Jake and Lily by Jerry Spinelli

Reviewed by Lori
Jake And Lily
Title: Jake and Lily

Author: Jerry Spinelli

Perma-Bound Catalogue #: 70436

Description:  Jake and Lily are twins and have always felt the same, like two halves of one person, but the year they turn eleven and Jake begins hanging out with Bump Stubbins, everything changes.

Rubric Rating: Level 4: Love It

Why I Read It: After previewing the first chapter I was intrigued by the dual narrative between Jake and Lily.

Lori's Notes:  Jake and Lily are twins.  On their 6th birthday they wake up holding hands standing on the train station platform.  (They were born on a train).  It's then that they realize they have what they call "Goombla."  They know what the other is thinking or feeling  even if they're in danger.  The year they turn 11, Jake starts hanging out with Bump Stubbins.  A neighbourhood boy Lily does not like at all.  Lily starts to feel left behind and a little lost not having her brother with her, and is terrified that they are losing their "goombla".  When their Poppy moves to the neighbourhood he tells Lily that perhaps she needs to find a life outside of "Jake and Lily" and just find "Lily".  (An echo to himself since he has been traveling the world trying the "find himself" after the death of his wife and soul mate, Jake and Lily's Grandma).  While Lily is exploring life without Jake, Jake and his new friends the "Death Rays" spend their days looking for "Goobers".  When they meet Ernie they discover a "supergoober".  Bump has no problem teasing and making fun of "Soop" to his face and even more so behind his back but when Bump destroys Ernie's clubhouse, Jake finds that he needs to make a decision about the kind of person he wants to be.  So while Jake helps Ernie build a new clubhouse, Lily finds a new friend in Sydney and her younger brother Devon.  She finds a new kindred spirit who likes trains like her, burps like her, and is a genuine friend.  So while Jake and Lily start to live their own lives they realize that they still have that special connection that makes them twins.  I loved how quick this book was to read.  The chapters alternate between Jake telling the story and Lily, much like a combined journal, so you see events from both of their perspectives.  I even had a few tears.  A fantstic read for any student in elementary school.

Recommended Readers: Best for grades 4 and up.  Ideal for anyone turning 11 and dealing with changes in social circles.  I particularly good read for girls.

Themes: Twins, Brothers and Sisters, Family, Friendship, Growing Up, Bullying, Love, Loss, Connections, Grandparents, Discovering Who You Are.

Cross-Genre Links:
Media Search: Twin Connections
ABC News Nightline Video: Twin-Tuition: A Telepathic Connection (6.29.11)
Movie: The Parent Trap (1961) or (1998)
Wikipedia Article: Twin

Possible Discussion or Essay Topics:

  • Why is Lily so upset when Jake starts hanging out with the "Death Rays"
  • What makes Jake and Lily's connection so special?
  • Do you have twins in your family?  Are you a twin? What do you think it would be like to have a twin?  Would you want to have a twin?  Identical or fraternal?
  • Poppy has a lot of good advice for Lily.  Why does he think it is important for Lily to discover who she is without Jake?
  • What do you think about the "Death Rays".  Would you want to be part of their group?  What about the way they treat "soop"?  What would you do in Jake's situation? 
  • Would you like to have "Goombla"?  

Other Titles by Jerry Spinelli:
Smiles to Go
Eggs
Milkweed
Loser
Maniac Magee


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