#11 in The Baby-Sitters Club Series
Mallory and the Trouble with Twins
1989 by
on Goodreads (3,189)
What’s inside...
Mallory Pike has always wanted to be a twin. But now that her family friends, the twins, are staying with the Pikes while their parents are away, she's not so sure...
Why read this book
- Explores themes of responsibility and friendship.
- Encourages empathy and understanding diverse family dynamics.
- Enhances reading skills and emotional intelligence.
- Perfect for shared reading time with family.
The Big Picture
- Explores empathy through sibling dynamics.
- Encourages responsibility with lively storytelling.
- Highlights celebrating individual differences.
Diversity & Representation
- Features diverse family dynamics and twin relationships.
- Promotes understanding and empathy among different family structures.
- Highlights the importance of individuality in twins.
Book in series
#11
Age
9-12
Length
151 pages
Text complexity
intermediate
Character Compass
Discussion points
How do you think Mallory felt when she was asked to take care of the twins? What would you do in her situation?
What are some ways Mallory shows responsibility throughout the story? Can you think of a time when you had to be responsible?
How do the twins, Marilyn and Carolyn, differ in personality? Which twin do you relate to more and why?
What lessons do you think Mallory learned by the end of the book?
If you could give Mallory one piece of advice, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the characters' decisions, fostering empathy and understanding.
Compare and contrast the responsibilities your child may have with those Mallory faces to make the conversation relatable.
Discuss the different personalities of the twins and ask your child about how diversity in personalities can affect relationships in their own life.
Highlight the growth of characters throughout the book and relate it to your child’s personal experiences of learning and growth.
Ask open-ended questions to inspire critical thinking and personal connection to the story’s outcomes and moral lessons.
What parents love
Perfect blend of fun storytelling and meaningful lessons.
Handles sibling dynamics with relatable and gentle approaches.
Engages my child with humor and realistic family scenarios.
Promotes empathy and understanding in young readers.
Key Lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Mallory takes on a babysitting job for twins, which teaches her about the challenges and responsibilities of taking care of others.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by taking on small duties at home, like helping with chores or caring for a pet, to develop a sense of responsibility.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Throughout the story, Mallory learns to understand and empathize with the twins’ feelings and needs.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to consider the perspectives of others in their interactions, fostering empathy and social skills.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Mallory encounters various challenges while babysitting and must find creative solutions to manage the twins.
Real-World Application: Children can use problem-solving skills in their daily activities, whether it's resolving conflicts with friends or tackling difficult homework.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: Mallory adapts to unexpected situations while babysitting, which teaches the importance of flexibility in different scenarios.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children learn to adjust to changes at school or in social settings, enhancing their ability to cope with new challenges.
Example Lesson: Communication
Explanation: Effective communication is key in Mallory's interactions with the twins and their parents, especially when setting boundaries and expectations.
Real-World Application: Children can practice clear and respectful communication at home and school, aiding in their overall interpersonal development.