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.
