Twin Tales : The Magic and Mystery of Multiple Birth (Hardcover)

by Donna M. Jackson (Author) "BRIELLE AND KYRIE JACKSON couldn't wait to see the world..." (more)
Key Phrases: fraternal twins, Nancy Segal, United States

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 3-6-Jackson blends scientific facts with interesting personal anecdotes to create an informative and intriguing look at twins. The text is clearly written, and the tone remains lively throughout. Separate chapters on identical and fraternal twins present a clear idea of the differences and similarities between these sibling sets. Other subjects include conception and birth, multiple births, and nature/nurture studies of twins separated at an early age. The final chapter is a bit of a catchall, as it discusses stories of twins who faced unusual circumstances (e.g., a brother and sister born months apart), animal twins, twin brothers who married twin sisters, and twin survivors of the Holocaust. Throughout, the author peppers the text with easy-to-understand explanations, updates from the latest scientific research, and the gripping personal stories of twins and their parents. Quotes and family photographs bring these individuals to life. One- or two-page "Profiles" highlight such topics as twins in ancient cultures, the annual International Twins Day Festival, and Eng and Chang Bunker ("the original `Siamese' twins"). The numerous, well-captioned, full-color and black-and-white photographs spread around the edges of the pages give the book an open look and will catch the attention of browsers. Written for a younger audience than Daniel Jussim's Double Take (Viking, 2001), this title will appeal to both report writers and children who are interested in learning more about this fascinating subject.-Joy Fleishhacker, formerly at School Library Journal

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Gr. 5-8. The author of the Bone Detectives (1996) acknowledges the fascination people have for twins and supertwins (three or more) and elucidates the science behind multiple births. She shows her respect for young readers by clearly explaining such concepts as lyonization, cryptophasia, and zygosity and by quoting doctors and twins researchers, including some of their theories--for example, the idea of "late-splitters" and the possibility that certain foods, such as sweet potatoes, contribute to twinning. Commentary from multiples and their families appears throughout the book, and Jackson ends with the powerful story of twin sisters who survived Mengele's "twin studies" at Auschwitz. Jackson steers clear of sensationalistic attitudes about multiples, and her emphasis on twin science is a welcome change from the focus of most children's books about twins. Readers, including a good many older than the target audience, will come away with a better, fuller understanding of twins and how they come to exist. REVWR
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Little, Brown Young Readers (April 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316454311
• ISBN-13: 978-0316454315
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 10.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,092,203 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book to share with your twins, June 2, 2001

By	Mix Master "Rappin Ron" (Los Altos, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This book is perfect for sharing with your twins when they are children to help them understand their special gift, or if you have other children who will soon have twin brothers or sisters. I think it would also be enjoyable and informative if you are a grandparent, teacher or other who interacts with twins. It gives a delightful, easy-to-read overview of twins and answers all the questions one might have if they know little about these special people. I thought the layout of the book, the photographs and information was perfect for this target audience. I highly recommend this book. I have passed it around to my entire family and everyone loved it. Buy this book!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Informative, June 5, 2005

By	Amber L. Moreau (Vancouver, WA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book was very informative and will be helpful to any child who wants to learn more about twins. There is a large variety of information and it is presented with a lot of illustrations that will help keep kids interested.

4.0 out of 5 stars Get from library first, February 26, 2009

By	Reader/Shopper/Mom (USA) - See all my reviews

This book is wonderful, and has many thought provoking interviews with twins. The one thing that should be aware of (before you hand over this book to an independent reader) is the discussion of twins where one sister or brother has died and the feelings of the living twin, the loss felt for the remainder of their lives. It is a valid discussion point but if you are not expecting it, the way in which it is presented may be a bit much for a sensitive child. I like the book but wish that I had read it before I purchased it, I do not consider it an appropriate gift for a younger child.