Varian Johnson

Ultimately heartwarming, though there’s plenty of anxious moments along the way to keep the pages turning.

I thought this was so well-constructed, since Maureen is the point of view character you are completely on board with her, convinced she’s the wronged party, only to discover it’s not so simple, there’s much more to Francine’s story as well. I loved both girls, they have plenty of depth and they’re dealing with relatable problems such as self-confidence, friendships, and show more carving out their own individual identities.

I liked that the parents have a presence in the story, the half-brother was great as well, though it really is the relationship between the sisters that made this such a memorable read, the strife and the love had a realistic feel, whether its the teddy bears and other issues of sharing a room while feuding or the lows and highs connected to Maureen’s fear of public speaking, the emotional impact on their bond is always strongly felt. show less

Twins by Varian Johnson, illustrated by Shannon Wright, is a graphic novel that captures the emotional journey of identical twins Maureen and Francine Carter as they start sixth grade. Once they were inseparable, but now the twins begin to drift apart as outgoing and confident Francine, now "Fran," seeks new experiences and friends, leaving introverted and shy Maureen grappling with self-doubt and confusion.

Through Maureen's perspective, the book explores themes of identity and growing up, show more with realistic and relatable character portrayals. Wright's illustrations bring the story to life, capturing the essence of middle school dynamics and the twins' continually evolving relationship. show less

The letter waits in a book, in a box, in an attic, in an old house in Lambert, South Carolina. It's waiting for Candice Miller.
When Candice finds the letter, she isn't sure she should read it. It's addressed to her grandmother, after all, who left Lambert in a cloud of shame. But the letter describes a young woman named Siobhan Washington. An injustice that happened decades ago. A mystery enfolding the letter-writer. And the fortune that awaits the person who solves the puzzle. Grandma tried show more and failed. But now Candice has another chance.
So with the help of Brandon Jones, the quiet boy across the street, she begins to decipher the clues in the letter. The challenge will lead them deep into Lambert's history, full of ugly deeds, forgotten heroes, and one great love; and deeper into their own families, with their own unspoken secrets. Can they find the fortune and fulfill the letter's promise before the summer ends? show less

An interesting puzzle book type adventure -- a scavenger hunt mixed with math clues that holds the unfolding story of the events in a small South Carolina town in the 1950s. Notable in many ways -- from the strong connection and context storytelling about race relations in the south in the 50s, to the well done modern storyline that kids will find accessible, to the very personable characters and the puzzling mystery, all set firmly in an African-American community. Touches on so many things show more -- fear of the police and the struggle for equal representation in city jobs, scapegoating, passing, toxic masculinity, bullying, being an ally to gay family and friends, divorce, girls' ability in math and in athletics -- it's just chock full of great stuff that can be pulled out... or not, because it's also just a really intensely readable story about a couple of lonely, book reading kids on summer vacation. Great stuff! 12 year old main characters. show less