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4saradouglas's review against another edition
4.0
I liked it. It gives a glimpse of life in the 70s, the bicentennial, grandfather/granddaughter relationships, old people, girls reading comic books... lots of things I don't see a lot of in other literature. I still think graphic novels are too short, but there's a definite beginning and end here and it makes a good point.
hnbb's review against another edition
4.0
I wanted to get my middle school age daughter a book at the book fair. (I did not know until recently that they still had book fairs in Middle School.) I enjoy the Baby Mouse books by this brother and sister team, so I thought this graphic novel would be just as fun. It is set in the 1970s and kinda fun. However, there is a dark undertone that I did not expect. I am glad I read it and can discuss it with my sensitive daughter. I am not sure if it would spoil the book, so I will just say that it handles a heavy topic in a tasteful way. It is told realistically from a 10 year old's point of view.
kaelino's review against another edition
4.0
This book was so sweet. I enjoyed the dynamic between Sunny and her grandfather perhaps best of all. Also appealing was the color palette chosen by Lark Pien, who uses mostly soft pastels that actually fit well with the setting of the story--sunny Florida. I think of homes in Florida, particularly elderly people's homes, as having a lot of pastel colors, the peaches and light blues. I don't know whether or not the colors were chosen for this purpose but it worked for me.
The story is pretty simple: a girl goes to spend the last month of summer (1976) with her grandfather and by periodic flashbacks we learn the reason why. Sunny is a typical young girl trying to make friends and find something to do while temporarily displaced from her home. She feels isolated and confused but soon meets Buzz, a boy who introduces her to comic books and the rather lucrative business of retrieving golf balls from the course where the retirees play. She struggles with
L0 memories she has of her family as well as a secret her grandfather is keeping. The authors handle some serious subjects well without being too adult or explicit, making this graphic novel a suitable choice for young readers. Older readers might enjoy the 70's references and clothing. An extra bonus for me was that this story takes place not far from where I live, so I enjoyed the Florida references as well.
The story is pretty simple: a girl goes to spend the last month of summer (1976) with her grandfather and by periodic flashbacks we learn the reason why. Sunny is a typical young girl trying to make friends and find something to do while temporarily displaced from her home. She feels isolated and confused but soon meets Buzz, a boy who introduces her to comic books and the rather lucrative business of retrieving golf balls from the course where the retirees play. She struggles with
L0 memories she has of her family as well as a secret her grandfather is keeping. The authors handle some serious subjects well without being too adult or explicit, making this graphic novel a suitable choice for young readers. Older readers might enjoy the 70's references and clothing. An extra bonus for me was that this story takes place not far from where I live, so I enjoyed the Florida references as well.
alboyer6's review against another edition
5.0
A wonderfully done book for those who are fans of Smile or Sisters. And much like those two, semi-autobiographical as well. Great for kids looking for realistic graphic novels or for someone who may be dealing with substance abuse in the family.
xsleepyshadows's review against another edition
3.0
Great book for junior readers. I think the art in this book is just good but I believe the message of this book is powerful and is what makes the book worth to read. I love the connection sunny makes with comic books and how she slowly starts to connect with her grandfather and his retirement home friends. It has a message that kids should be addressed to honestly, especially complicated situation with loved ones. I think we can all connect to this great story. ~Ashley
sailorkchick's review against another edition
4.0
This graphic novel takes place in the 70's and is told from the perspective of Sunny who is a young woman sent to live with her Grandpa in Florida for the summer.
The book subtly talks about how family member's drug problems might cause conflicting feelings in younger siblings. And how staying silent/ignoring the problem isn't always helpful.
The book subtly talks about how family member's drug problems might cause conflicting feelings in younger siblings. And how staying silent/ignoring the problem isn't always helpful.
jwinchell's review against another edition
5.0
From the creators of Babymouse and Squish, Sunny Side Up is a lovely, endearing, and quality graphic memoir about being a kid, feeling vulnerable, and finally unburdening your secrets to get adult support and insight. Loved it.
aoosterwyk's review against another edition
4.0
Connections can be made for readers with problematic older siblings, new babies in the house, visiting grandparents, drug and alcohol problems in the family, comic books, superheroes, or anyone who loves the great brother and sister, Holm partnership.
antisocial_auntie's review against another edition
5.0
Dealing with young girl that has a family member with a drug addiction, but is kept out of the loop.