The Break Up: It’s a Twin Thing

It’s a Twin Thing: The Break Up by Kristin Darell, illustrated by A.Yi (Penguin Random House Australia) PB RRP $14.99 ISBN 978-1-7613-535-98

Reviewed by Ann Harth (www.annharth.com )

Identical twins Abi and Brook do everything together. They play in the same rock band, dance at the same dance studio and share the same friends. Together they’re unstoppable.

The night before the first day of Grade Five, Abi and Brook’s parents break the news. For the first time in their lives, they will be in separate classes. Brook feels an unexpected and tiny thrill of excitement, while Abi is devastated.

Both girls find separation challenging in their own ways. Abi finds it difficult to watch Brook make new friends and feels her sister has moved on without her. Brook is trying to find her way as an individual, but misses her sister, who has suddenly become distant and unhappy.

Their ever-present ‘twin tingle’ that has connected them since birth has gone missing.

As the term continues, Brook dives into her role as the school talent show organiser, and Abi takes on a coveted role as a library monitor trainee. They both continue playing music with the Cherry Jammers, but Abi eventually discovers her own interests lie more with Tessa, the wildlife rescuer who lives nearby.

After plenty of heartache, misunderstandings, and learning to follow their own passions, Abi and Brook come to accept that, although they may look identical, they are not. Their individual strengths and interests help them navigate their lives, while they are always there to support each other.

The twin tingle returns.

From the very first page, Abi and Brook will captivate young readers. They take turns telling their stories from their unique perspectives, making it easy to relate to both girls' emotions and actions. Misunderstandings and hurt feelings are easy to understand.

Readers will be immersed in the emotional highs and lows, cheering for Abi and Brook as they learn to love each other while following their individual paths.

I highly recommend this book for middle-grade readers. It captures the angst and joys of school with sensitivity and authenticity. This series is sure to be a winner.