Twins by Varian Johnson and Shannon Wright

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?

This was GREAT! Sure to be a hit with the Raina Telgemeier crowd and just a really sweet story about twins. I'm excited to see the full color version!

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