Twin Cities

Reach for this book when your child is navigating a major life transition that threatens their closest bonds, such as starting middle school or feeling the sting of a sibling drifting away. This graphic novel follows 12 year old twins Luis and Teresa as they begin attending school in different countries: Calexico, California and Mexicali, Mexico. It captures the bittersweet reality of growing up and the messy, necessary process of forging an independent identity without losing your roots. Appropriate for ages 8 to 12, the story tackles complex feelings of jealousy, loneliness, and the pressure to fit into new social circles. Parents will appreciate how the book validates the 'middle school shift' where childhood interests are traded for social status. It is a beautiful tool for discussing how family connections can survive physical and emotional distance, making it a perfect choice for families experiencing changes in their internal dynamics.