MIRROR TO MIRROR by Rajani LaRocca

 

Maya and Chaya are twins. Their lives up until now have been identical. Both are talented musicians. Both feel driven to perfection. As they begin seventh grade, Chaya, always a bit more outgoing, is noticing that Maya seems anxious. 

When Chaya tries to question Maya, she shuts down. When Maya's habit of clenching her fist causes cuts to appear on her palm that make playing the piano difficult, alarm bells sound for Chaya. She doesn't want to involve their parents, but she worries that Maya needs help.

As the school year evolves, Chaya becomes involved in different activities. She joins the theater group and spends time singing instead of playing piano and in the ensemble with Maya. Hoping that some separation will help her sister confront her problems, it simply causes further separation.

Maya's frustration comes to a head when their summer camp experience is about to begin. Upset by the split between them, Maya dares Chaya to switch places with her at camp. Whoever is the most convincing wins and gets to decide where they will attend high school.

What follows is a learning experience for both sisters. They learn that neither has life easy. There are challenges for both of them. They also learn that those who know them best have long realized the problems they are both just now recognizing.

MIRROR TO MIRROR by Rajani LaRocca is written in verse. With alternating viewpoints, the twins' story unfolds for readers to experience. Relationships are the key in this intriguing drama. The complicated emotions of sisterhood, family, and friends unfold as Maya and Chaya learn what works between them.