friend would come up to me and say that it had, in fact, brightened their day! they said they already told their friend about it, and that they just HAVE to tell ‘Joe’ about it cause he would love it!!!! that’s how it is with this book, and it’s my second time reading it!!! my favourite book that you have ever written in every soul a star, and i think i read it 3 times sense i got it 😀 😀 …and i want to read it again!!!!! AAAAAAHHHHHHH I AM YOUR #1 FAN DISPITE WHAT EVERYONE ELSE SAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 😀 😀 😀 😀 😀
FROM YOUR VERY BIGGEST #1 FAN EVER TO SET FOOT ON THIS EARTH (AKA THE BIGGEST AND GREATEST FAN YOU WILL EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEEVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEEVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEEVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVE
VEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEEVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEEVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEEVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVEREVER
HAVE,
Olive 🙂
NOTE FROM WENDY: LOL!! Olive you cracked me up with your “ever’s”! I’m glad you enjoyed Every Soul! Thanks for recommending the books. You rock! :o)
I kind of do the same. I’ve read all your books and recommend them to others! Whenever I find your book somewhere, I re-read it over and over! I am your #1 fan but I kind of doubt it because you’re SO COOL AND AMAZING AND EVERYTHING ABOUT YOU IS (I can’t find a good enough word!) that SOMEONE ELSE PROBABLY THINKS SO TOO! Anyways I am also your BIGGEST FAN YOU WILL EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER AND FOREVER! I COULD STAND HERE ALL DAY! 😀 PLEASE WRITE MORE BOOKS THANK YOU UR SO ___________ (FILL IN THE BLANK, BEST DESCRIPTIVE WORD EVER ABOUT YOU)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! <3 My favorite author is THE BEST SO I REALLY HOPE SHE WILL WRITE MORE BOOKS!
Thanks,
Alice
I’m a leapling too! Yay!<3 you Wendy Mass
i love the book 11 birthdays and just turned 11 so i got the book on my 11 b day and i cant wait to read leap day. i hope you keep on witing more books!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi, Ms. Mass,
Leap Day is the very last of your books that I have read. Since I have read all your other books, I decided that I couldn’t hold off reading Leap Day any longer. You’re probably wondering why I was holding off, well, seeing that I’ve read every Wendy Mass Book, I didn’t want to finish all your books and have to wait until you finally came out with the next book (which I beg that you keep on writing until the day of your death…which I hope DOESN’T come ANYTIME SOON!!) Leap Day was an inspiration to me. I love the set up, the believable dialogue, the genuine characters (which, by the way, you are the only author I can recall that writes dialogue coming from kids so (for lack of a better term) not adult-y. It’s so real.), the situations- oh, I could go on forever and waist the time you could be using to write that book that I so desperately need!! I hope that you keep writing (and with as many fans that you have I can’t imagine you NOT writing!!)
I am the big reader in my family and I try to write from time to time and when I came across your book, “Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life” (my first Wendy Mass Book) I became hooked. I couldn’t help sharing it with EVEYONE. I got my mother, two out of three brothers, and sister to read I and I was able to watch as each and every one of them fell in love with it just as I did. I was fascinated to watch what my reaction must have looked like. I love (and share this with my family) how none of your books- NONE of them – are predictable. I think it will go one way (the happily ever after way mostly 🙂 ) and watch as it goes down a totally different path that still ends up happy…even though I would have never predicted it (hence me saying your writing is unpredictable)
Basically I want to thank you for sharing every one of your books with me whether they made me drop my jaw 3 levels, laugh, cry, wish I had what a character had (whether it be that there mother is hands-off ;), or a chance to be in the same day to fix everything) and I am here to encourage you to write, write, WRITE! Thanks for reading my babble (hopefully you did) and Byyyyee!!!
YOU’RE SO AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!! I live in a house with three sisters, meaning that there’s four of us. We never get lonely, and nobody can hardly concentrate on what they are doing in the house, but your mouth-droppin’, drool spillin’ book “Heaven Looks a Lot Like the Mall” was so amazing that I just sat on the couch, while my favorite show was on, and read the whole book in a day! It made me think in cool and interesting ways I haven’t thought about before. I was really buried in that book, and didn’t even eat in that long period on time! I usually stand in the front door of the library when it’s book fairs and start telling them to look at the Wendy Mass section. I read so many of your books, but not “Leap Day” yet, so I recommended a lot of your books to my friends, and they loved it, too! We soon started a book club about you, and we talk about connections, comments, about you (good things, good things) or just talk about how plain awesome the story was! I wish you a good and happy rest of you life, and my sisters wish you a happy time, too. Thanks so much for your books! I don’t know where I would be without them! (not that I’m a nerd or something…)
by far one of your very best books although I love all of them
Thank you! the book was a ton of fun to write!
I loved the book. I’m also a leaper and looking forward to turning four in a couple of years. I’m only three but, I cant wait to go through crazy things when I finally turn four.
I hope you had a happy birthday this Feb 29th!