Make sure you read the Author’s Note at the end. The physiology of Grace and Tippi is “loosely based on the bodies of Masha and Dasha Krivoshlyapova” from Russia. Crossan has done a remarkable amount of research, both medically and historically.Family life is challenging when both parents lose their jobs and they have to move. Gracie and Tippi know there is one big way to help their family with expenses - selling their story. Their friendship with school friends allow them to feel some normalcy and freedom to act like teens. The twins’ health is fragile and doctors don’t know what to expect medically. However they embrace life with enthusiasm. The plot is a raw, gripping and engaging journey for Gracie and Tippi - and for readers.Sarah Crossan writes her compelling novel in free verse, which makes her story a more authentic, sensitive and beautiful read. The first-person narration by Gracie, the more introspective twin, is intimate and humorous, painful and breathtaking. The story is realistic and the characters believable.As the truth emerges, they are about to face a choice that could change their lives forever. Gracie is the first to notice something is happening to them and doesn’t want to admit it to Tippi. They add some joy, support, adventure, and a lot of comic relief to the story.

The best part of school is Gracie and Tippi’s friendship with Yaseem and Jon. Their parents shield Grace and Tippi as much as possible from the public and homeschool them. With donations running out and medical bills mounting, there is a strain on the family and the girls will have to attend high school in the fall.

Listening to the other breath at night is comforting.

They can’t imagine risking a dangerous operation to be separated.įor Grace and Tippi, wearing the same skirt is normal. Linking their arms around each other helps them keep their balance as they each walk with one crutch. Synopsis: Grace and Tippi are 16-year-old conjoined twins, connected at their hip. They have two heads, four arms, two hearts and two pairs of lungs and kidneys, and share two legs. They have been conjoined since birth and have beat the odds for survival. The twins love each other and are happy to be together. Isn’t that amazing? How we manage to be at all.” Themes: Conjoined twins, Sisters, High School, Family relationships, Love, Novel in free verse

One crossan novel