Bad Sister

Gr 5-9–Twin sisters Chelsea and Angelica are best friends, even in death. Angelica has been dead for five years, but clings to 12-year-old Chelsea, jealous of any other friends Chelsea might make. Following Identikill, the story picks up as Angelica has secretly stolen Chelsea’s identity and trapped Chelsea in the gray vermin-infested Underside. Friend-turned-enemy-turned-sorta-friend Riley is also stuck in the Underside while her imposter haunts both worlds. Only Chelsea’s friend Janette, who lives with her two fathers, realizes something is amiss and is willing to save the girls, even as Angelica bullies and threatens her. The text is sparse, and the characters are not given physical descriptions or detailed backgrounds. However, readers will like this book for its succinct yet poignant insights into middle school drama, as well some age-appropriate unsettling scenes. Riley’s unknown imposter in particular is creepy. A brief recap of the first book is offered at the beginning, but this story can be difficult to follow without reading the previous title.