Calling all middle schoolers! We are nearing the end of the school year, but whichever grade you are in, do you remember your very first day of middle school? Even if you are just starting out, middle school is full of new people. experiences, teachers, it’s a whole new world! Plus, it can be overwhelming. You are finding your personality, and there are no instructions, or anything like that. No one knows how to navigate the maze of middle school. In this graphic novel, two twin girls, Maureen and Francine are entering middle school. This our first joint book review, so Neerja will tell about Francine, And Nidhi will tell about Maureen.
Francine is walking through the doors of the building, ready to be a whole new person. She is sick of being called “the Carter twins” with her sister Maureen. But middle school will be a fresh start. A new nickname; Fran, and a new schedule without every single class with her sister should be enough for others to tell them apart. Now, she can sing her heart out in chorus, and make a bunch of new friends, and even run for 6th grade president! She is tired of being compared to her sister. Maureen was the thinker, and Francine was the talker. Maureen won all the prizes, and even was ranked #1 in 5th grade! Francine wanted to do that too. She didn’t want tutoring or being ranked #10 or always coming in second place to her sister. She wanted to be her own person. She wanted to be good at things. And the things she was good at, like talking to others or public speaking, no one ever recognized her for that. But, if she runs for student council-president-and wins, maybe people will love her for who she is.
Maureen Carter is NOT excited for middle school. New schedule, new classes, first lunch?! Why did fifth grade have to end? But that’s not even the worst part. Not only does she have to march and learn drill in Cadet Corps, she only has TWO classes with her sister! Maureen has never done anything without Francine. They slept in the same bed on the road trip to Florida, have never not shared a room, and have always been in the same class. But now FRAN wants to do things a different way. She doesn’t want to be recognized as the same person. But Maureen still has her flaws. Sometimes, she wishes she was the talker, and didn’t have to sit alone at lunch. And sometimes, she wishes she could make friends with a rock, and know every middle schoolers name by the time September ended. But when Maureen’s Cadet Corps leader points out that she may be smart and kind, but is sorely lacking in self-confidence, Maureen throws caution at the wind. She runs for student council. And not just treasurer or secretary, but president. But if Maureen can speak up, showcase her good ideas, and even win, maybe she won’t be so invisible anymore.
When Francine finds out that Maureen is the only competitor for president she is not happy. Now that she has to run against her for 6th grade president, against her own flesh and blood, things are not smooth. Through the two weeks up to the election, can Fran and Maureen mend their relationship? Or will things be rocky forever? Read the book to find out!
📚📚📚📚📚-Your new favorite book!
-Neerja and Nidhi, your favorite book reviewers!