Book Review: Twins by Varian Johnson and Shannon Wright

 



1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Johnson, V., & Wright, S. (2020). Twins. Graphix, an imprint of Scholastic.

ISBN: 978-1338236132

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

Maureen and Francine Carter are twins and best friends. They participate in the same clubs, enjoy the same foods, and are partners on all their school projects. But just before the girls start sixth grade, Francine becomes Fran -- a girl who wants to join the chorus, run for class president, and dress in fashionable outfits that set her apart from Maureen. A girl who seems happy to share only two classes with her sister! Maureen and Francine are growing apart and there's nothing Maureen can do to stop it. Are sisters really forever? Or will middle school change things for good?

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

I loved this graphic novel, although I may be a little biased because I have twin sisters and am the mother of two adorable twins. This book is a must-read! I thought this coming-of-age book was cute and very relatable. For example, growing up, I saw firsthand how competitive my twin sisters were and how they began dressing differently and seeking different interests when they started middle school. This book touches on how identical twins Francine and Maureen grew apart and the issues that caused for their friends and family. The dialogue was very authentic for the age group. For example, at the beginning, we see how the two girls discuss their different lunches and Fran's confusion with starting middle school with a new schedule and having a different lunch than her sister. I thought the characters were very well developed, and readers could understand their thoughts through dialogue. I will say one of my favorite things about this book was that I didn’t see any cultural stereotype. As I read through the book, I got to the know the characters because of their actions and not because of the color their skin. I think anyone could see themselves in that situation regardless of their cultural background. The illustrations in this graphic novel were also fantastic. They were so colorful and fun! They clearly expressed what was happening in the story through facial expressions. The illustrations show some of the differences between Fran and Maureen.  I also really liked the diversity in the illustrations.  One of my favorite illustrations in this graphic novel was when Fran and Maureen got separated, and you could see how Maureen was feeling being left in a crowd full of students who were so self-involved. I thought this particular illustration accurately depicted what middle school was like.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Starred review in Booklist: "Wright's artwork, crisp and colorful, does a masterful job of tracking the twins's emotional arcs through expressive composition, and Johnson's impeccable pacing keeps things moving while still making room for rich development. A beautiful reflection on sisterhood and coming of age that belongs in every collection."

Starred review in Kirkus: "The sibling bond is palpable and precious as each conflict and triumph pushes them apart or pulls them together.... A touching, relatable story of identity, sisterhood, and friendship."

Starred review in Horn Book: "Johnson and Wright have expertly teamed up to create a relatable story for all middle schoolers."

5. CONNECTIONS

* Have students create a story map for this graphic novel using a technology app such as Jamboard, Nearpod, or StoryMaps. This story map should detail the story's beginning, middle, and ending, along with rising and falling actions. The students should share their finished product with the class.

* People who liked “Twins” would also enjoy these titles:  

Ortega, C., & Bousamra, R. (2023). Frizzy. First Second. ISBN: 978-1250259639

Pinkney, J. (2023). Just jerry: How drawing shaped my life: A memoir. Little, Brown and Company.

ISBN: 978-0316383851

This book review was written for an SHSU MLS course. 

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