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?

Varian Johnson is the author of several novels for children and young adults, including The Parker Inheritance, which won both Coretta Scott King Author Honor and Boston Globe/Horn Book Honor awards; The Great Greene Heist, an ALA Notable Children’s book and Kirkus Reviews Best Book; and the graphic novel Twins, illustrated by Shannon Wright, an NPR Best Book.

Varian was born in Florence, South Carolina, and attended the University of Oklahoma, where he received a BS in Civil Engineering. He later received an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts, and is honored to now be a member of the faculty. Varian lives outside of Austin, TX with his family.

Shannon Wright - 

I'm an illustrator and cartoonist based out of Richmond, Virginia. Some of my clients include The Guardian, TIME Magazine, NY Times, Mother Jones, NPR, Google and Scholastic. My debut graphic novel, TWINS, is out on shelves.

I make personal and original stories invoking nostalgia rooted from my own childhood and life around me, but ultimately, I like capturing joyous moments.

For more information about Varian Johnson, visit his webpage.

For more information about Shannon Wright, visit her webpage

Votes cast for each title:

Twins                                                                               1384

Midnight at the Barclay Hotel                                      1040

Curse of the Night Witch                                                864

Cleo Porter and the Body Electric                                 647

Clean Getaway                                                                 527

Planet Omar: Accidental Trouble Magnet                   524

Stand Up Yumi Chung                                                    511

Show Me A Sign                                                              406

One Last Shot                                                                  375

Isaiah Dunn is my Hero                                                  296

Lupe Wong Won't Dance                                                270

Ana on the Edge                                                              243

 Thank you to everyone who read and voted!

2023 Sasquatch Award Nominees