She always smiles at me - I think she likes me. You're not supposed to eat in the library, but Mrs. She had even decided to run for class president, and was forming a campaign committee and everything. Fans of Raina Telgemeier and Jerry Craft will appreciate the Carter twins’ attempts to maneuver their way through middle school and the political process while learning to act with civility and, above all, as sisters.įrom the November/December 2020 issue of The Horn Book Magazine.But Francine wasn't right about everything. Johnson and Wright have expertly teamed up to create a relatable story for all middle schoolers, with distinct reminders - from hair bonnets to an incident of discrimination in a shopping mall - that a majority of the characters are Black. The story is told largely in Maureen’s voice (her narration appears in rectangular boxes), and judicious use of speech bubbles, white space, and varying perspectives moves this graphic novel along without being obtrusive. Known as the “talker” as opposed to the “thinker,” Francine has her own reasons for running for office, and - to the chagrin of a well-rounded cast of family and friends - a contentious political season threatens the peace in the Carter household. For extra credit, Maureen runs for president of the student council, with only one obstacle/opposing candidate in her way - Francine. Separated from her sister and core friend group, Maureen has no desire to build the self-confidence everyone claims she needs until she is threatened with a less-than-stellar grade in her Youth Cadet Corps class. Differing class schedules provide Francine with hopes for autonomy, and Maureen with anxiety. It’s the first day of sixth grade for the identical Carter twins, and while Maureen is more than content to face the year with her sister the way they always have - together - Francine is ready for a change. Intermediate, Middle School Graphix/Scholastic 256 pp.
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