maeve_littooij's review against another edition
4.0
A beautiful story, in which, as you read, you gradually find out why she is on holiday to her grandfather in Florida.
A cute story with an important message.
A cute story with an important message.
sierra_color's review against another edition
4.0
I think this book is good for what it is, a book that introduces kids to the idea to a family member being addicted. It's good for what it is, don't get me wrong, and as a kid, if I had this I definitely would've felt more understood (due to having grown up with both a mother and grandmother who struggle with addiction to this day, thankfully Im not in that situation anymore.) but, I do wish Sunny had more character, and that we, as an audience, got more emotional moments. One book that I can think of that does the emotional impact of having an addicted loved one well is [b:Before, After, and Somebody In Between|514890|Before, After, and Somebody In Between|Jeannine Garsee|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1438738314l/514890._SY75_.jpg|17681258] it had me in tears, honestly, because I felt so understood. This book just lack that emotional depth, that heart break and frustration that happens when a person is so.. broken, and destroyed over what their love one has become. It's this sort of build up thing, that just builds and builds, before boom! It explodes, and all the emotion over comes you and you finally crack from the pressure of it all.
This book lacks that, and it's really sad, because if it had more of that it would've been great! It would've been cool to see Sunny's thoughts as abstract imagery, or to see her memories being tinted with blackness and shadows, especially the memories of her brother, but the book doesn't really do that.
BUT
I can respect the creators of this book, a brother and sister duo who've also experienced these things, and put their experiences into their work, I admire that. But, I wish there was just-- more, more to Sunny's character and more to the characters in general, but again, for what it is, it's pretty decent. I just wish their was more OOMPH to it, is all.
This book lacks that, and it's really sad, because if it had more of that it would've been great! It would've been cool to see Sunny's thoughts as abstract imagery, or to see her memories being tinted with blackness and shadows, especially the memories of her brother, but the book doesn't really do that.
BUT
I can respect the creators of this book, a brother and sister duo who've also experienced these things, and put their experiences into their work, I admire that. But, I wish there was just-- more, more to Sunny's character and more to the characters in general, but again, for what it is, it's pretty decent. I just wish their was more OOMPH to it, is all.
whitmc's review against another edition
4.0
Snagged from the "recommended" shelf at the library. Fun and quick. Meant for middle grade, although the 70s throwback was fun.
janerose123's review against another edition
4.0
Following the lives of kids whose older brother's delinquent behavior has thrown their family into chaos, Sunny Side Up is at once a compelling "problem" story and a love letter to the comic books that help the protagonist make sense of her world.
It was a great middle-grade book. I also like the Illustration and the characters:) Sunny likes comics and she is also a best friend. The conflict was great too and the end was teary
It was a great middle-grade book. I also like the Illustration and the characters:) Sunny likes comics and she is also a best friend. The conflict was great too and the end was teary
pandacat42's review against another edition
3.0
Note: I read the ARC.
It's a story that can help young people understand that sometimes families need to work through difficult situations. I thought there was such an old feel to it that I don't know that kids will relate right away. Also, the girl preaching to her grandfather about smoking and the grandfather actually quitting seemed unrealistic. As an adult, I just think he's going to start up again the moment she leaves. Not every grandparent would quit at their grandchild's chiding. Just seems to plant unrealistic expectations in children's heads to me.
It's a story that can help young people understand that sometimes families need to work through difficult situations. I thought there was such an old feel to it that I don't know that kids will relate right away. Also, the girl preaching to her grandfather about smoking and the grandfather actually quitting seemed unrealistic. As an adult, I just think he's going to start up again the moment she leaves. Not every grandparent would quit at their grandchild's chiding. Just seems to plant unrealistic expectations in children's heads to me.
emmaellis13's review against another edition
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction
blakehalsey's review against another edition
5.0
Really beautiful book about kids who have close family members dealing with substance abuse. These are important stories for kids, needed, and this one tells it gently and with hope. Reminiscent of Kate Messner's The Seventh Wish, but in graphic form!
saharafrost's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0