One-of-a-Kind Mallie [Hardcover]

Kimberly Brubaker Bradley (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 10, 1999 | Age Level: 7 and up

Mallie is so tired of being an identical twin, she could scream! To everyone in Cedarville, she's just the second half of Hallie and Mallie, the adorable pair. Mother sews them matching dresses, and their teacher has even assigned them the same poem to recite together at the school picnic. It may look as if the twins are the same child twice, but inside, Mallie feels as different as the Gypsies who have set up camp nearby. If only her family and her best friend, Ruthie, understood.

Mallie's summer will bring more than its share of struggle and disappointment. But with the help of a surprising new friend and the joy of a secret hobby, it may also bring its share of discovery and wonder. It just may be one of a kind.

Tender, lively, and rich in details of Midwestern life during World War I, this is a charming companion to the acclaimed novel B>Ruthie's Gift. Mallie is an endearing, memorable heroine in an exuberant tale of individuality and the comfort of family.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This companion to Ruthie's Gift serves up another slice of WWI-era Americana as Ruthie's friends, the Graber twins, come into focus. Mallie Graber is tired of people thinking that she and her sister are "as alike as two peas in a pod." Mallie knows that she is different from Hallie and is determined to prove it. Her search for independence leads her to some curious destinations: the Gypsy camp, where she attempts to trade her Hallie-look-alike dress for a bright red blouse; and the Jenkins's orchard, where she picks cherries to pay for piano lessons from Mr. Jenkins's new mail-order bride. Readers will be quicker than the Cedarville town folk to recognize the characteristicsAspunkiness, creativity, a love of classical music and a long stubborn streakAthat set Mallie apart from her "identical" twin. References to Red Cross knitting circles, war gardens and soldiers' deaths convey the wartime setting. Although the story lacks the dramatic tension and depth of Ruthie's Gift, the characterizations are just as sharp and engaging. Offering period details in an easy-to-read narrative, this book, like its predecessor, is a perfect recommendation for fans of the American Girls series. Ages 7-12.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-5 This sequel to Ruthie's Gift (Delacorte, 1998) stands well on its own with a good plot and strong characterization. This time, Ruthie's friends, 10-year-old identical twins Hallie and Mallie, take center stage. Mallie resents that she and her sister have always been treated as carbon copies, dressed in the same outfits ("to avoid jealousy," says Mother), and have been seemingly interchangeable to their teacher. Through a series of bumbled attempts to be looked upon as an individual, Mallie gradually earns some small space for herself while keeping the love of her twin and her parents intact. A mail-order bride and hard-earned piano lessons figure into her independence, as well. Any girl who has ever felt overlooked in a busy family, wanted to choose her own clothes, or be treated with respect will identify with the young heroine. Set during World War I, this well-written, deliberately paced story includes Red Cross knitting meetings; victory gardens; rationed goods; and a time when farmers still went to town in horse carts, women baked their family's bread, and people walked to visit neighbors. An author's note gives more background on the period and cites primary sources. Susan Hepler, Burgundy Farm Country Day School, Alexandria, VA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers (August 10, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385326947
• ISBN-13: 978-0385326940
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.7 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,656,050 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars awesome book great to read for fun, July 12, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: One-of-a-Kind Mallie (Hardcover)

The book is great and having be dedicated to me is even better. As a young reader I this was one story I loved to read and I would read over and over again. Hallie and Mallie are great characters and the way the author (my sister) gives their way of life or their backround is amazing!! If you love good historical books than you'll love this!!! I love you kim and thanks for dedicating this book to me.