Reviews

Twins: A Graphic Novel, Volume 1 by Varian Johnson

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conceptuallysound's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted reflective relaxing fast-paced

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

4.0

lzprsn's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful fast-paced

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

4.5

mdevlin923's review against another edition

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4.0

Maureen and Francine Carter are twins and best friends...but when they start middle school, Francine doesn't only want to be known as one of the "Carter twins". As each girl tries to navigate middle school and find their own hobbies and friends, they have some bumps in their friendship. However, their relationship becomes even more strained when they both run for class president. Both girls need to find the confidence they need to run, and the empathy and love to support one another.

A cute story about the competition that exists between siblings...but it also touches on many experiences new middle schoolers have. I thought it was incredibly important that throughout the story (even if Maureen and Francine were having fights) the family was always supportive and loving. It's almost like a younger version of The Crossover by Kwame Alexander.

mariahistryingtoread's review against another edition

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5.0

A tale of two sisters who are shaken up by the growing pains of getting older that plague us all.

Varian Johnson is a twin, and I felt this reflected well in the story. I do not have a twin, but a younger brother and it felt authentic to siblings while maintaining its own distinct perspective due to the unique dynamic of twins.

I loved how it managed to invest me in Maureen and Francine's sides of their divide even while being from Maureen's point of view. Both had points, both were wrong, both needed to learn their lesson. There was only a singular instance where on sister - Francine - was flat out 100% wrong. Even so, Maureen was hurting an innocent party in relation to this mistake that helped to keep the story balanced. Ultimately, they are kids navigating their world for the first time. They are going to screw up. What matters is that they don't let themselves become totally blind to their love for one another.

The art was wonderful. I love seeing more Black girls in graphic novels as main characters especially ones that feel genuinely Black and are not just reskinned white characters. The colors were bold, the designs charming and the characters beautifully expressive.

Another fantastic addition to Varian Johnson's bibliography. This is the third book I have read by him and he continues to be one of my favorite middle grade authors to date.