Super Star Children's Book Review: Twinchantment

Welcome to the monthly children’s book review feature with a focus on diverse books here at Bird Meets Worm! My team of reviewers—Joan Charles, Laurie Young, Sarah Orgill—and I are so excited to be championing books celebrating everything from gender diversity, people of color, the LGBTQ community to ethnic, cultural and religious minorities, people with disabilities and developmental challenges to controversial topics, unique family situations and anything and everything I did not include. It is to say we take a rightfully broad view of diversity! We aim to shine a light on books that bring both familiar experiences to those who do not often see themselves represented in books and new experiences to those looking to expand their worldview. Here at Bird Meets Worm we believe in the power of story to build empathy and thus a better world for you and me and everyone. Look for a new review on the second Wednesday of every month.

               

TWINCHANTMENT
By Elise Allen
Middle Grade (ages 8-12) • 336 pages
Published by Disney-Hyperion • 2019
ISBN 9781368008624

Twinchantment by Elise Allen is a delightful fantasy that is sure to engage young fantasy enthusiasts thirsty for magical realms. Allen creates a rich world filled with diverse characters and intriguing settings.

The “Magic Eradication Act” begins the book, making clear that magic will NOT be tolerated in the Kingdom of Kaloon. This includes polydactyly (extra fingers or toes), left-handedness and twin-hood, setting the stage for the story of the twins, Princesses Sara and Flissa, who are known to the kingdom as one person, Princess Flissara.

When Sara and Flissa’s mother, Queen Latonya, is cursed and only has 48 hours to live, the twins must travel into the terrifying land known as The Twists to help save her and the king. The plot continues at a rapid pace, keeping readers turning pages, eager for more.

An exciting and highly readable story full of crushes, horses, gossip, and rivalries, Twinchantment is a perfect choice for the preteen reader. This is definitely a welcome addition to the middle-grade fantasy market, particularly for its portrayal of people of color. Thankfully, it is the first in the series, and the second installment, UnTwisted, has already been released! 

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Reviewed by: Sarah Orgill