Lost and Found

Identical twins Ray and Jay Grayson prepare for yet another year of being perceived as two peas in a pod, two ducks on a pond, two spoons in a drawer, when their family moves from Colorado to Cleveland before the start of sixth grade. But when Ray gets sick on the first day of school and Jay discovers that Ray's school records have been misplaced, the two hatch a plan to alternate attendance, at least for the first week or so, and see what it feels like to be viewed as an individual. This slim story has all the elements readers have come to expect from Clements ("Frindle"): a school setting, likable secondary characters, supportive adults and a challenge to the audience to see things from a different perspective. While verisimilitude is never a priority in Clements's storytelling, this plot strains more than usual for effect: the Grayson parents seem particularly obtuse to their sons' switches, given how sensitive they turn out to be, and the case against twindom seems heavily (and gratuitously) stacked. The result: an entertaining story in a minor key. Final art not seen by "PW". Ages 812. "(July)" Copyright 2008 Publishers Weekly Used with permission.

Gr 36Twins Ray and Jay Grayson have recently moved to Ohio. For years the boys have longed to be seen as individuals rather than as "part of a pair." Due to a "clerical oversight," their first week of sixth grade gives them the chance. Ray stays home sick the first day, and Jay is on his own. He enjoys meeting his new classmates, but he is a bit baffled that no one, not even his teachers, seems to know that his brother exists. After some investigation, he realizes that the school only has records for one of them. Hilarityand confusionensues as the boys take turns being Jay. This novel is true to form for Clements. Relationships are well developed and realistic, and the author shows a strong understanding of the experience of being a twin. The use of similar names for the protagonists makes following the plot a bit confusing at times, but readers will quickly turn the pages to find out what the boys are up to next and whether they will be caught. The full-page pencil illustrations are a bit misleadingthey are not always in sync with the author's description of Ray and Jay as "completely identical." Although this book is not as memorable as "Frindle" (S & S, 1996) and some of Clements's other novels, it is a treat for those who are into the author's brand of "that could totally happen at my school" fiction."Jessica Kerlin, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Parma, OH" Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.