Shaking Up the House by Yamile Saied Méndez
Published by HarperCollins on January 5, 2021
ISBN: 0062970720
Pages: 256
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

The White House is about to have a changeover of administrations and with that, a changeover of first kids. Ingrid and Winnie Lopez have been living there for the past 8 years, and now identical twins, Skylar and Zora Williams are about to move in. When President Lopez decides it would be fun for the Williams family to move in early and overlap with the Lopez administration for 8 weeks, the 4 First Kids are thrown together unexpectedly. They became friends on the campaign trail, and in true White House fashion, the Lopez sisters plan a prank on the incoming Williams sisters. What the Lopez girls didn’t plan for was the ensuing prank war that would culminate on the inauguration stage.

This is a fun, lighthearted, and easy read. The significance of a Latinx family followed by a Black family in the White House is mentioned several times though this isn’t the focus of the book. The story line is easy to follow and focuses on friendship, family, and of course, hijinks. Hand this one to readers who enjoy stories without a lot of drama or scare. Recommended for readers 3rd grade and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME