Graphic Novel Review: Twins

 

Maureen and Francine are best friends - and twins. They do everything together. But when they start middle school, Francine starts pulling away. She doesn't want to be seen as twins; she wants to be her own individual. She starts going by Fran. Fran joins clubs and makes new friends. She also doesn't want to dress the same anymore. And she's going to run for Class President. 

Maureen's having a hard time adjusting to middle school. She's not in the same classes as her sister. It's stressing her out. Maureen's in Cadet Corps instead of gym. While she's used to being at the top of her class, she's not in tuned with the cadet drills. Her teacher suggests she try out for a leadership position and run for office for extra credit. After a major fight with her sister, Maureen signs up to run for Class President.

Now the twins are running against each other. Their parents want to support both of them and make sure they're running clean campaigns. But what happens when you know your opponent's secrets?

My Thoughts: I loved this graphic novel! I felt bad for both girls. Maureen didn't want anything to change and had a hard time with learning her twin did. Fran wanted to become her own person and not be in Maureen's shadow. While both of them hurt each other, I'm glad how things turned out. Confidence played a huge part of this book - and it's really hard to be confident in middle school when you're still learning and everything is changing so quickly. Both girls had great ideas on how to make their mark on the school and to make the school a better place. I loved the art work - the colors were bright and fun. I can't wait to read the next book to see what happens next!

Cover Thoughts: Fierce!

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: A must have graphic novel for your school and public libraries

Tween Tuesday: Times Squared

Twins Emma and Payton can't believe their good luck. They're both going to New York City for a school field trip. Emma and her mathletes will be competing in an elite tournament, while Payton and the drama club will be attending an off-Broadway show.

They couldn't be more excited - until they arrive.

All Emma wants to do is study for the math event. The competition is fierce, especially right in her class. Jazmine James isn't going to go down without a fight. Emma is soon forced into joining the drama club and their activities. Can she keep her focus long enough to sweep her competition?

Payton can't believe the star of the off-Broadway show is none other than Ashlynn from summer camp. It's her worse nightmare come true. Now, everyone will know about her Summer Slave days, unless she becomes Ashlynn's stage slave.

Through drama, math, friendship, frenemies, and boy drama, the twins barely have time to enjoy their field trip. With so much going on, could they actually be thinking of switching places yet again?

My Thoughts: The third book in this series is full of fun, humor, drama, sisters, friendship, boys, and being comfortable in your own skin. I love these books, as they're wonderful reads for tweens. I can't wait to see what kind of trouble Emma and Payton will fall into next!

Cover Thoughts:

Source: My library -reviewed also for www.teensreadtoo.com where I gave it 5 stars

Review: Take Two

Emma and Payton are still dealing with the fallout from their backfired plan to switch places. With detention in front of them, Emma can't believe her perfect record will be not-so-perfect.

Just as they go into detention, they get a reprieve. Instead of serving detention, Emma will tutor the guidance counselor own son - who is also a twin, while Payton must clean out the theater basement.

Emma's having a hard time with the twins as one boy's a math genius and the other hates math. They've heard the story of the Emma and Payton switch (who hasn't?) and they attempt to switch places several times. Emma has a hard time figuring the two boys out, which doesn't help matters, but she's determined to wipe her slate clean and become more AcadEmma.

Thus, she's giving up her new friends and her potential boyfriend to pursue her spot as the school's number one smarty-pants. Emma's not giving up the spot to anyone, especially Jazmine.

Meanwhile Payton can't believe she's not allowed to try out for the Wizard of Oz. She has the listen to rehearsal as she cleans. Plus Sydney's joined the play so she has to combat all the nasty comments that fly her way. Will she ever get the chance to shine center stage?

The twins deal with their separate lives but circumstances force them not to switch places, but to assume the other twin's identity - all in the name of good. Will they be caught...again?

My Thoughts: The second book in this series is cute. I love the emphasis on personal happiness as the twins struggle to find their own identities at a new school. Just a great fun tween read.

The Cover: Cute -with both sets of twins - the adorable girls and the mischievous boys.

Source: My Library

Up Next: Times Squared

Review; Trading Faces

Twins Emma and Payton begin their first day at a new school - one with boys no less. They're both eager to make an amazing first impression. Emma wants to known for her scholastic achievements and Payton wants to be known for her fashion sense. Emma's first day is terrible. She's going to have to prove her smarts to everyone and it's not going to easy as someone else is considered the smartest girl. Payton loves the new schools. She's already gained access to the popular girls, thanks to her new wardrobe. When she has a mishap at lunch a few days later, she can't believe she has to show her face again.

Instead, the girls decide to switch places - just for the day. They're supposed to switch back before school lets out, but things get a little out of control. Emma smooths things over the popular girls and even gives them great fashion advice when they go shopping. Plus she meets a really great guy who seems to like her. Payton signs up for a video casting project - something in which only honor students can participate.

They vow they vow not to change places again, but Ox just called Emma asking her to sit with him during the pep rally and Payton wants to be on the video project. This time, something goes horribly wrong and their plan backfire. Will anyone at school still talk to the twins or have they both committed social suicide?

My Thoughts: Super cute story about two girls finding their tastes and ideas expanding while pretending to be each other. I love the idea of having a twin and someone who take your place
for the day.

Cover: Cute - appealing and fun and totally goes with the book.

Source: My Library

Next Up: Take Two