BIRTHDAY BONANZA

Persephone “Perse” Pinchgut’s diary is full of birthday plans, plots, and family surprises.

May is Perse and Portia’s birthday month; the twins are turning 11, and Perse captures all the drama in her angst-filled diary. Though they’re identical, they are as different as can be. Perse wants the two to have a princess party and sleepover for just a few friends, but trendsetter Portia prefers something more elaborate—a disco party with a DJ and a disco ball. When Mom approves Perse’s idea, Portia plots to have the perfect cake and all the guests she wants. But family changes also loom. Their dad, who lives in England with his new wife, seems to be hiding something. And Mom’s boyfriend, Will, becomes her fiance, provoking anger, sadness, and, finally, acceptance as the twins realize their parents won’t be reuniting, and they meet Will’s parents, who own a massive and practically empty house. Short journal entries with some words in all capitals (defined by Perse) help to capture sibling rivalry and love, chaotic preteen life, and emotions with humor. The occasional cartoon sketches add more fun and information. The twins present as White on the book’s cover, and a few hints imply an Australian or New Zealand setting.

A fun, emotional, and relatable roller coaster of family ups and downs.