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Me and the Terrible Two
Dorrie is heartbroken when a family with two mischievous boys moves into the empty house next door
Paperback
First published January 1, 1974
About the author
Ellen Conford
69 books68 followersEllen Conford was an author for children and young adults. Among her writings are the Annabel the Actress and Jenny Archer series. Her books have won the Best Book of the Year Citation, Best Book of the International Interest Citation, Best Book of the Year for Children, Parents' Choice Award, and more.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 26, 2023
When Dorrie Kimball's best friend Marlene Dreyfus moves to Australia with her family, she is not only devastated at losing her friend (and that Marlene is moving not to Baltimore or to Detroit, but to Australia, to basically the other side of the world), the fact that two obnoxious twin brothers (Conrad and Haskell Conger) have moved into her friend's former domicile with their single working mother, add to her annoyance and frustration (well at least, Conrad and Haskell are considered obnoxious by Dorrie). Will Dorrie and the "terrible two" ever be more than enemies?
Without giving away too many spoilers (as Me and the Terrible Two really is a book to be experienced and savoured), I will only state that this is indeed one of my absolutely and totally favourite middle grade novels of all time (a sweet and poignant story I adored when I first read it in 1980 and have enjoyed just as much during my recent reread). For Ellen Conford truly manages to clearly and with much empathy present Dorrie's sadness and frustration at the fact that Marlene has had to move (and across the world, all the way to Australia, at that), and how even the very concept of a new family moving into Marlene's house (or rather, her former house) is so anathema to Dorrie at first that even if Haskell and Conrad had been potential friend material right from the start, she would more than likely have balked and considered them the opposite. However, throughout Me and the Terrible Two, Ellen Conford also and fortunately never ignores Dorrie's tendency to be somewhat overly dramatic, judgmental and prone to making snap conclusions (and even Dorrie's mother mentions this). And while Haskell and Conrad really are obnoxious and thoughtlessly inconsiderate to a point and at times rather a handful for their clearly overworked and stressed out single mother, they also never have much of a chance at all with Dorrie, until the latter takes stock of her own attitudes and realises that she, herself, has actually also been acting in a problematic and rather nasty, if not even quite terrible and judgmental manner.
Now Me and the Terrible Two was originally published in 1974, but even though much of the contents (and yes, I still personally do well remember assignment sheets reproduced by mimeographs and that doctors actually tended to recommend Aspirin for children and teenagers, although the latter is now considered dangerous and inappropriate) and even some of the themes featured are of course now a bit dated, the underlining concept of friendship, and of how when individuals move away, it is not only a possible issue and adjustment for those who are moving, but also for those friends and acquaintances left behind, how they must find new companions and indeed how they might even feel some animosity and resentment towards the persons now residing in the house (or apartment) of their no longer present friends, these are as current and as valid today as they were in the 70s and 80s. But while today, one does have more and faster methods of keeping in contact aside from letters and telephones, the actual physical distances remain the same, especially if the individuals who have moved, have like Marlene and her family, migrated to a country, to a new domicile half way around the world (and Dorrie does not have a whole collection of friends like some, as Marlene was her best and in many ways, her only friend).
And yes, another (and indeed unfortunately also still relevant and likely timeless) presented theme in Me and the Terrible Two is divorce and how it is often the children who tend to suffer and be affected the most. Conrad and Haskell's father clearly wants nothing more to do with them, having obviously divorced not only the mother, but his sons as well (for when Dorrie's father suggests sending a copy of the book-week newspaper class project to him, Haskell says not to bother, as his father would not be interested). Therefore and in my opinion, part of the reason the twins do act out a bit at times and also often have a bit of a proverbial chip on their collective shoulders is more than likely due to their own pain and feelings of abandonment (and their now single mother has to work long hours in order for the family to make ends meet, and therefore does not have all that much time for her boys either, so they by simple and sad necessity, are often on their own, and left to their own devices).
Finally, while I do very strongly and highly recommend Me and the Terrible Two, it is also and unfortunately not in current print. There are, however, good and actually quite reasonably priced copies available online and perhaps even at second hand book shops (it is certainly a story well worth purchasing, reading and discussing, a novel, that I do very much consider a favourite, and personal classic).
Without giving away too many spoilers (as Me and the Terrible Two really is a book to be experienced and savoured), I will only state that this is indeed one of my absolutely and totally favourite middle grade novels of all time (a sweet and poignant story I adored when I first read it in 1980 and have enjoyed just as much during my recent reread). For Ellen Conford truly manages to clearly and with much empathy present Dorrie's sadness and frustration at the fact that Marlene has had to move (and across the world, all the way to Australia, at that), and how even the very concept of a new family moving into Marlene's house (or rather, her former house) is so anathema to Dorrie at first that even if Haskell and Conrad had been potential friend material right from the start, she would more than likely have balked and considered them the opposite. However, throughout Me and the Terrible Two, Ellen Conford also and fortunately never ignores Dorrie's tendency to be somewhat overly dramatic, judgmental and prone to making snap conclusions (and even Dorrie's mother mentions this). And while Haskell and Conrad really are obnoxious and thoughtlessly inconsiderate to a point and at times rather a handful for their clearly overworked and stressed out single mother, they also never have much of a chance at all with Dorrie, until the latter takes stock of her own attitudes and realises that she, herself, has actually also been acting in a problematic and rather nasty, if not even quite terrible and judgmental manner.
Now Me and the Terrible Two was originally published in 1974, but even though much of the contents (and yes, I still personally do well remember assignment sheets reproduced by mimeographs and that doctors actually tended to recommend Aspirin for children and teenagers, although the latter is now considered dangerous and inappropriate) and even some of the themes featured are of course now a bit dated, the underlining concept of friendship, and of how when individuals move away, it is not only a possible issue and adjustment for those who are moving, but also for those friends and acquaintances left behind, how they must find new companions and indeed how they might even feel some animosity and resentment towards the persons now residing in the house (or apartment) of their no longer present friends, these are as current and as valid today as they were in the 70s and 80s. But while today, one does have more and faster methods of keeping in contact aside from letters and telephones, the actual physical distances remain the same, especially if the individuals who have moved, have like Marlene and her family, migrated to a country, to a new domicile half way around the world (and Dorrie does not have a whole collection of friends like some, as Marlene was her best and in many ways, her only friend).
And yes, another (and indeed unfortunately also still relevant and likely timeless) presented theme in Me and the Terrible Two is divorce and how it is often the children who tend to suffer and be affected the most. Conrad and Haskell's father clearly wants nothing more to do with them, having obviously divorced not only the mother, but his sons as well (for when Dorrie's father suggests sending a copy of the book-week newspaper class project to him, Haskell says not to bother, as his father would not be interested). Therefore and in my opinion, part of the reason the twins do act out a bit at times and also often have a bit of a proverbial chip on their collective shoulders is more than likely due to their own pain and feelings of abandonment (and their now single mother has to work long hours in order for the family to make ends meet, and therefore does not have all that much time for her boys either, so they by simple and sad necessity, are often on their own, and left to their own devices).
Finally, while I do very strongly and highly recommend Me and the Terrible Two, it is also and unfortunately not in current print. There are, however, good and actually quite reasonably priced copies available online and perhaps even at second hand book shops (it is certainly a story well worth purchasing, reading and discussing, a novel, that I do very much consider a favourite, and personal classic).
November 5, 2023
This is another old children's book that's been sitting unread on the shelf in our home library for decades.
Dorrie Kimball is convinced her life will be misery now that her best friend has moved far, far away from the house next door and a pair of mischievous twin brothers have moved in.
Slowly, and in the mildest fashion, she discovers life isn't so bad if she only takes her head out of her butt.
Dorrie Kimball is convinced her life will be misery now that her best friend has moved far, far away from the house next door and a pair of mischievous twin brothers have moved in.
Slowly, and in the mildest fashion, she discovers life isn't so bad if she only takes her head out of her butt.
February 15, 2013
My family read books aloud during the evenings when I was a child and this book was the first one I got to pick. I still remember the weightiness of selecting it at the library and my pride when the whole family laughed out loud!
December 19, 2016
I so clearly remember seeing Ellen Conford’s books on the shelves in the young adult section of my childhood public library. I didn’t read many of them, since they seemed so dated, even in the early 90s, but the ones I did read - If This is Love, I'll Take Spaghetti and I Love You, I Hate You, Get Lost became instant favorites. On a recent trip to the used bookstore, I knew I wanted to look for some more Conford books, and I was pleased to discover one of her earliest books, Me and the Terrible Two, which was originally published in 1974.
When Dorrie’s best friend moves to Australia, twin boys named Haskell and Conrad move in next door. They’re Dorrie’s age, and in her grade at school, but instead of being “very nice people” as her mother suggests, they are completely obnoxious. They impersonate Dracula while hanging upside down from trees. They sing and bang hammers early in the morning. They threaten Dorrie’s dog. And worst of all, Dorrie is assigned to the same group as Haskell for a Children’s Book Week project The project, though, is a lot more fun than she expected, and both Haskell and Conrad may not be all that they seem after all.
This quick read is now 38 years old, and its pop culture references, not to mention the fashion depicted in the illustrations by Charles Carroll definitely place it firmly in the 1970s. Girls are shown wearing bell bottoms and oversize blouses. There is mention of Shirley Jones (of Partridge Family fame) in the very first chapter, and several mentions of John Wayne (who was still alive then) in Chapter Two. When the group project - a newspaper - gets underway, it also becomes very clear how much technology has changed for kids in the last few decades. Kids today don’t know a time without Microsoft Word and the Internet, and might be surprised by all the extra work the characters have to do to create a newspaper without those things.
One thing did ring very true from own childhood, though. When the teacher takes attendance on the first day of school every kid says, “Here” when his name is called, except for Haskell, who says, “Present.” I can remember that happening quite often in elementary school, and reading this scene in a book that was published 8 years before I was even born makes me wonder if that tradition still continues today, and how such a thing even gets passed down.
All in all, this book is definitely a relic of a time gone by. Even without the obvious dated references, its style and tone differ pretty strongly from contemporary titles, and the school environment portrayed in the story also feels very old-fashioned. It’s a great nostalgic read, though, and I really enjoyed revisiting Conford’s light and humorous prose. Me and the Terrible Two is out of print, but some Ellen Conford works are still available, including many titles in the Jenny Archer and Annabel the Actress series.
When Dorrie’s best friend moves to Australia, twin boys named Haskell and Conrad move in next door. They’re Dorrie’s age, and in her grade at school, but instead of being “very nice people” as her mother suggests, they are completely obnoxious. They impersonate Dracula while hanging upside down from trees. They sing and bang hammers early in the morning. They threaten Dorrie’s dog. And worst of all, Dorrie is assigned to the same group as Haskell for a Children’s Book Week project The project, though, is a lot more fun than she expected, and both Haskell and Conrad may not be all that they seem after all.
This quick read is now 38 years old, and its pop culture references, not to mention the fashion depicted in the illustrations by Charles Carroll definitely place it firmly in the 1970s. Girls are shown wearing bell bottoms and oversize blouses. There is mention of Shirley Jones (of Partridge Family fame) in the very first chapter, and several mentions of John Wayne (who was still alive then) in Chapter Two. When the group project - a newspaper - gets underway, it also becomes very clear how much technology has changed for kids in the last few decades. Kids today don’t know a time without Microsoft Word and the Internet, and might be surprised by all the extra work the characters have to do to create a newspaper without those things.
One thing did ring very true from own childhood, though. When the teacher takes attendance on the first day of school every kid says, “Here” when his name is called, except for Haskell, who says, “Present.” I can remember that happening quite often in elementary school, and reading this scene in a book that was published 8 years before I was even born makes me wonder if that tradition still continues today, and how such a thing even gets passed down.
All in all, this book is definitely a relic of a time gone by. Even without the obvious dated references, its style and tone differ pretty strongly from contemporary titles, and the school environment portrayed in the story also feels very old-fashioned. It’s a great nostalgic read, though, and I really enjoyed revisiting Conford’s light and humorous prose. Me and the Terrible Two is out of print, but some Ellen Conford works are still available, including many titles in the Jenny Archer and Annabel the Actress series.
c-on-deck-audio-and-ebooks
October 23, 2017Because Gundula loves it.
September 21, 2017
How is A Royal Pain so mediocre and this one just perfect? Is it nostalgia?
July 25, 2024
This was one of those books read aloud to us when we were in the first grade or so. I became so interested in it from the read-to sessions that I tracked down a copy to read on my own at home. Mine was a hardback and I do miss it. This is a great book with unpredictable plot twists, an engaging narrator and is one of the few books that features a guinea pig. Kinda spoiled me for future books. I miss my battered old copy from my childhood.
October 9, 2014
A fun story about a sixth-grade girl and a couple of brothers who move into the house her best friend used to occupy. Lots of intelligent humor and sarcasm. Appropriate and recommended for 4th grade and up!
25/60 tbr box.
25/60 tbr box.
April 19, 2015
NYT Best seller
This book contains a ton of humor and is meant to make the reader laugh out loud and the pranks and quirky characters within the book. This book reminds me of the Diary of a Wimpy kid.
Class Act. Have students write their favorite part in the story and why.
This book contains a ton of humor and is meant to make the reader laugh out loud and the pranks and quirky characters within the book. This book reminds me of the Diary of a Wimpy kid.
Class Act. Have students write their favorite part in the story and why.
December 31, 2015
2.5 stars. Short and cute, but almost completely devoid of any conflict. Also, while I get being overly dramatic is part of Dorrie's personality, it was both rather grating and not very well realized.
February 21, 2009
man, i love ellen conford. this book is funny and sweet and just right.
February 25, 2009
I really liked this story when I was a kid. The copy I have is hardback, possibly purchased from Weekly Reader. LOL
November 2, 2010
This was my favorite book as a pre-teen!
April 10, 2021
I read this out loud with Allison. It was just okay. The major premise was about Dorrie not liking the rowdy new neighbor boys, but there was no real radical redemption. Just a really small part at the end where “0h they’re not so bad after all “
May 1, 2024
I think this is one of her earliest books and she went on to write a lot of terrific books for young readers. Cheers, Ellen!
October 19, 2025
Not sure how old I was when I first read this as an elementary school-age child. Published the same year I was born, 1974, this pocket-size paperback copy by Archway (partner to Simon & Schuster) is now out of print. I can't even remember where I got my copy, only that I've had this paperback book since the day I first read it. There are illustrations that almost look like real black and white photographs, but they are just drawings done by Charles Carroll and are sprinkled throughout the text.
"And This is Laura," also by Conford, is still my personal favorite by this author but "Me and the Terrible Two" can hold its own. Especially in the LOL (laugh out loud) classic humor for young readers department. I'd forgotten just how funny and entertaining this story is, even if the "Terrible Two," identical twin boys named Haskell and Conrad, would be written very differently today.
Told exclusively in 1st person POV by main character Dorothy "Dorrie" Kimball, this book is a very quick and easy read, only 11 chapters and 121 pages. While she's a bit of a brat, Dorrie is still a typical ten-eleven year old (we actually don't know how old Dorrie and her classmates are, nor what grade they are in but it can't be any older than 5th) and the "Terrible Two" aren't really that terrible. The "meet/cute" she has with her new next-door neighbors, after her very best and only friend in the whole world along with her parents moved away the day before, is quite humorous.
The new school year starts. One of the twins is in her class. They alternate between doing nice things for her to make up for their rambunctiousness and driving her crazy singing and pounding in their front yard next door at the crack of dawn on weekends. Other girls in Dorrie's class invite her into their friend group and take special notice that she's caught the interest of the two "cute" new boys. So even though Dorrie no longer has a best girlfriend who has her back, she is not a victim of any kind of bullying in this book and certainly not from the twins.
The highlight of the story, with the most LOL parts, is when Dorrie goes to a slumber party and the boys make prank phone calls to her all evening. much to her dismay. Dorrie is not interested in them AT ALL and wishes they would just leave her alone or better yet go back to where they came from. The fact they come from a divorced home with a deadbeat dad and a frazzled single mom who works as a research chemist (blink and you'll miss this info drop by Dorrie's mom to her daughter) doesn't sway Dorrie's prejudice opinion of them but her feelings towards them might just change later, you'll have to read the rest of the story to find out if Dorrie and her new neighbors ever reconcile their differences and become friends.
"And This is Laura," also by Conford, is still my personal favorite by this author but "Me and the Terrible Two" can hold its own. Especially in the LOL (laugh out loud) classic humor for young readers department. I'd forgotten just how funny and entertaining this story is, even if the "Terrible Two," identical twin boys named Haskell and Conrad, would be written very differently today.
Told exclusively in 1st person POV by main character Dorothy "Dorrie" Kimball, this book is a very quick and easy read, only 11 chapters and 121 pages. While she's a bit of a brat, Dorrie is still a typical ten-eleven year old (we actually don't know how old Dorrie and her classmates are, nor what grade they are in but it can't be any older than 5th) and the "Terrible Two" aren't really that terrible. The "meet/cute" she has with her new next-door neighbors, after her very best and only friend in the whole world along with her parents moved away the day before, is quite humorous.
The new school year starts. One of the twins is in her class. They alternate between doing nice things for her to make up for their rambunctiousness and driving her crazy singing and pounding in their front yard next door at the crack of dawn on weekends. Other girls in Dorrie's class invite her into their friend group and take special notice that she's caught the interest of the two "cute" new boys. So even though Dorrie no longer has a best girlfriend who has her back, she is not a victim of any kind of bullying in this book and certainly not from the twins.
The highlight of the story, with the most LOL parts, is when Dorrie goes to a slumber party and the boys make prank phone calls to her all evening. much to her dismay. Dorrie is not interested in them AT ALL and wishes they would just leave her alone or better yet go back to where they came from. The fact they come from a divorced home with a deadbeat dad and a frazzled single mom who works as a research chemist (blink and you'll miss this info drop by Dorrie's mom to her daughter) doesn't sway Dorrie's prejudice opinion of them but her feelings towards them might just change later, you'll have to read the rest of the story to find out if Dorrie and her new neighbors ever reconcile their differences and become friends.
Read
January 22, 2009JAR4-Con
June 17, 2014
A GREAT read!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews