Reviews

Twins by Varian Johnson

ghutter05's review against another edition

4.0

3.5 stars

Great for fans of "Smile", "Click", "Awkward", "New Kid", etc.

rkiladitis's review

4.0

Twin sisters Maureen and Francine share a room and a life, but starting sixth grade is BIG. Francine, the more extroverted, can't wait for the chance to start meeting new people and having new experiences, but Maureen is more introverted, more hesitant. She misses dressing like her twin, and she's really not thrilled that she has no classes with her; when Francine starts calling herself "Fran", Maureen doesn't know who this alien who took off with her sister is! Maureen is also intimidated by her school's Cadet Corp, especially her instructor, Master Sergeant Lucinda Fields. Maureen, the straight-A student, is frustrated by her difficulty in getting marching in formation down and the overwhelming experience of middle school, so discovering that Francine and their parents were behind the decision to put the girls in separate classes AND enroll Maureen in Cadet Corp makes her take action: she decides to run against her sister in the race for Class President. A story of growing up and facing adolescence with all its challenges, Twins features main characters of color in a strong family and a relatable story that anyone with siblings - and close friends - will recognize. It's hard enough growing apart from one's best friend, but what happens when that best friend is your sister - and a person you share a friendship group with? I loved the story, the relationship between the sisters and the relationship between family members, the realistic frustration of sharing friends when you have a falling-out, and the challenges of taking on new experiences. Give to your Varian Johnson readers and your graphic novel fans that loved the Invisible Emmie, Becoming Brianna, New Kid, Class Act, and the Nat Enough books. 

Twins has starred reviews from The Horn Book, School Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus, and Booklist. Twins is also a CYBILS 2020 Graphic Novels nominee.

rebeshelton's review against another edition

5.0

I adored this middle-grade graphic novel! Twins Maureen and Francine are starting 6th grade at the beginning of this novel. That's already an awkward enough age. Throw in the fact that Francine wants space from Maureen, who feels left behind, and then a pretty heated competition between the two for school class president. This book will be one that I suggest to my middle-grade readers that love graphic novels! The character development was amazing and I absolutely loved how close the family is, and how connected the parents are to each other and to their children.

thenextgenlibrarian's review against another edition

5.0

Twins Maureen and Francine do everything together, including dress alike. But when they’re about to enter 6th grade, Francine decides she wants to be called Fran, starts dressing different and breaks away from the things she and Maureen used to do to forge her own path. This confuses Maureen and she tries to cling to what they used to be instead of embracing what Fran wants. This was a great MG graphic novel about individuality, change and the bond of family. Thank you Edelweiss for this ARC. All opinions are my own. This one is out October 6!

mikaxmc's review against another edition

3.0

3.5⭐️

rdyourbookcase's review against another edition

3.0

I totally confused the twins all the time and it made the story difficult to understand. (I know that in the real world, people do their hair differently every day... but in graphic novels, it's easier to keep track of characters if they DON'T change their hair.) I confused them in both looks and names. It was an interesting story with good lessons and nice art. However, it was a lot like an episode of the TV show Sister, Sister. So not bad, but not my favorite.

tiffanyturnedtotext's review

funny lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

angiedkelly's review against another edition

5.0

Wonderful graphic novel with believable twin sisters as the main characters. Their struggles with starting middle school and all that means are relatable and endearing. The parents are not pandering but realistic in their relationship with their daughters.
Highly Recommend!

msghani's review against another edition

5.0

It took me way too long to pick this one up but I inhaled it! That was so precious and surprisingly emotional. I totally get why this is such a popular graphic novel.

saidtheraina's review against another edition

4.0

Great full-color readalike for the Raina Telgemeier fans.

Maureen and Francine are heading into middle school. They are twins, but they have very different skills, personalities, and interests. They end up running against each other for student government.

Really liked the involvement of the parents, the military content (relatable for my community), and the issue-based campaigns they run. Good friendship stuff too.

Kids already pick it up, so I might not have (I try to read a variety of authors, and I've read two other books by Varian Johnson), but it was considered for our local school district Battle of the Books this year.