Double or Nothing with the Two and Only Kelly Twins

February 15, 2017
The identical Kelly twins return with more stories about their unique relationship.As in the first chapter book featuring Arlene and Ilene Kelly, five episodic chapters form a larger story arc about these white second-graders. The first story reminds readers of the twins' similarities, including their matching clothes, pigtails, and eyeglasses, but it is "a big mystery" why they each like different flavors and kinds of food. Noticing this difference is just the start of the girls' budding individual identities, a theme that continues throughout the book. In subsequent chapters, classmates begin to notice subtle differences between the twins when Ilene loses a tooth before Arlene, but when the girls are given different poetry assignments, they find a way to tackle them together. And in other chapters, the twins question whether they always have to be together and look alike when a misunderstanding about a sleepover with another set of identical twins (part of a set of triplets) leads to the girls' spending the night apart and a school lice outbreak leads to new haircuts. These realistic predicaments with warm resolutions will fare well with the chapter-book set. Singletons' interest in twins will be piqued while multiples will find much to relate to. (Fiction. 6-9)

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March 1, 2017

Gr 1-3-Identical twins Arlene and Ilene Kelly continue to navigate second grade. One morning at school, friends Monty and Joey notice a discrepancy between the usually indistinguishable pair, and the two girls find themselves thinking more about how they can be so identical but also unique. Then they face a particular challenge when two members of the set of triplets in their school concoct a sleepover plan where one sibling from each family would spend the night at the other's house. Reluctantly, inseparable Ilene and Arlene start to test the idea that they can still be twins, even if they do not always do everything the same way. This title features a large font and frequent spot art, making it a good option for newer chapter book readers. As the twins begin to waffle between the desire to be identical and curiosity about discovering what makes them unique, they raise questions about identity that will resonate with all readers. This selection stands alone, but students can read more about the Kelly twins in the first volume (The Two and Only Kelly Twins) as well as in the companion series about their classmate Monty. VERDICT This gentle twin story explores big questions about identity in an approachable way for budding chapter book readers.-Julie Roach, Cambridge Public Library, MA

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 15, 2017
Grades 1-3 In this winning sequel to The Two and Only Kelly Twins (2013), identical twins Arlene and Ilene learn that it's OK to be different. From their short, brown pigtails and matching red glasses to their shared friends and hobbies, the sisters are alike in almost every wayand next to impossible to tell apart. Faced with several unexpected situations (good and bad), the twins learn that they can branch out from each other, whether by changing their personal style or doing things separately. Accessible text and frequent illustrations (artwork not seen) make this a friendly pick for young readers tackling their first chapter books. Themes of identity and self-discovery join amiable characters reminiscent of Clementine, Ivy, and Bean, making this a solid addition to early chapter-book collections.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)

January 1, 2018
A mild-mannered, enjoyable sequel to The Two and Only Kelly Twins, this short chapter book features more everyday episodes of suburban twins Arlene and Ilene, including losing a tooth, having a separate sleepover, and a lice outbreak. The girls ultimately realize they'll always be twins, even if they don't do everything exactly the same. Mourning's attractive watercolor illustrations zero in on key moments.

(Copyright 2018 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)