Identical

Hopkins, Ellen. Identical. Margaret K. McElderberry Books: 2008. ISBN: 9781416950059.

Summary:
Identical twins Kaeleigh and Raeanne have a happy, normal childhood until tragedy strikes. Daddy swerves into the path of an oncoming truck and the world is a completely different place. Mom was hurt seriously and won't forgive Daddy. Now, eight years later, mom is gone most of the time pursuing her political career and Daddy is at home and in charge. Daddy's reach is everywhere and unstoppable, especially for Kaeleigh. The longer mom stays away, the worse it gets and Kaeleigh won't stand up to him. Raeanne is sure that Daddy doesn't mess with her because she would fight back, not like compliant and passive Kaeleigh.
Kaeleigh works at a senior center and escapes her pain by binging and purging. Raeanne drowns her pain through getting high and risky sexual behavior in addition to purging. Life is difficult, confusing and doesn't always seem like it's worth living.

Evaluation:
Sometimes we read a book and it stays with us for a very long time. This is that type of book. Teens who have experienced the same pain and horrors will find solace and understanding. Teens who have not had to endure such circumstances will gain an education and understanding, and possibly be a better friend to someone in need. Written is verse with small amounts of text on each page, this format makes the story available in contrast to the width of the book. This novel is a dichotomy. It is horrible and painful, yet the writing is masterful and beautiful. Identical is the perfect book for a book challenge, it has bad language, sex, drugs, difficult content and their aren't many positive adults in the story. Those same reasons make it an important book for our library shelves.

Reader's Annotation:
Numbing only works for a short time, we must deal with our demons to survive.

Bibliotherapeutic Uses:
This book should be on every public library, school counselor and mental health professional's shelf. Teens that read this book will realize they are not alone and that other people have been in similar circumstances and survived. Recovery can be a long road, but with support and perseverance, it is attainable.

Genre:
Issue Novel

Why Include This Book:
I only read this because it was required. I have picked up Ellen Hopkins books in the past and was told I wouldn't like it, that they were dark. I am so glad this book was required and I finally read it.