Twins Book Review by Varian Johnson

 

Written by Varian Johnson 

Illustrated by Shannon Wright

Published by Graphix in 2020

ISBN: 978-1338236132

Plot Summary: Maureen and Francine Carter are twins as well as being best friends. They do a lot of the same things but things change as they enter the 6th grade. Francine is going through some big changes like wanting to dress more fashionable, join choir, and even run for class office. Maureen is the quieter and more reserved sister and things go awry when they both decide to run for class president. It's hard when twins start to separate but they figure out how to coexist and their relationship becomes even stronger through all the changes.  

Critical Analysis: The issues that the girls go through are life and death for a middle schooler but as time goes on they will see that this is just another opportunity in their lives to see positive change. The illustrations were excellent and I really enjoyed seeing all the different hairstyles that were featured throughout the book. It was nice to read a book that was free from bullying as that is a major theme in middle school and high school as many of the disagreements and arguments came from a lack of understanding rather than being mean spirited. The main theme is that there is joy to be found in sisterhood and especially when you are twins. 

Review: Kirkus

Sixth grade presents new challenges for the Carter twins.

It’s the first day of school, and African American identical twins Maureen and Francine Carter are having mixed feelings. Maureen is nervous about middle school: She has a new confusing schedule, cadet corps, and, worst of all, classes without Francine. She worries that middle school will swallow her alive. Francine, however, is looking forward to everything sixth grade can offer. She can’t wait to be in new surroundings, try new classes, and grab new opportunities to shine, like joining the student council race. Outgoing Francine is all set to start campaigning, but when Maureen decides to run as well, it threatens to tear the two apart. As Francine pushes to stand out, Maureen yearns to fit in, and neither sees eye to eye. Johnson, in his first graphic novel, encapsulates the rocky transition from the comfort of elementary school to the new and sometimes-scary world of middle school. The sibling bond is palpable and precious as each conflict and triumph pushes them apart or pulls them together. Wright’s illustrations fill the pages with vibrancy and emotion. The diverse student body, careful touches in the Carter home, and background elements in the mall scenes stand out for their warmth, humor, and realism. The small details that differentiate Maureen and Francine, while maintaining their mirrored features, are delightful.

Connections: Students can create a story about what they think life would be like if they were a twin and how well they would get along or not with their twin. If they already have a twin, they could put themselves in their twins shoes and write from their perspective how their twin thinks. 

More books by Varian Johnson 

To Catch a Cheat ISBN: 978-0545722407

The Great Greene Heist ISBN: 978-0545525527

  1. 978-0545525527
  2. 978-0545525527

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