BOOKS

Welcome back to our Bestie Book Club—a community for book lovers from Girls' Life magazine.

If you're new here, hello and welcome! Here's how this works: Each month, we read, discuss and obsess over a new book. If you haven't already, be sure to follow us on TikTok and Instagram for Bestie Book Club updates, fun reading challenges, amaze giveaways and so much more!

When Baby-sitters Club member Mallory gets the call about a new gig with the Arnold twins, she doesn't even sweat it. After all, with seven younger siblings, she's already a star sitter. But it turns out things aren't quite as smooth sailing with Marilyn and Carolyn Arnold as Mallory might've wished. 

It's double jeopardy in Mallory and the Trouble with Twins when Carolyn and Marilyn start speaking in their secret twin language and pretending to be each other (and it sure doesn't help that they're wearing the same outfits!).

Turns out, those kinds of twin hijinks aren't that out of the ordinary. How do we know? Because we asked five pairs of sisters who also happen to be GL Book Besties!

Ever wondered what it's like to be a twin? Here's what these sets of sibs want you to know...

Hey, Besties! Which famous set of twins can you relate to?
"Liv and Maddie!" — Ashley & Kelly F.
"Tia and Tamera. We *love* Sister, Sister." — Janelle & Jazelle B.
"Mary-Kate and Ashley, since they grew up acting. Playing them in a movie? Talk about dream roles!" — Danika & Delaney B.

"We're two different people!" say GL Book Besties Madison & Mackenzie S. "We're each our own person. We're individuals."

In Mallory and the Trouble with Twins, Marilyn and Carolyn wear bracelets to help others distinguish which sister is which—and Madison says she and her sister can relate. "People always get confused, even if we are really different," she says. "We aren't identical just because we look identical."

Twin Translator: If you've got a set of twins in your life, make sure to take the time to learn about each girl. Just because one likes horses, tacos and horror movies, don't assume their sis does, too.

"We always love watching Liv and Maddie because they're such a great example of totally different twins. Marilyn and Carolyn reminded us of that," say GL Book Besties Andrea & Selena A. 

"I'm the girlie and artsy one, just like Liv," says Andrea. "So I could also totally relate to Marilyn and her love of piano."

"And I'm more of a tomboy. Just like Maddie," adds Selena. "I'd love to be the one staying in to work on a science project, like Carolyn does."

When Mallory realizes Marilyn and Carolyn just want to be seen as two different girls, that makes *all* the difference.

Twin Translator: It's OK if you find yourself relating to one of your twin friends in some ways and another twin in other ways. Enjoy the time you spend with your twin friends when they aren't together, too! 

Hey, Besties! Do the Arnold twins do anything that you both do?
"We've tried to pretend to be each other to trick people. Our mom can always tell, though." — Madison & Mackenzie S.
"We tricked our babysitter once, just like Carolyn and Marilyn!" — Danika & Delaney B.
"Twin language is so real. We have our own secret way of talking to each other." — Janelle & Jazelle B.

"Our mom used to dress us the same growing up," say GL Book Besties Ashley & Kelly F. "We're not even twins! Just sisters close in age. Sometimes it was fun to match, but now that we're older, we both have our own unique style."

So Ashley and Kelly could *def* relate to Marilyn and Carolyn when they finally confess to wanting new wardrobes. "It's so nice to express ourselves through our clothing," says Ashley. "I loved seeing Marilyn and Carolyn go shopping and get to do that, too!"

Sib sitches, solved
👯‍♀️ How to get closer to your siblings
💪 It's not a competition: How to stop comparing yourself to your siblings
💗 Here's how to keep in touch with your siblings while they're away at college

"We're always compared to each other—and sometimes we do it ourselves," explain GL Book Besties Danika & Delaney B. "Grades, sports...we're both actors too. If one of us books a role, we're excited, but it is always hard for the other sister, too."

Marilyn and Carolyn feel the same way: The kids at school just call them "Marilyn-or-Carolyn" and constantly compare them, even though all they want is to be seen as two different people. 

Twin Translator: Think about how easy it can be to compare yourself to influencers on social media or even to other girls in your ballet class. Now imagine how it would feel to have a sister who looks just like you…in the same classroom…wearing the same clothes. Tough, right? 

"We've both got a 24/7 bestie—that's pretty awesome," say GL Book Besties Jazelle & Janelle B. "She knows everything about me and I know everything about her," Jazelle adds. "Janelle really is my best friend forever."

Marilyn and Carolyn might feel some growing pains as twins, but it's always clear how much they love each other. They share secrets, frustrations, even a secret twin language. Now that's a girl who knows you best.

Twin Translator: There's already a lot to heart about having siblings, but being twins is extra special. Not a lot of people can say they have someone who knows them as well as they know themselves. 💗 

Hey Besties! What's the best part about being a twin?
"We definitely have twin telepathy! We can always tell what the other is thinking." — Andrea & Selena A.
"We love raiding each other's closets. We basically have two wardrobes." — Madison & Mackenzie S.
"We've *always* got each other's backs." — Danika & Delaney B.

Want to get involved with our Bestie Book Club? Here’s how…
+ SOLO. Snag your copy of Mallory and the Trouble with Twins and settle in for another amaze Baby-sitters Club adventure.
+ ON SOCIAL MEDIA. Connect with us @glbestiebookclub and find your fellow book nerds from all over. Hello, instant community. 
+ WITH YOUR SQUAD. Gather your gang in a GC and plan coordinating outfits for your next day of school, inspired by Marilyn, Carolyn and Mallory and the Trouble with Twins. 

by GL | 3/11/2025