Graphic Novels: Invisible and Twin Cities

Invisible and Twin Cities present mind-broadening views of Latin American immigrants and nationals.

Invisible by Christina Diaz Gonzalez and Gabriela Epstein. Scholastic Graphix, 2022, 197 pages

Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10

Recommended for: Ages 8-12

The five kids who were called into Principal Powell’s office at Conrad Middle School have two things in common. One, Spanish is their first (and for some, their only) language. Two, they all participated in a before-school service program under Ms. Grouser the cafeteria supervisor. Otherwise they are distinct individuals from five different countries who didn’t previously know each other, and now they’re not even sure if they like each other. The two weeks of their service project break down the barriers between them, especially as they pool their abilities to help someone even more “invisible” than they.

Their story is an encouraging one of appreciating our differences and combining our strengths, and it ends with a suitable reward. At first it may be a little difficult to sort out characters’ nationalities and backgrounds but as each of the five takes his/her turn in telling the story, personalities come into focus. Anglo readers will gain some appreciation of the immigrant experience, and maybe even pick up a bit of Spanish.

Overall Rating: 3.75

Twin Cities by Jose Pimienta. RH Graphic, 2022, 248 pages.

Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10

Recommended for: ages 10-14

For 12-year-old twins Fernando and Teresa, middle school will bring an epic change. Teresa is the studious and serious one who aims to go to a high school and college in the US. As such, she’s transferring to a parochial school across the border in Calexico, California. Fernando is happy playing sports and video games, so he’ll remain behind in Mexicali. However, two of his best friends will be attending the same school as Teresa, so he’ll have adjustments to make to a new school as well. As they go their separate ways, cracks appear in their relationship: Teresa has to struggle at school for the first time and begins to dread the daily border crossing. Fernando begins to hang out with an older kid, Alex, who introduces him to new music, movies, and marijuana.

Twin Cities reflects the author’s experience growing up in Mexicali with siblings who attended American Schools. This is a new window on life along the border, introducing readers to middle-class Mexican families on a par with American families. The twins are not desperate immigrants but normal kids starting to make their own decisions and form their own opinions. Fernando makes some bad choices and Alex is not a good influence. But Alex, too, is more than the stereotypical cartel drug-pusher. The weed almost leads to serious trouble, warning Fernando away and leading to reconciliation with his sister, so the story resolves nicely.

Overall rating: 3.75

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Also at Redeemed Reader

• Review: Vamos! Let’s Cross the Bridge is a lively picture book drawing on the author’s childhood of regularly crossing over from El Paso to Juarez.
• Review: Beast Rider introduces older readers to a much rougher immigrant experience.
• Reviews: Other novels featuring twins: The Fowl Twins, Astrotwins, and The Lost Girl.

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