Trading Faces

If there is a genre called chick-lit, then this would be chickie-lit, light fiction for the late elementary, middle-school aged girl. I emphasize the word girl because I can't imagine a boy reading this book. Written by twins, it tells the somewhat true to life story of twins Payton and Emma trading places in the early days of their adventures in their new middle school. They make the change not for mischief's sake, but because they both need some help -- Payton with being taking seriously and becoming a better student, and Emma with becoming more social and outgoing. Of course, their ruse is discovered in the end, consequences are handed out, and they both learn some lessons, not just about why they shouldn't deceive people, but how show more they have strengths they didn't know they had. I can't say I loved the book, and would like a middle school girl's opinion before I recommended it. show less

Reviewed by Marta Morrison for TeensReadToo.com

Twins are always fascinating for all of us non-twins. We can't imagine having a person who looks so much like you but is so different.

This story is about two twins girls entering middle school. Emma is the studious one who has already won many academic prizes. She likes being comfortable and doesn't care what she looks like. Payton is the fashion twin who isn't as studious, but who wants to be popular.

They have been going to a small all-girl school since they started, but this year they are now going to a big public middle school. Both are very excited but for different reasons: Payton for the social aspects and Emma for the academics.

When they get there, they both find the social groups show more they want to be a part of have a Queen Bee who is hard to please. So... for a few different reasons they decide to switch places.

The book only covers two weeks, but within those two weeks the twins discover truths about themselves that make them happier with themselves and each other.

TRADING FACES was a fast read and very fun. Both twins are very likable, and since it is written by a set of twins the story is realistic. I highly recommend this book for middle school girls. I am giving it to some of my fifth graders to read. show less

Emma and Payton, twins, find out that in a new school with a new life has its advantages. Payton a cool, peppy fahionista wants to know how it feels to be smart and top of the class. While Emma, a super genius with top scores all the time needs to try out new things. When suddenly, Payton screws it up (at her new friend Sydney "the popular"), Emma steps in to save her reputation, meanwhile Payton finds out how to be smart. Emma, all of a sudden, finds out about fashion and how to be fashionable, while Payton may be the girl with the smarts... Jazmine, another genius betrays the girls and then, the control spins out.

3003475