FINDING RUBY STARLING

A separated-at-birth story for the digital age.

After plugging photos of herself into FaceTrace (a fake but plausible Google-like image search), American Ruth Quayle, age 12 2/3, discovers that she might have an identical—and stylish—twin sister in England named Ruby Starling. Just imagine: “The very same set of cells! But with an accent! And good fashion sense!” Through a series of “amazeog” and “totes” expressive emails and a few letters that use conversational slang from their respective cultures, the girls explore the possibility with each other and close friends before approaching their families. While their communications voice typical preteen concerns, such as finding best friends, whether they’re ready to kiss boys and not wanting their parents to treat them like children anymore, it becomes increasingly emotional as Ruth wonders about the how and why of their situation. Adopted and given a transplant heart soon after birth, Ruth can’t help but feel unbearable anger and sadness toward a biological mother who gave her away. With the help of her “real” parents, her father’s attempts to “Buddhify [her] life,” her poetry tumblr and a newfound sister (and best friend), she finds forgiveness and an expanded circle of love. And maybe boys are kissable after all!

Totes bittersweet.