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Coretta Scott King Honor author Varian Johnson teams up with rising cartoonist Shannon Wright for a delightful middle-grade graphic novel!
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?

256 pages, Paperback

First published October 6, 2020

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Varian Johnson

30 books356 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 828 reviews
Profile Image for Alice Oseman.
Author 95 books92.6k followers
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October 7, 2020
I was lucky enough to be on a panel with Varian and Shannon earlier this year so I was very excited to read this! Such a fun and heart-warming graphic novel about two twins navigating middle school and forming their own identities, figuring out how to be individuals and not just 'twins'. The story spotlights young Black teens not only in its two protagonists but also in its supporting cast, which is really wonderful to see and something MG/YA graphic novels need more of!
Profile Image for Carmen.
2,025 reviews2,426 followers
September 24, 2022
But Francine wasn't right about everything. She was always the more popular one. The talkative one. She could make friends with a rock. She had even decided to run for class president, and was forming a campaign committee and everything. You're not supposed to eat in the library, but Mrs. Colbert hasn't said anything yet. She always smiles at me - I think she likes me. Or maybe she just thinks I'm Francine. pg. 39



This was a pretty good book about two twins entering the 6th grade together. Although they are identical in appearance, the girls are pretty different. Francine is the talkative one, the social one, the outgoing one. Maureen is the more fearful one, the one who wants to stay with her sister all the time, the one who gets the best grades and the one who is the main character of the book.



In the beginning, we learn that a 'computer error' made it so that the girls aren't in all the same classes this year. Francine is thrilled with this, Maureen is nervous and upset. Maureen has also been enrolled in ROTC or whatever version of ROTC exists in this universe.



The whole thing kind of blows up on page 62 when Maureen finds out from her Master Sergeant that her parents told ROTC to enroll her and it all comes out that there was no 'computer glitch' and that Francine begged her parents to put her in classes without Maureen in an attempt to separate her from her sister. Francine and Maureen fight and Francine says some choice mean things to Maureen that make her feel like shit.



After that, Maureen goes for president of student council, a position she KNOWS Francine is wanting and gunning for. Things devolve from there.
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Good book. Both Francine and Maureen are fully fleshed out, even the side characters are pretty developed. Everyone in the book is flawed, which I think is to its benefit. The girls are flawed, the parents are flawed. Everyone involved makes some bad decisions and has to suffer blowback for them. No one is a saint or exactly 'in the right' in this book, you can see things from everyone's perspective.

Despite a lot of conflict on a lot of fronts (not only sister vs. sister), no one in the book is a bad person. They all care about each other, but make mistakes and sometimes cause each other pain. I liked that everyone was basically a good person, though flawed. There are no 'bad guys' in this book.

I like the blended family - the girls have an older half-brother from their dad's previous wife. He doesn't live with the girls but he's still a part of the family and a part of their lives.

The book doesn't have any romantic or sexual leanings. Besides commenting on how cute an older boy in the ROTC is, there's no romantic slant at all. Johnson does state in the book that gender is a construct and Curtis (the older brother) teases her about having boys in her room, but then checks himself and teases her about 'having a thing' for her friend Amber. He doesn't want to assume she's straight / going to be a straight girl. And what is he keeping in his top dresser-drawer that the girls are so freaked out about? It's never explained. My adult-brain immediately assumes it's porn, but I could be wildly off-base.

TL;DR Actually a great book. Nuanced, good character development. Pretty realistic and messy, which I appreciate. Everyone is basically a good person, despite hurting others on occasion. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to children and parents. Suitable for elementary kids.

NAMES IN THIS BOOK:
Profile Image for Bookishrealm.
3,241 reviews6,434 followers
August 9, 2021
I've had my eyes on Twins since last year and I never got the chance to read it. I'm so happy that I finally did and it was a clear reminder of why I love middle grade graphic novels so much. The art is always fantastic and the storylines really capture the experience of their target audience. Johnson's work was pure perfection and I'm not surprised that so many readers already love this story.

Twins is about a Maureen and Francine, twin sisters headed to the sixth grade. The two are used to do doing everything together until Francine ends up in several classes and lunch without Maureen. As a result, Maureen has a difficult time adjusting and finds herself lacking the confidence needed to make new friends. As a way to get her grade up in her student cadet class, Maureen is encouraged to apply to run for student council. Unfortunately, Francine was already running for student council and the two find themselves at odds. Johnson, a twin himself, really captured the emotions behind what it's like to have a sibling that's also a twin. Maureen and Francine were definitely used to doing everything together, but it was time for them to figure out who they were without the identity of being a twin. Throughout the graphic novel, they struggle with finding the balance of being an individual, but also maintaining that closeness that they have as sisters. Not only do they have to find that balance, but they also begin to recognize that even as twins there will be feelings and experiences that they can't share. Honestly, I wasn't sure how Johnson was going to pull it all together, but it worked out beautifully.

Outside of the character development of Maureen and Francine, there are some interesting subplots that deal with friendships, possibilities of romantic relationships, self-confidence, and even some heavy social topics like racial discrimination. Johnson did an amazing job finding a balance with all of these topics while also making them feel realistic. They are scenarios that are true to the sixth grade experience. And these experiences were not kept exclusive to Maureen and Francine; readers get the opportunity to see some of these themes play out with secondary characters. Everything about the plot was well-balanced and wrapped up very nicely in the end.

The artwork by Shannon Wright was exquisite. It gave me that middle grade graphic novel feel while staying true to the representation that was needed for the characters. From hairstyles to outfits to complete splash pages, Wright brought the story together. This is one of those graphic novels that I wish I would have had access to as a child. I know it sounds repetitive, but being able to see yourself displayed in such positive and beautiful art is so important. I loved the bright color palette choices used throughout the graphic novel. Wright also did an excellent job distinguishing one twin from the other. I was afraid that because they were identical readers would struggle knowing who was who, but it was brilliantly done.

Honestly, if you haven't read this graphic novel yet I definitely recommend checking it out as soon as possible.
Profile Image for Katy O..
2,978 reviews705 followers
December 7, 2020
If you know a 3rd - 6th grader who loves realistic fiction graphic novels, THIS is the book they need this year ❤️ one of my favorites ever!
Profile Image for Ms. B.
3,749 reviews76 followers
December 11, 2021
Even though this story about twins Maureen and Francine who run against each other in the 6th grade class election is set in a middle school, this will a good book for elementary school students who like realistic graphic novels.
Profile Image for Ms. Woc Reader.
784 reviews901 followers
January 18, 2021
This graphic novel is super cute. And I think this would actually be great for reluctant young readers who struggle to stay focused on chapter books.

Twins follows twin sister who are starting middle school and branching out to be their own separate people. While Fran is all for being seen as an induvial Maureen is reluctant and struggling. This book features common middle school struggles like new friends, crushes, not being the best in class, etc. I also liked the family dynamic which not only consisted of the girls but also a much older half brother from their father's previous relationship. Blended families are very common and I appreciate when books highlight them.

The artwork in this is beautiful and very expressive. Readers will be quickly able to identify which twin is which.
Profile Image for Danielle.
Author 2 books267 followers
December 24, 2020
A DELIGHTFUL story about sisters. Maureen and Francine discover how to differentiate from one another, shakily at first, and that even though they're twins and best friends, there's always more to learn and understand about one another.
Profile Image for Rod Brown.
7,352 reviews281 followers
December 20, 2020
Coming into this, I was a bit burned out on twin sister stories where one is the introvert and the other is the social butterfly having read Rainbow Rowell's Fangirl and Fangirl, Vol. 1: The Manga just last week and yesterday. So I was slow to warm up to Twins, but the characters and solid writing and art of this middle school drama won me over.

As in Fangirl, a rift opens up between twin sisters when the outgoing one wants more independence, leaving the shy one to flounder on her own as she tries to figure out who she is without her twin/crutch. A marching drill class (Like ROTC for middle school as an alternative to PE; is this really a thing?) and a class election provide the prompting she needs to break out of her shell. Unlike Fangirl the story moves along quickly and wraps up in half the pages (or a quarter of the manga series).

I would like to see a sequel or something else from the same team.
Profile Image for Jessica.
Author 26 books5,912 followers
October 1, 2021
It's hard to step out of the shadow of a sibling, it's hard figuring out middle school, and who you are as a person, and navigating friendships. Now imagine that the sibling whose shadow you're in is your identical twin! Now imagine that they feel the same way about you!

This was fabulous. Varian (an identical twin! and all around great guy!) brings his twin sight into this story about Francine and Maureen, their first year of middle school, and the trials and tribulations thereof. Shannon's illustrations were fabulous, I can't believe this was her first graphic novel. Not only was the art great, but the organization and presentation were perfect.

Just an all around perfect book about family, friends, and growing up!
Profile Image for Katrina Reeves.
52 reviews3 followers
July 31, 2022
Not necessary to include your ideas about gender and homosexual relationships when you are writing to elementary age students. Quit shoving your false ideologies down our children’s throats. Let them discover their true identities without your biased and unscientific opinions. Gender is simple biology.
Profile Image for Steph.
5,386 reviews83 followers
August 8, 2020
Finding myself with an early copy of one of the most anticipated middle grade books of the fall was a dream come true in itself, but reading it & falling in love with this sister duo via graphic novel form was a huge bonus. Preorder TWINS by @varianjohnson & @shannondrewthis- out 10.06.20!
Profile Image for Afoma (Reading Middle Grade).
751 reviews464 followers
March 12, 2021
Varian Johnson’s new graphic novel is simply a delight! I loved following Maureen and Francine — and am really hoping we get a few more books about them. I would love to follow them all the way to high school! Twins is a sensitive look at the search for identity especially common for identical twins who want to be their own person while still preserving their unbreakable bond with their closest relative and friend. This book also highlights common middle school struggles, crushes, and navigating life in a blended family, but the main theme is the joy of sisterhood. I would highly recommend it to graphic novel lovers and rookies alike — it reads beautifully on an iPad too!

Read my full review on my blog.
Profile Image for Hilda.
1,321 reviews290 followers
December 26, 2020


This comic was everything I didn't even know I needed. I know I say this a lot, but it’s true. I was expecting something completely different. I was expecting a silly battle between twins. I got so much more. It was a coming of age story. It was a web of family secrets! Buahahaha!! Not that dramatic. They were all white lies. All told to “protect” the other family member. But at the end of the day any secret no matter how well intentioned is still a secret and hurts. It was wholesome and sweet. It also talked about some strong middle school problems like, who do you sit with during lunch? Little small things that make middle school a scary emotional place. I also loved the teachers.

I can’t wait for my students to read it. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Colleen Oakes.
Author 18 books1,456 followers
July 9, 2021
While I normally read only earth-shattering graphic novels that land on Best of Year Lists, I grabbed this one on a whim and I'm glad I did. It was adorable and sweet, and while it didn't have the emotional punch or depth of New Kid, Hey Kiddo or Scattered Stars, it was a instead a light-hearted, delightful and well-constructed middle grade graphic novel with art to match.

Highly recommend for the middle grade reader in your life.
Profile Image for AC.
342 reviews9 followers
April 21, 2021
Reading Children’s literature is sometimes soooo wildly head turning and this was one didn’t disappoint.

Having a story about twins that isn’t about them being matchy or the same is one thing, but having one where they have real life challenges including fitting in, getting along with each other, struggling at something outside of your comfort zone, and more is a whole new level. This book wonderfully portrays those first few weeks of a new school level where you literally have idea how anything works and your teachers are constantly reminding you that “this isn’t [insert the elementary, middle, or high school you just left]” which isn’t really helpful cause YOU JUST GOT HERE, how could you know?

Additionally their family has depth, they support Maureen and Francine without being invasive or manipulative, but ultimately the parents make mistakes. Many in fact and they have to apologize and make amends for those mistakes. This book has so much depth, comedy, and a wonderful portrayal of complex emotions. Not to mention a microaggression moment in the mall that I FELT for the girls involved and I loved seeing a white presenting person saying something in the moment, showing what it looks like to be a comrade for people of color.

I just really loved this and while it did talk a lil about having crushes on people at school (and even had a moment or two where it was obvious it didn’t have to be a girl liking a boy), I preferred that the main focus was on Maureen and her relationship with Francine and what sixth grade can feel like.

I just loved Maureen and Francine and their Venus and Serena teddy bears.
Profile Image for Melanie Dulaney.
2,248 reviews142 followers
June 10, 2022
Prose writer Varian Johnson (award-winning “Parker Inheritance” and others) teams up with artist Shannon Wright (picture book illustrator) in their debut graphic novel! Francine and Maureen are identical twins who have always done everything together. But sixth grade brings unexpected and very different class schedules for the girls, followed by differing interests and their own friends. When Maureen discovers that not sharing all classes was a private request made by Francine, now known as “Fran,” she lashes out. The resulting separation and resolution follow a reasonable plot progression, but don’t for a second think that means the storyline is dull. Far from it! Middle grade readers who enjoy Craft’s “New Kid” and “Class Act,” Chmakova’s Berrybrook Middle School series, or Libenson’s Emmie & Friends series will be forming a line to get their hands on this one. Librarians and teachers will welcome the absence of sexual content and profanity and those striving to represent BIPOC populations will appreciate this addition to their collection and the way that Johnson includes at least one instance of racial stereotyping in a way that does not feel contrived or “preachy.” This is a must-have for robust graphic novel collections for any reader or library. Thanks for sending me a copy of this excellent book, Amazon Vine.

A 2022-2023 Texas Bluebonnet Award nominee
Profile Image for Melki.
7,282 reviews2,609 followers
August 31, 2021
"Aren't you tired of being the Carter twins? Don't you want to be your own person?"

Here's a multiple choice question.

Middle school is tough enough without:

a) Having your twin sister ditch you in her attempts to become her own person

b) Having your twin sister cling to you instead of standing on her own two feet



How you answer depends on whether you are Francine or Maureen - twin sisters who are having a tougher time at school than many of their classmates.

Things are rough for a while, but sisterhood is a powerful force, and there's a happy ending for all. A great choice for fans of Raina Telgemeier and Shannon Hale.
Profile Image for Kristen.
1,355 reviews80 followers
February 7, 2021
Fun story about the first year of middle school and twins trying to find their places. Full of friendship, crush, and school election drama. Hand this to fans of the graphic novels of Raina Telgemeier, Shannon Hale, or Jennifer Holm.
Profile Image for Mary Lee.
3,261 reviews54 followers
July 11, 2020
I'm predicting that this book will not stay on my shelves! The competition between the twin sisters, the family dynamics, the middle school fears...it is all very relatable.
Profile Image for Lesley Burnap.
479 reviews10 followers
November 27, 2020
Middle is school is terrifying enough, but without your twin sister by your side? Great story for learning about the pitfalls and rewards from gaining independence from your family.
Profile Image for Renata.
2,918 reviews433 followers
February 5, 2021
OK this is great, the art is adorable and it is easy to both 1) tell Francine and Maureen apart but also 2) tell that they are identical twins. I think a lot of tween readers will find this sibling rivalry really relatable and it's easy to symphatize with both twins and to see how it would be hard to be both "the smart shy twin" and "the outgoing, friendly [but less smart] twin".

one lil quibble I have is that I kind of wish the activity that made Maureen start to get out of her shell was JROTC? Like I know that is a thing and I guess even some middle schools have it (though I've seen it more in high school)? IDK, I guess it's something that will be of interest and relatable to some readers but also what can I say, I'm a leftie uncomfortable with the military-industrial complex being marketed to children
Profile Image for Raina.
1,718 reviews163 followers
September 28, 2023
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.
Profile Image for Lindsey Stoddard.
Author 6 books216 followers
Read
April 5, 2021
I love these sisters so much! Wonderful, real, and had to keep reading!
Profile Image for Heather.
274 reviews5 followers
November 23, 2020
Lucy grabbed this from me before I had the chance to read it. She sat and read the whole thing in a day (she's 7), we couldn't pull her away. She was excited to talk to me about it. I read it a couple of days later. When she saw me reading it she told me, "don't take that back yet because I want to read it again". It was awesome.
Profile Image for Cathlin.
Author 11 books59 followers
March 20, 2020
Got this arc at NTTBF and can't wait to get back time school, so I can share it with my students. I realistic look into how kids grow and change, seeking an identity of their own along with the trials and tribulations of sibling rivalry and what its like to be a twin.
Profile Image for Laura Gardner.
1,804 reviews125 followers
September 11, 2020
hanks to @scholasticinc for the free ARC to share with #kidlitexchange ! This new graphic novel by @mrvarianjohnson comes out 10/6!
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It's hard to differentiate yourself from your siblings, but even harder when that sibling is your identical twin. Maureen and Francine Carter have always been twins and best friends, but now that middle school is starting, Fran is pulling away from her sister by dressing differently, taking different classes, and going by a new hip name. Maureen is confused -- why does Fran not want to be known as the Carter twins anymore? When Fran announces she's running for class president, Maureen decides to run for, as well...for the same position. Suddenly the sisters aren't just pulling apart, but actively fighting each other at home and school.
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This is a fabulous, fun graphic novel that addresses sibling relationships, the special bond that twins have, as well as issues around identity and self confidence. Varian Johnson writes from experience -- he is a twin, too! I'm excited to see that this will be a series; I can see lots of my students loving it. 🤩
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