Book Review of Twins by Varian Johnson

 

1.      Bibliography

Johnson, V. 2020. Twins. (Wright, S.). Graphix. ISBN: 9781338236170.

2.      Plot Summary

Maureen and Francine Carter are twins, identical twins, and like most twins they end up confusing people about who is who.  Francine wants to get out on her own and try to be an individual person without her sister which leads to some betrayals and secrets that ultimately create some hard situations.  Maureen is more reserved and doesn’t understand why her sister is trying to get space from her.  This leads to both girls running for class president of the sixth-grade class.  As the weeks pass the girls learn lessons and values and make new friendships that help them grow into their personalities and end up on top with a loving and supportive family. 

3.      Critical Analysis

We follow Maureen and Francine Carter who are identical twins.  Maureen is shy and reserved and the book is written from her perspective.  Francine is outgoing and talkative and not afraid to try new things.  Our setting takes place at O’Connor Middle School where you have 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th graders.  Readers can relate to Maureen because she has trouble with public speaking and struggles with self-confidence.  Readers can also relate to Francine because she is outgoing and feels like she is always competing with her sister, especially with her grades.  Seeing the struggles between the girls you just want them to get along and be friends again.  Both girls are adjusting to sixth grade and the idea of not having every class together.  Fran wants some space to be herself and Maureen is very upset that they don’t have all the same classes.  They each end up running for class president and going against each other causes much conflict.  There were secrets that were shared and even parents who thought they were doing the right thing by keeping information from the girls but in the end made things worse.  Each girl had to find what they wanted to share with the grade and what they could offer as president. The theme of the book is that even though you look alike you can be your own person.  Family makes you stronger and secrets shouldn’t be kept from family.  In the end the sisters’ love for each other made them realize that whoever one they were still proud of the other.  Even though the book is told from Maureen’s point of view, you get the feelings and emotions of the other characters in the book as well.  This is a very believable book and is something that could happen in real life. 

4.      Review Excerpt(s)

"A must-read for middle grade comics lovers. Expect high demand from fans of comics like those by Svetlana Chmakova, Jerry Craft, and Raina Telgemeier." -- School Library Journal, starred review

 

 "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." -- Booklist, starred review

5.      Connections

*I would have my students compare this book with something that has happened to them in real life.  When have you been competitive about something? Have you ever ran against a close friend?

*Other books by Varian Johnson:

-My life as a rhombus

-To catch a cheat

-The great greene heist

Compare this book to another by the same author.