Bookverdict.com

Gr 3–6—Ursu's latest novel follows the story of Iris and Lark as they start fifth grade. Iris prides herself on her knowledge, rationality, and assertiveness while Lark is more dreamy and artistic. When they find out that they have been assigned different teachers for the first time ever, their world is shaken. Lark's shyness and anxiety seem to make her wilt and Iris has difficulty connecting to her new classmates while worrying about her twin. Meanwhile, a new store called "Treasure Hunters" sets up shop in their Minneapol...Log In or Sign Up to Read More

Eleven-year-old twins Iris and Lark are "identical, but not the same." Lark is empathic, creative, imaginative; Iris is assertive, practical, organized-and fiercely protective of Lark. They orbit around each other like binary stars; they have "better outcomes when they [are] together." When they are assigned to separate fifth-grade classrooms (and afterschool programs), things fall apart. Both girls are miserable-Iris the more so because she can't protect the vulnerable Lark. Feeling helpless, Iris retreats into herself, especially at her girl-empowering afterschool program, "Camp Awesome." Meanwhile, objects, large and small, begin disa...Log In or Sign Up to Read More