Staying Nine by Pam Conrad

Nine-year-old Heather thinks her life is perfect just the way it is. Why should she ruin it by turning ten? So instead of a birthday party, she and her mom plan an unbirthday party -- with a cake but no candles, guests but no presents and absolutely no singing "Happy Birthday."

But the party doesn't go exactly as planned. And with the help of her Uncle Lou's girlfriend, Rosa Rita, Heather realizes that maybe staying nine isn't the best thing after all....Nine-year-old Heather thinks her life is perfect the way it is. Why should she ruin it by turning ten? So she and her mother plan an UN-birthday party, with a cake, but no candles, guests but no presents, and absolutely no singing. But when the party rolls around, things don't go exactly as planned. And with the help of her uncle's girlfriend, Heather realizes that maybe staying nine isn't such a great idea after all . . .From well-loved author Pam Conrad, this is a touching tale about a young girl facing the challenge of growing up. "Captures a few pivotal days in a young girl's life. A story delivered with grace and depth." Starred Review/Booklist