On Thin Ice

Gr 3-7–Twelve years have passed since 12-year-old fraternal twins Phoebe and Dex lost their father to cancer. Both have skating to cope; Phoebe figure skates, Dex plays ice hockey. When Phoebe’s partner is injured, her chances of advancing to the next-level invitational seem dashed. Meanwhile, Dex gets cut from the hockey team for goofing off more than working hard. He’s convinced having the expensive skates his teammates wear will help him get back on the team. His mother cleverly proposes a deal: partner with his sister and she’ll upgrade his skates. Resentful bickering aside, the reluctant pair (re)learn how to be each other’s best champion. Tyo and Choi convincingly alternate the siblings’ chapters—Tyo readily channels Phoebe’s high-strung perfection, while Choi settles comfortably into Dex’s simmering angst. Kim’s devotees will also delight in a Stand Up, Yumi Chung cameo by Mrs. Chung.