Two of a Kind by Jacqui Robbins
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It happens every year. Good books come and go without getting their due. But if there is a reassuring thought, it is this: honest books are always needed. And honest is exactly what Two of a Kind is. From the perspective of, and speaking directly to kids experiencing an all-too-common friendship problem, Jacqui Robbins (The New Girl) sets an impressively authentic tone. Don’t let this one fly under your radar.
Kayla and Melanie are best friends. They also look down on everyone else. When Anna becomes accepted into their group, Anna’s friend Julisa is left behind. The more Anna gets to know her new friends, the less happy she becomes. Is it too late for Anna to save her friendship with Julisa?
The softly-hued watercolor illustrations look wonderful. Matt Phelan’s (The Storm in the Barn) attention to detail brings to vivid life all the subtle expressions and body language that make this story stand out.
It’s easy for a book like this to come across as an adult author telling kids what to do. Not here. Two of a Kind sets itself apart as a truthful take on a situation that kids will relate to. Be sure to add it to your collection.
Review copy provided by the publisher.
This book is nominated for a 2009 Cybils Award.
Also reviewed by TheHappyNappyBookseller.
Read and interview of author Jacqui Robbins by Little Willow.
Find this book at your local library with WorldCat.
Filed under: *Best New Books*, Reviews
About Travis Jonker
Travis Jonker is an elementary school librarian in Michigan. He writes reviews (and the occasional article or two) for School Library Journal and is a member of the 2014 Caldecott committee. You can email Travis at scopenotes@gmail.com, or follow him on Twitter: @100scopenotes.
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An excellent and thorough review Travis.
I agree, Two of a Kind is an excellent classroom resource, especially when used to prompt a discussion about this sort of bullying behavior.
Matt Phelan’s depiction of the characters is excellent. Readers will be interested to know that he also illustrated Susan Patron’s Higher Power of Lucky