Reviewed by Olivia
Rating: High Five!
Who I'd Recommend to: Fans of Smile, Blackbird Fly, and the Whatever After series (it has a similar feel).
Synopsis (from Goodreads):
There's a new set of twin boys on the scene, and like Sammie and Charlie, these twins are almost identical. Charlie's friends, and the popular kids, are quick to accept the cuter boy. But when a bonfire on the beach gets out of control, Charlie's group blames it on the other twin. Both Sammie and Charlie know he isn’t the boy to blame, but will they have the courage to come forward to tell the truth and double-cross the popular kids?
Rating: High Five!
Who I'd Recommend to: Fans of Smile, Blackbird Fly, and the Whatever After series (it has a similar feel).
Synopsis (from Goodreads):
There's a new set of twin boys on the scene, and like Sammie and Charlie, these twins are almost identical. Charlie's friends, and the popular kids, are quick to accept the cuter boy. But when a bonfire on the beach gets out of control, Charlie's group blames it on the other twin. Both Sammie and Charlie know he isn’t the boy to blame, but will they have the courage to come forward to tell the truth and double-cross the popular kids?
Thoughts: I've read and reread this book so many times that I've memorized lines from this book (the whole series is the same way, actually). Not because it's a writing masterpiece or anything like that, but because it's a relatable, nicely done book with amazing character voice and great messages. It's really a no-brainer for any 11-14 year old girl, in my opinion. It's humorous, relatable (as I've mentioned), has perfect characters (although Oliver has only added dimensions and depth to few of them), and has very realistic situations that anyone can relate to (I think I've said that already). Oh, and did I mention that it's relatable? Just kidding.
Lin Oliver writes with such a good voice that it's hard to believe she's not actively a child herself, like with Sarah Mlynowski with her "Whatever After" series. I enjoy every minute of this book - it's a light, fairly simple and short read that's perfect for whenever you're in a bit of a reading slump. It's a pretty quick read, both because, like I've said, it's short and it is fast-paced. There's never a slow-point in the story. I love all the characters, too, and have enjoyed seeing them evolve over the series. This particular book I like because it really shows true friendship and kindness, as well as messages of not falling under peer pressure, a major theme highlighted throughout this series. I also loved how Oscar, one of the newest characters in this book, has his deformity and how this book lightly touches on that topic, while including other people in the mix of Charlie and Sammie's relationship with each other, too. Like I've said, it's a great, easily re-readable book for any 11-14 year old girl. I've recommended it to quite a few of my friends, and they've all adored it just as much as I have.
Overall, a light, fast-paced read that I will never tire of rereading.
Lin Oliver writes with such a good voice that it's hard to believe she's not actively a child herself, like with Sarah Mlynowski with her "Whatever After" series. I enjoy every minute of this book - it's a light, fairly simple and short read that's perfect for whenever you're in a bit of a reading slump. It's a pretty quick read, both because, like I've said, it's short and it is fast-paced. There's never a slow-point in the story. I love all the characters, too, and have enjoyed seeing them evolve over the series. This particular book I like because it really shows true friendship and kindness, as well as messages of not falling under peer pressure, a major theme highlighted throughout this series. I also loved how Oscar, one of the newest characters in this book, has his deformity and how this book lightly touches on that topic, while including other people in the mix of Charlie and Sammie's relationship with each other, too. Like I've said, it's a great, easily re-readable book for any 11-14 year old girl. I've recommended it to quite a few of my friends, and they've all adored it just as much as I have.
Overall, a light, fast-paced read that I will never tire of rereading.
