Plot Summary

Three Black Swans

Caroline B. Cooney
Guide cover placeholder

Three Black Swans

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2005

Book Brief

Caroline B. Cooney

Three Black Swans

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2005
Book Details
Pages

276

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York • Contemporary

Theme
Publication Year

2005

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

HL650L

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

In Caroline B. Cooney’s suspenseful, middle-grade novel Three Black Swans, Missy and her cousin Claire's school project accidentally reveals that they are actually twins, leading to the discovery of a third triplet, Genevieve, and uncovering a long-kept family secret that changes everything they thought they knew about themselves. Includes themes of adoption and family separation.

Mysterious

Emotional

Suspenseful

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

3.9

1,890 ratings

51%

Loved it

33%

Mixed feelings

17%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Three Black Swans by Caroline B. Cooney presents an engaging exploration of identity and family secrets, capturing readers with its suspenseful narrative and relatable characters. However, some critics note that the pacing occasionally falters, and a few plot twists seem improbable. Overall, it’s a compelling read with strong emotional impact.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Three Black Swans?

Readers who enjoy Three Black Swans by Caroline B. Cooney are typically young adults intrigued by suspenseful dramas revolving around family secrets and identity. Fans of Laurie Halse Anderson’s Speak and Sarah Dessen’s Just Listen will appreciate the emotional depth and complex relationships presented.

3.9

1,890 ratings

51%

Loved it

33%

Mixed feelings

17%

Not a fan

Fun Facts

Caroline B. Cooney, known for her suspenseful and riveting young adult novels, initially gained fame with her The Face on the Milk Carton series, which deals with themes of identity and family secrets, similar to Three Black Swans.

Three Black Swans blends real-world drama with psychological elements, a common theme in Cooney's writing, showcasing her ability to capture complex emotional narratives centered around families.

Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!

The book's exploration of twinning and identity intricately contributes to Cooney's extensive body of work in young adult fiction, which often places teenagers in extraordinary situations.

Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!

Book Details
Pages

276

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York • Contemporary

Theme
Publication Year

2005

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

HL650L

Buy This Book

We’re just getting started

Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!