Twins: A Graphic Novel by Varian Johnson is a heartwarming story about twin sisters Maureen and Francine. They are excited to start sixth grade together, but everything changes when they get assigned to separate classrooms. This creates tension between the sisters, and they begin to drift apart.
The book explores themes of identity, sibling relationships, and the challenges of growing up. It is a relatable and engaging story that will resonate with young readers.
The narrative is told through the perspective of Maureen, who feels left behind when Francine starts to make new friends in her class. This leads to Maureen feeling like she needs to change herself to fit in and be noticed.
The book also touches on issues of racial identity, as Maureen and Francine are mixed-race twins with different skin tones. Johnson sensitively explores how this affects the girls and their experiences at school.
The story is beautifully illustrated by artist Shannon Wright, with a bright and expressive art style that captures the emotions of the characters and the energy of the school environment.
The book is perfect for middle-grade readers, but it also has something for adults to enjoy. It offers a nostalgic look back at the awkwardness of adolescence, and the challenges of navigating school, friendships, and family relationships.
Johnson does an excellent job of creating fully realized characters that are easy to empathize with. The reader will feel invested in the story and will root for Maureen and Francine to overcome their differences and find a way to reconnect.
The book also features a diverse cast of characters, with a range of ethnicities, abilities, and body types. This adds depth and richness to the story and makes it feel inclusive and representative of real-life experiences.
The climax of the story is a talent show, where Maureen and Francine are forced to work together to create a performance. This provides a satisfying resolution to their conflict and shows the power of collaboration and teamwork.
Overall, "Twins: A Graphic Novel" is an enjoyable and meaningful read that offers important life lessons wrapped up in an entertaining story. It is a book that will appeal to readers of all ages and backgrounds and will leave them with a smile on their face.
Readers who enjoy this book might also like other graphic novels that explore similar themes, such as "El Deafo" by Cece Bell, "Roller Girl" by Victoria Jamieson, and "Real Friends" by Shannon Hale.
With its thoughtful storytelling, relatable characters, and gorgeous artwork, "Twins: A Graphic Novel" is a must-read for anyone who loves graphic novels, middle-grade fiction, or stories about the joys and challenges of growing up.
Details of e-book Twins: A Graphic Novel
- Author(s): Varian Johnson
- Title: Twins: A Graphic Novel
- Rating: 4.6 out of 5 base on 1789 reviews
- Publisher: Graphix; Illustrated edition (October 6, 2020)
- ISBN-10: 133823613X
- ISBN-13: 9781338236132
- Language: English
- Print length: 256 pages
- Categories: Children's Books
Readers' opinions about Twins: A Graphic Novel by Varian Johnson
Beata Shepard
The depth of character development was astounding. I felt like I knew each person intimately, understanding their hopes, fears, and dreams. It made the story so much more meaningful.
Sarah Franklin
I'm already planning to reread this book. It's one of those stories that you can revisit again and again, discovering new layers of meaning each time.
Iris Watts
This book is a work of art. The language, the imagery, the symbolism - everything came together beautifully to create a memorable reading experience.
