Look Both Ways

May 1, 2009
Gr 6-9-In this sequel to "Midnight Twins" (Razorbill, 2008), 14-year-old Meredith and Mallory are still getting used to their gifts: Merry can see the past and Mally can see the future. The story is told from both of their perspectives. Mally sees a vision of a white lion swiping a cheerleader's shoes. She tells her vision to Merry, who later witnesses a cheerleader injured and hospitalized. The shoes had been sabotaged. As Merry tries to find the culprit, Mally tries to figure out who or what the white lion is. She is also worried about her friend Eden, a junior who is secretly seeing a college guy. Eden, a Cree, invites Mally to a tribal powwow, where she meets Eden's younger brother, who is visiting from prep school. She is instantly attracted to Cooper, who explains about the significance of the white lion in his tribe. Can Mally help Eden make the right choice about her relationship? Can Merry find the culprit before the next cheerleading tryouts? The plot is predictable and the characters are clichés; however, the Native American cultural elements breathe fresh life into what is otherwise standard teen chick-lit fare."Samantha Larsen Hastings, West Jordan Public Library, UT"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 15, 2009
Grades 7-10 Ifkids havent read the first book in the Midnight Twins series featuring Merry and Mallory (one can see the future; the other can look into the past), noproblem. Theres lots and lots of backstory here, though its rather awkwardly written. In fact, theres lots of awkward writing and plenty of flat characters here, which is surprising considering Mitchards reputation in the adult field. Still, the mix of prophetic visions anddreams, friends in dire straits, and cheerleading tryouts will keepsome readers turning pages, and the good news is, nobody is a vampire (at least not yet).(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2009
This sequel to The Midnight Twins begins with a recap of the previous installment, in which freshman twins Meredith and Mallory discovered their supernatural abilities. Now sophomores, they face new dangers involving a mysterious mountain lion. Though the adventure does feature intriguing elements like shape-shifting and Cree traditions, confusing dialogue and excessive social drama may keep readers at bay.

(Copyright 2009 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)