My literature class is now focused on middle grade books, and so far I’m loving it. We are reading about Narnia and The Hobbit and childhood favorites like Holes. I’m enjoying them so much, I decided to go a little bit out of my YA zone of comfort and review an MG book that I enjoyed immensely. The Tapper Twins Go to War, by Geoff Rodkey, is a books about sibling rivalry that holds up against the classics I’m reading for my class. It is unique and cleverly put together, along with being so funny I actually laughed out loud at several points while reading this (often earning stares from strangers on the subway).
The book is told through a transcription of an oral history, where 6th grade twins Claudia and Reese describe their pretty epic prank war against each other. Photographs, interviews from friends and babysitter and text conversations between their workaholic Manhattan parents are also included.
Aside from the originality of the book’s form, its two main strengths are the relate-ability of the characters and the humor (see previous note on laughing out loud on subway). I found my allegiance switching back and forth between Claudia and Reese several times as the prank war escalated from a cafeteria comment to the scary, new(ish) world of Internet pranks. The stakes of each prank were very clear, but still were handled with a light tone.
I’m very excited that this is the beginning of a series so that I’ll get to spend more time with Claudia and Reese in the future. But for now, I really do urge you to check out the book which was released just this week. If you do let me know what you think and prepare for a smile on your face and potentially sore stomach muscles from laughing so much!
What are your favorite middle grade books? I’m definitely looking for more of them to read these days!
*I received an ARC copy this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, but all the opinions here are my own.
Alison Doherty 