Take Two (novel)
| Company type | Juvenile fiction novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Literature |
| Founded | 2010 |
| Founder | Julia DeVillers, Jennifer Roy |
| Products | Novel |
Take Two is a juvenile fiction novel released in 2010 by Julia DeVillers and Jennifer Roy, forming part of their series centered on twins.
Plot
Continuing from the initial installment (Trading Faces), identical twins Payton and Emma Mills face the prospect of detention but are instead assigned community service. Emma takes on the role of tutor for Counselor Case’s challenging eight-year-old twin boys.
As they navigate the complexities of middle school social life, the sisters strive to preserve their strong connection. Payton maintains a close friendship with Tess and develops feelings for Nick, the school's technology enthusiast, while contending with bullying from Sydney and Cashmere. Emma, meanwhile, is friends with Quinn and harbors an interest in Ox, engaging in academic rivalry with her adversary Jazmine James.
Emma finds it difficult to juggle tutoring responsibilities, friendships, and competitive pressures, ultimately prioritizing academics over her social engagements. This decision causes tension with both Ox and Quinn. Simultaneously, Payton, feeling left out of the school play, impersonates Emma to avoid loneliness but strengthens her bonds with Tess and Nick in the process.
In due course, Emma triumphs at the mathletes competition. When Sydney suffers a broken ankle just before the school play, Payton steps into the role of Glinda in The Wizard of Oz. After Mason Case-Babbitt misplaces his pet gecko, Emma confronts her fear of reptiles to assist in locating it, enabling Payton to perform confidently on stage.
Following the play, the twins meet Nick’s family. Emma comes to understand that she can successfully balance academic pursuits with her social life, becoming Ox’s unofficial girlfriend due to parental constraints. Meanwhile, Payton acknowledges her romantic interest in Nick. Together, the Mills twins learn they can achieve both personal success and maintain their friendship.
Characters
- Payton Mills The outgoing and stylish twin; close friends with Tess and Nick.
- Emma Mills The more serious and academically focused twin; unofficially dating Ox and friends with Quinn; shares an appreciation for fashion with Payton but expresses it more subtly.
- Mason Case-Babbitt One of Counselor Case and Coach Babbitt’s twins; known for being mischievous and having a crush on Payton.
- Jason Case-Babbitt Mason’s academically talented twin brother who excels in math at a ninth-grade level.
- Ox Garrett The well-liked quarterback who admires Emma for her intellect and grounded personality despite his peer group’s attitudes.
- Nick Payton’s friend and romantic interest; involved in behind-the-scenes aspects of the school play; regarded as nerdy but popular.
- Quinn A member of Sydney’s circle who is friends with Emma but often frustrated by Sydney’s behavior.
- Tess Payton’s confidante who distances herself from Jazmine’s negative influence.
- Sydney Fish The twins’ main antagonist; known for her harsh demeanor and intimidating presence; supported only by Cashmere.
- Jazmine James Emma’s academic competitor frequently accompanied by Hector.
- Cashmere Sydney’s scatterbrained companion characterized by a soprano voice but limited by Sydney’s insecurities.
- Hector Jazmine’s unpleasant assistant.
- Mrs. Burkle English teacher and drama club advisor passionate about theater and effective in managing drama-related extracurricular activities.
- Counselor Case The school guidance counselor married to Coach Babbitt.
- Coach Babbitt Mathletes coach for Emma; married to Counselor Case; originally from Australia.