Brother and sister Dallas and Florida are the "trouble twins." In their short thirteen years, they've passed through countless foster homes, only to return to their dreary orphanage, Boxton Creek Home.

Run by the Trepids, a greedy and strict couple, Boxton Creek seems impossible to escape. When Mr. Trepid informs the twins that they'll be helping old Tiller and Sairy Morey go on separate adventures, Dallas and Florida are suspicious.

As the twins adjust to the natural beauty of the outdoors, help the Tillers prepare for their adventures, and foil a robbery, their ultimate search for freedom leads them home to Ruby Holler.

Dallas and Florida were abandoned at an unlicensed orphanage. Now 13, they are again fostered out. Should they trust the promises made by this new set of parents?
I hope pre-teen readers respond well to cliche characters since all the adults they meet, except for Tiller and Sairy are overdone portraits of meanness and greed. Even 'Z', who apparently believes he has some connection to the twins, is shown as an indecisive loser, altho the astute reader might wonder what mental disability has claimed him.
But, my adult questions aside, all's well that ends well, and the story with plenty of conversation and short chapter adventures were much enjoyed by my son. ( )

Dakota & Florida are dubbed the Trouble Twins by the couple who operate the orphanage. Everyone who has fostered them has returned them to the home. Why would this couple be any different? A wonderful story of learning to love & live & trust. One of Creech's best, imho. ( )

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Library edition available only through school market ( )