Trading Places
Trading Places by Claudia Mills, published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) on March 21, 2006, is a first edition novel that spans 144 pages. The story follows twins Todd and Amy Davidson, who, despite their close relationship, are starkly different in personality. Todd is the organized “engineer” of the family, while Amy is the outgoing “poet.” As they tackle a fifth-grade economics project, unexpected challenges arise that test their abilities and their family dynamics.
Readers will find a realistic and sometimes humorous exploration of family life through the alternating perspectives of Todd and Amy. The narrative delves into themes of family, friendship, and the impact of social changes, particularly as their parents navigate unemployment and new roles. The story captures the essence of sibling relationships and the adjustments that come with shifting family circumstances, offering insights into the complexities of growing up.
Official synopsis Publisher
Todd and Amy Davidson may be twins, but they’re complete opposites – Todd is organized and is the family “engineer,” while Amy is outgoing and has been dubbed the “poet.” So it would seem that for a fifth-grade economics project, Todd would come up with a master invention, and Amy would have a blast with her best friends as partners. To their surprise, Todd can’t think of a single idea, and Amy gets stuck working with the class crybaby. Then Todd begins writing poetry . . . But this is nothing compared to the switch their parents have made. Their father has been unemployed for months and their mother has started to work at a crafts store. Now there’s never enough food in the house, everybody is always on edge, and when Amy’s friends come over after school, they find Mr. Davidson, uncombed and unshaven, in his ratty old bathrobe. Will life ever return to normal?
With chapters that alternate between Todd’s and Amy’s points of view, this novel is a realistic and sometimes funny portrayal of a family adapting to changing roles.
Trading Places is a 2007 Bank Street – Best Children’s Book of the Year.
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