Review By: Anonymous
Published: 2015
Genre(s): Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Comedy, Family
Audience: Grades 3–6
Content Warnings: Mild cyberbullying, sibling conflict, mild violence
Goodreads Link: The Tapper Twins Go to War (with Each Other)
Summary:
This brand-new series by a popular screenwriter is a pitch-perfect, contemporary comedy featuring twelve-year-old fraternal twins, Claudia and Reese, who couldn’t be more different… except in their determination to come out on top in a vicious prank war! But when the competition escalates into an all-out battle that’s fought from the cafeteria of their New York City private school all the way to the fictional universe of an online video game, the twins have to decide if their efforts to destroy each other are worth the price.
Told as a colorful “oral history” by the twins and their friends, and including photos, screenshots, chat logs, online gaming digital art, and text messages between their clueless parents, The Tapper Twins is a hilariously authentic showcase of what it’s like to be in middle school in our digitally-saturated world.
Review:
The Tapper Twins Go to War (with Each Other) is a hysterical, fast-paced novel filled with pranks, sibling drama, and laugh-out-loud moments. The story alternates perspectives between Reese and Claudia, allowing readers to see both sides of their escalating “war.” The visuals—maps, photos, text messages, and gaming chats—bring the story to life and make it highly engaging for young readers.
The book’s humor is balanced with real lessons about empathy, reconciliation, and the effects of cyberbullying. Its diverse cast and authentic digital communication make it relatable and modern. The parents’ text exchanges add a layer of adult humor that both kids and teachers will appreciate.
Students loved the visuals, humor, and realistic sibling dynamics. It is an excellent choice for teaching character traits, perspective, and digital citizenship. Classroom activities could include character analysis, point-of-view writing, or exploring cyberbullying prevention.
