Twin Cities

Twin Cities

(A Graphic Novel)

Paperback

Grades 3–7
Ages 8–12

FOUR STARRED REVIEWS • A critically acclaimed graphic novel with rave reviews about this timely story featuring middle school twins living on the Mexico-US border and trying to discover exactly who they are – together or apart.

“Transcendentally good.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review


Being twins means having a best friend forever . . . But when one goes to middle school in Mexico and the other across the border in California, can that bond withstand the distance? Luis Fernando is staying local in Mexicali, Mexico, while Luisa Teresa crosses the border every day so she can go to a private school in Calexico, California. As they try to embrace new experiences close to and far from home, the twins hit obstacles: like making new friends and navigating school pressure without the other one for support.  Fernando and Teresa finally have the chance to stand on their . . . isn’t that what the always wanted? 

A unique and timely story about siblings, middle school, and peer pressure from rising star Jose Pimienta, Twin Cities is at once a relatable contemporary story and much-needed window into an experience so many kids can relate to but has rarely been seen in children’s graphic novels. 

"From start to finish, Twin Cities is a superbly crafted work of art and emotion that marks Pimienta as a creator to watch." —BookPage, starred review

★ "From start to finish, Twin Cities is a superbly crafted work of art and emotion that marks Pimienta as a creator to watch." —BookPage, starred review

★ "Transcendently good." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ "Brightly colored, intricately detailed panoramas and montages convey one family’s experience living in a vivacious border community that is richer for its multitude of influences." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

★ "This graphic novel explores the relationship between young teenage twins as they traverse physical, personal, and cultural borders." —The Horn Book, starred review

ISBN 9780593180624 (Paperback)
Published on Jul 19, 2022
Published by Random House Graphic
Pages 256
Dimensions 5-1/2 x 8
Age Range 8-12 years
Grade Grades 3-7
Reading Level Lexile: GN510L | Fountas/Pinnell: Z+

ISBN 9780593180631 (Hardcover)
Published on Jul 19, 2022
Published by Random House Graphic
Pages 256
Dimensions 5-1/2 x 8
Age Range 8-12 years
Grade Grades 3-7
Reading Level Lexile: GN510L | Fountas/Pinnell: Z+

ISBN 9780593180655 (Ebook)
Published on Jul 19, 2022
Published by Random House Graphic
Pages 224
Dimensions 5-1/2 x 8
Age Range 8-12 years
Grade Grades 3-7
Reading Level Lexile: GN510L | Fountas/Pinnell: Z+

Jose Pimienta

Jose Pimienta is the acclaimed author of many graphic novels including Twin Cities and Halfway to Somewhere, both of which have received multiple starred reviews. They are the also winner of the Stonewall Award. Jose’s work with students, in both English and Spanish, has made them a great guest at many school across the US. In their stories, they focus on the importance of Latinx culture and the experience of growing up on the border.

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