Member Reviews
Picking up right where the events of the previous volume left off, Jessica and Elizabeth (mostly Elizabeth) are struggling with going different ways. Jessica is getting frustrated that the ballet teacher is ignoring her in favor of Elizabeth. Elizabeth wants to still have something her and her sister have in common, but the big recital is causing tensions to be high. Jessica tries many things, but it always blows up. A few threads were picked up from the previous book, but this one focuses mainly on the ballet scene. Readers who loved the first will love this one. The modern updates slipped into the story work smoothly to bring this to a new audience.
This book is perfect for those that are starting out with series. Illustrations are well done. Plot flowed well. Brought the series to life for the younger reader
I received and ARC of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the Sweet Valley books when I was a kid. I grew from Sweet Valley Twins into Sweet Valley High and I loved every second of it. I was ecstatic when I saw that the graphic novels were coming out. I am not sure they age really well. Meaning that adults are not maybe as impressed by them as kids are. Jessica is really something. I didn't appreciate her actions even understanding why she was feeling the way she was feeling. The illustrations are perfect for the story and characters and I loved the way the end of the book leads you into the next one.
I am definitely buying this book for my middle school library. My friends and I loved these books in novel form growing up. I think they are perfect for middle grade readers. They have enough depth that teachers will be happy. The art work will draw in the kids. I am anxious to see if I can get a new generation of young people hooked on these books they way The Babysitters Club has made a comeback in graphic novel form.
Jessica and Elizabeth are twins in a ballet program together. For an unknown reason, their dance instructor only compliments Elizabeth, even though Jessica is the better dancer. No matter what Jessica does, she can't seem to get noticed. So she isn't really surprised when Elizabeth gets the lead role in the upcoming performance. Everything is off kilter until Elizabeth gets an idea at the last minute which saves both the performance and the twins' relationship.
I enjoyed the graphic illustrations. They are cartoonish in a way similar to Telgemeier. The story itself is a little bland. There's no apparent reason for the instructor to favor a less qualified dancer which makes the whole story suspect. Jessica is quite selfish, not likable, which could have been a plausible reason, but the story doesn't venture there. The instructor therefore, is just clueless. And the twins don't always stay in character. Jessica is actually nice for once when she works with her sister to improve her turns, but it doesn't match up with the Jessica portrayed up to that point. Everything about this one feels exactly like it is. A mass produced, poorly written series from the 80s.
However, since this is clearly for a younger audience, none of that matters. It's the graphics that count most, and it accomplishes that goal.
Thank you so much for the ARC. This graphic novel reminded me how much I loved this series when I was a young girl. The twins jealousy was so relatable and the love they share is genuine. I am buying this for my school library, My students will devour this series.
Cute graphic novel for young readers! I grew up on the original book series and TV show and thought this was a fun way to bring in new readers to the Sweet Valley world. The relationship between the twins and their friends are relatable. It explores friendship, family, and doing what you love. Young readers will enjoy this series. Thank you NetGalley and Random House Children’s for the arc.
Such a cute adaptation that shows sisterly jealousy in a ballet recital! Jessica is upset because Elizabeth gets chosen for the lead in the recital, but when the main decoration for the ballet goes missing they don’t know if the ballet will even go on. I’m not sure if it’s because I had an ARC or if it was just an odd ending but after the resolution to the story, the girls follow a cab to a la old “haunted” house and one of their friends wants to try out for cheerleading, and then the book just ends. Weird, but a super cute GN none the less!
Sweet Valley Twins: Teacher's Pet introduces middle-grade graphic novel fans to Elizabeth and Jessica Wakefield, the Sweet Valley twins. The two sisters are both in ballet, but only one of them can be the star of the show. This leads to conflict that anyone who shares a hobby with a friend of sibling with recognize. The way the sisters work it out might not be the best example or most likely outcome, but it does show the importance of family and friendship over recognition.
Just as cute as the first one and stays pretty true to the original books from what I remember. I’m thrilled they’re bringing these back!
I really loved this book! The story was compelling and the relationship between the twins was very realistic. My biggest issue is that all of the adults dismiss Jessica's very real issue and nothing is ever done to acknowledge this the whole time. The only reason the teacher even recognizes Jessica in the end is because her own sister manipulated the situation so she could take the stage instead. The parents don't do anything, the other classmates don't do anything, the teacher is clearly blinded by favoritism and or is assuming that the one sibling that is dancing good is Elizabeth at all time, vs that it is in fact both of them. Jessica isn't my favorite twin but it is very obvious in this book that her complaints were extremely valid.
I’m a OG Sweet Valley kids reader and now as an adult children’s librarian, I LOVE that these exist and will read them all because they hit me in the nostalgic needs.
This was a delightful quick read.
The ONE thing that I would say, if possible, could you PLEASE draw the twins wearing helmets when riding their bikes? Having lost a brother and him dying because he didn't wear a helmet makes it really stand out when I see media of children not wearing helmets when riding bikes. It's a subtle but important part of making it just a regular thing if the media children consume shows other children wearing helmets while on a bike (or scooter, etc.)
Love the sweet valley book series! These books still resonate with new generations and to see them brought to life in a comic book format is so fun!
What a fun, quick read! As someone who read the original Sweet Valley High books, it was so fun to read about Jessica and Elizabeth’s adventures yet again. I am so glad that this new generation of readers will get to experience their relationship. Can’t wait for the next one!!
Recommended for fans of, or those new to the Sweet Valley Twins series.
Gotta love Elizabeth for putting up with Jessica!!
My daughter enjoyed the ending.
Thank you to NetGalley for the chance for us to read this book.