Reviewed by Debra Williams
Grace and Isabel (Izzy) Tomic
are 10-year-old identical twins in Grade 5 at Rocky Point Primary school. They
are close, closer than BFFs. They have a secret language which they have shared
since they were babies. But although they are identical in looks, they are very
different personalities.
Each kid in the class must keep
a diary for the whole year. Grace loves it, Izzy doesn’t, and struggles both
with the concept of actually writing an entry each day.
When Harmony Day at school
approaches, the principal announces a competition for the best presentation,
where the main prize is $100. Unknown to each other, the girls choose the same
topic – France -- for their presentations. When they discover the fact, there
is a battle between them as to who will give in and change their topic, but it
doesn’t happen. The two close sisters are now apart from each other, with the
rift growing deeper and larger. When they also discover that a whole bunch of
other kids are doing presentations on France as well, they are crestfallen.
On the day of the competition,
with just a short time to spare, the sisters unite to present something totally
different in a creative way, based on their own family’s cultural background. With the backing of their friends, the girls
not only win, but reconcile their differences, truly embodying what Harmony Day
is all about. And they also get to triumph over the personal bully, with an accidental
outcome. (No bully is harmed in the process!)
Each chapter is an excerpt
from the diaries, written alternately from each sister’s POV. With a theme of
teamwork, forgiveness, and friendship this is a novel that will be enjoyed by
readers 10+ years of age, as the sisters declare that they are stronger
together.
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