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A fantastic read, they are part of a series with wonderful characters,
light-hearted narratives, and a focus on multicultural - people and customs.
Ten-year-old Grace and Izzy are identical twins. But that’s where the likeness stops.
They love each other very much, but there is friendly sibling rivalry between them.
Sharing a bedroom is challenging.
Totally different in character, Izzy is untidy, loud, feisty, and loves hamburgers.
Grace is quiet and thoughtful. She loves to read, art, wear fashionable clothes, and eat vegetarian food.
In Grade Five at Rocky Point Primary School,the girls enjoy playing tricks on people as to which is which. They get asked the same questions everywhere they go.
Harmony Day is almost upon them. Everyone looks
forward to the stalls, and a mixture of exciting activities that come with the celebrations.
A competition is announced for the best presentation on any country, for the Grade 5 – 6s. The prize is $100.00. Grace so optimistic she will win, has planned what she will buy with the money.
She is not the only one trying to win. Clover, Izzy’s former best friend, now mortal enemy, and most of the others, are also aiming to win.
As no-one reveals which country they have chosen, a
hysterical outcome ensues.
Because they are written as diary entries, we know what the twins’ real thoughts and emotions are; about each other, and the people around them.
The clever use of a sedate font for Grace’s
entries, and a bold one for Izzy's, juxtaposes their characters.
Alexa Moses has created entertaining, authentic characters. The series is full of humour with clever dialogue and excellent prose.
In The Top Secret Diaries of Twin Sisters: Skipping Stars, skipping at lunchtime is the popular pastime in the Rocky Point school yard. Izzy is competing for best skipper with Clover, her former BFF.
A special video to promote the schools in the area is planned with a TV crew doing the filming. Which skippers will be
chosen? This question sets the school buzzing.
Clover has the best skipping ropes and she and her
group are determined to win. Everyone knows Izzy is the best skipper, but the rest of her
group isn’t as strong as Clover’s.
When Clover returns her stolen key ring (the reason
for their break-up) and asks Izzy to help her perfect a skipping manoeuvre,
Izzy sees it as an olive branch and agrees, for she recalls how close she and the
other girl were.
This interesting agreement has Izzy’s group questioning if she is still part of their group, or if Izzy has moved to Clover’s side.
Grace has doubts about what seems to be Izzy’s
betrayal of her group of friends.
Two girls with identical strengths and interests.
Can they get together again or is this a ploy on the part of Clover.
Friendship, trust and the special bond that twins share, are strong themes through this fantastic series.
Outstanding illustrations by Sofya Karmazina add brilliance to the story, due to the amazing emotions reflected in the characters’ faces and actions.
Don’t miss this series as it’s one of
the best I have read this year for junior readers.
Watch out for the next book, Twinning: Friendship
Fallout, coming soon.
Title: Twinning: BFFs (NOT); Twinning: Skipping Stars
Author: Alexa Moses
Illustrator: Sofya Karmazina
Publisher: Scholastic, $
15.99
Publication Date: 24 March 2024
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781761293399:9781761293399
For ages: 6 – 10
Type: Junior Fiction