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Sunny #5
Sunny Makes Her Case
The New York Times bestselling SUNNY series continues as Sunny finds herself in the spotlight in a competition unlike any other...
Sunny is starting to understand the ins and outs of middle school... but she still feels more out than in. It's about classes or homework, really. No, it's the fact that most kids have a thing they do outside of class. Like football or track or cheerleading. Sunny isn't quarterback material, and her cheer attempts are... not the best. So what can she do?
When Sunny's friend Arun says he wants to start a debate club, she's not really sure what he means. Isn't debate just... arguing? Sunny's never had a problem with arguing. Arun and the advisor show her there's more to it than that -- there's also teamwork, and research, and being able to speak up in front of judges. Some of the debates are fun ones -- which is the best candy? Is peanut butter a force for evil or a force for good? But when the debate club starts to be a success, Sunny realizes she won't just be able to talk her way into winning... she'll have to make her case!
Sunny is starting to understand the ins and outs of middle school... but she still feels more out than in. It's about classes or homework, really. No, it's the fact that most kids have a thing they do outside of class. Like football or track or cheerleading. Sunny isn't quarterback material, and her cheer attempts are... not the best. So what can she do?
When Sunny's friend Arun says he wants to start a debate club, she's not really sure what he means. Isn't debate just... arguing? Sunny's never had a problem with arguing. Arun and the advisor show her there's more to it than that -- there's also teamwork, and research, and being able to speak up in front of judges. Some of the debates are fun ones -- which is the best candy? Is peanut butter a force for evil or a force for good? But when the debate club starts to be a success, Sunny realizes she won't just be able to talk her way into winning... she'll have to make her case!
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 6, 2024
245 people are currently reading
692 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer L. Holm
121 books1,723 followersJennifer L. Holm is a USA TODAY and NEW YORK TIMES-bestselling children's author with more than 9.8 million books in print She is the recipient of three Newbery Honors for her novels OUR ONLY MAY AMELIA, PENNY FROM HEAVEN, and TURTLE IN PARADISE and a Scott O'Dell Award for her novel FULL OF BEANS.
Jennifer collaborates with her brother, Matthew Holm, on three bestselling graphic novel series -- the Eisner Award-winning Babymouse series, the SUNNY series, and the Squish series. SQUISH is now an animated tv series on YouTube!
For more information, visit her website at www.jenniferholm.com.
Jennifer collaborates with her brother, Matthew Holm, on three bestselling graphic novel series -- the Eisner Award-winning Babymouse series, the SUNNY series, and the Squish series. SQUISH is now an animated tv series on YouTube!
For more information, visit her website at www.jenniferholm.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
May 8, 2025
I'm looking forward to Sunny Figures It Out :)
February 9, 2024
I think this book is one that every middle schooler needs to read. It is a reminder that everyone has their own talents and it is important to stay true to yourself. It also shows the importance of taking a first step to make the change that you would like to see actually happen. The main character, Sunny, is relatable and likable. The storyline is engaging and inspiring, and empowering. Additionally, the art is incredibly well done.
February 13, 2024
I get sad when I’ve finished one of these graphic novels, because I don’t want it to end. I want to keep reading about Sunny and her world. Love this series so much. I was walking in the park in winter reading this one while doing so. A young girl stopped me and asked what I was reading. I recommended this series to her. Hopefully I created a new fan. The time between each graphic novel, is unbearable.
September 25, 2024
This is such a cute series that follows Sunny's life journey. Here she forms a debate team with her friend and goes on to win a regional debate competition despite being so new!
The making of the team, right from the idea, to finding a mentor and learning the nuances of debating is so interestingly told.
It's very cool that this series is based on the author's own life experiences.
I'm looking forward to more in this series.
The making of the team, right from the idea, to finding a mentor and learning the nuances of debating is so interestingly told.
It's very cool that this series is based on the author's own life experiences.
I'm looking forward to more in this series.
Want to read
February 25, 2024yall this came out on my bday 😭 how perfect. this is literally my childhood
August 23, 2024
Always love Sunny!
September 9, 2025
This was fine. But really the stakes were so low it was hard to care. And the characters were all too surface-y. The art was fine and the writing was okay. This was readable and all. But kind of ho-hum.
February 10, 2024
good story
nice lessons taught
#friendship #romance #growingup
quick and fun read
her friends are cool 😍 but my friends are better 😜
nice lessons taught
#friendship #romance #growingup
quick and fun read
her friends are cool 😍 but my friends are better 😜
February 24, 2024
I love the Sunny books! My daughter introduced me to them when she was younger, and even though she has since outgrown them (or so she thinks!), I still get excited for each new book in the series.
February 26, 2024
I just realized this series is the mg version of That 70's Shows.
November 28, 2025
After enjoying the last book in this series more then I have in a while, I was very deeply hoping this one wouldn’t dip right back down-
And like, it didn’t, it wasn’t boring- but it also wasn’t particularly compelling, either.
I mostly just liked reading the debates 😅 I think they are interesting, and this book contains some entertaining debate topics. But all in all, not a whole lot does happen in this graphic novel, they kinda just debate a lot.
Oh, I did also like Tony
All in all, it still doesn’t even begin to come close to the first book- but it’s a fun read, just not a particularly meaningful one.
(This book contains a boy They also mention that her older brother Dale used to do drugs, and a show on Tv has this topic as well. I don’t believe the book contained any other sensitive content to any level, so I would give it an age rating of 7+!)
And like, it didn’t, it wasn’t boring- but it also wasn’t particularly compelling, either.
I mostly just liked reading the debates 😅 I think they are interesting, and this book contains some entertaining debate topics. But all in all, not a whole lot does happen in this graphic novel, they kinda just debate a lot.
Oh, I did also like Tony
All in all, it still doesn’t even begin to come close to the first book- but it’s a fun read, just not a particularly meaningful one.
(This book contains a boy They also mention that her older brother Dale used to do drugs, and a show on Tv has this topic as well. I don’t believe the book contained any other sensitive content to any level, so I would give it an age rating of 7+!)
May 2, 2024
5 stars. Sunny is back at school, just wanting to chill after school but her mom says she needs an activity so she doesn’t go down the wrong path like her big brother did. Athletics aren’t for her, and after her mom says she should be a lawyer since she’s good at arguing, her dream for a debate club takes off. Love all the rest, even the growing recognition of debate club victories on the school announcements. So many things to relate to from my formative years: ABC Afterschool Special, fashion & home furnishing (pics in graphic novel so cool) even the colors are like the 1970s. HoJo’s! Gramps is a hoot! Love the photo of Jenni Holm after her debate club victory!
October 23, 2024
💼 Sunny Makes Her Case 💼
🌟 (4 stars)
It's mindblowing to me that I have been invested in this series since 2015! I was 9 then! And am 18 now! I have literally grown up with this series!
I have been struggling to read this past year because of issues in my life, and just haven't been in the right head space. I went to one of my younger sister's rooms and found a few graphics I haven't read yet, including this one, the newest Sunny book! I binge read this and it was absolutely amazing!!! Perfect quick but meaningful read to help me get out of my slump!
AMAZING!!!! PERFECT!!!! CLASSIC!!!!
🌟 (4 stars)
It's mindblowing to me that I have been invested in this series since 2015! I was 9 then! And am 18 now! I have literally grown up with this series!
I have been struggling to read this past year because of issues in my life, and just haven't been in the right head space. I went to one of my younger sister's rooms and found a few graphics I haven't read yet, including this one, the newest Sunny book! I binge read this and it was absolutely amazing!!! Perfect quick but meaningful read to help me get out of my slump!
AMAZING!!!! PERFECT!!!! CLASSIC!!!!
April 20, 2024
Debate team???? She sure will become a great lawyer!!!
May 11, 2024
I love the Sunny series, and this new book about how Sunny joins the debate team at her school was a great addition to the series. Such a cute and fun read.
June 1, 2024
3.5🌟
I always enjoyed this author’s books when I was a kid and this one was just as good. I liked the art, loved the story, and it was very fast paced and entertaining. A bit cheesy but other than that it was a good read. For 8/9 and up.
I always enjoyed this author’s books when I was a kid and this one was just as good. I liked the art, loved the story, and it was very fast paced and entertaining. A bit cheesy but other than that it was a good read. For 8/9 and up.
July 27, 2024
This is a time capsule back to my own childhood- fondue parties, Gobstoppers, and Bottle Caps, no internet- life was amazing. Jenni and Matthew have done it again!
January 27, 2025
I love this series great book so good favorite book of this year so far.
July 17, 2025
This is a book that all middle school kids can identify with. Several students decide to start a debate team and have trouble getting a sponsor. When they find a sponsor, there were only two students who are interested in being on the team. Sunny likes to argue so this was a perfect club for her.
March 15, 2024
Really cute. I I loved it!
April 1, 2024
4.5 stars. My favorite in the series so far. A great read about trying new things and understanding that we all excel at different things. Lots of nuggets of wisdom tucked in this book too. I loved it!
July 9, 2025
The Sunny graphic novel series is an absolute delight, and I was shocked to realize I’d dropped the ball and missed that two new volumes were out!
In Sunny Makes the Case, Sunny is back at school and looking for an extracurricular activity. None of the options are really calling to her, and as someone who’s not super sporty, her choices feel limited. When her friend Arun suggests starting a debate club, she jumps at the idea.
The illustrations are wonderful as always, and the story is heartwarming and sweet. Grandad makes an appearance again—always a highlight for me. There’s not a lot of big conflict here; instead, the book focuses on Sunny making new friends and having fun, which is part of its charm.
In Sunny Makes the Case, Sunny is back at school and looking for an extracurricular activity. None of the options are really calling to her, and as someone who’s not super sporty, her choices feel limited. When her friend Arun suggests starting a debate club, she jumps at the idea.
The illustrations are wonderful as always, and the story is heartwarming and sweet. Grandad makes an appearance again—always a highlight for me. There’s not a lot of big conflict here; instead, the book focuses on Sunny making new friends and having fun, which is part of its charm.
April 20, 2024
I enjoy this series of books. They all remind me of my own childhood in the 1970’s. I will continue to read these books with my daughter.
August 5, 2024
This one was very positive. Sunny and her friend start a debate team at school.
November 7, 2025
Nice quick read. Even though I’m 18 I still love to read these books!!
March 1, 2024
I wasn’t unaware that there was going to be a new Sunny graphic novel, so when I caught wind of it I immediately preordered it. I received it in the mail on release day and I couldn’t wait to read it. These characters have captured my heart. They feel like a real family because so many of the stories are based on Jennifer & Matthew’s real life. The stories take place in the 70s, but they don’t necessarily feel historical because all middle schoolers deal with similar growing pains, fears, and firsts. But at the same time it’s fun to see nods to the 70s with certain candies or game shows mentioned or referenced. In Sunny Makes Her Case Sunny she realizes that sports aren’t her thing but she doesn’t know what else she can do after school. Then Sunny’s friend Arun mentions wanting to start a debate club, and the rest is history. I like how Sunny learns and grows with each new story and I think middle schoolers can relate to her feeling like an outsider trying to fit in.
February 9, 2024
Such a good book! I love Sunny and Tony’s interactions, they’re so cute.
September 29, 2023
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
After her amazing summer at the pool in Sunny Makes a Splash, Sunny is back at school. She thinks that it's perfectly reasonable to do nothing but watch The After School Special after school in her wood paneled family room, but her mother thinks she should do something else. Her friend tries out for the cheerleading squad, but since Sunny really had no knowledge of what cheer takes, she doesn't make the squad, while her friend does. She keeps running into Tony (from the pool) at school, and he's clearly interested in her, but they never get too talk very much, since she is always running late to class. Her friend Arun isn't a huge fan of sports, and he and Sunny decide to start a debate team. It's hard to find a faculty sponsor at first, but they eventually recruit a science teacher, who does a great job helping them practice. It doesn't come quite as naturally to Sunny, but she tries hard. She and Arun actually do really well, and when people at school actually notice that the school HAS a debate team, they also have Jason join. Things are fairly calm at Sunny's house; she does talk to her brother (who is stationed abroad) on the phone, and hangs out a little with her grandfather, but we don't see as much of her family. She does go shopping with her mother in order to obtain the perfect outfit for the debate: a powder blue power suit, complete with vest and a bow blouse! Because that's what girls wore in the 1970s! My power suit was rust corduroy! Sunny and her team continue to do well, and she manages to finally connect with Tony. Sigh.
I'm sorry. These books are just so evocative of my own middle school experience that I just can't review them critically! While Ms. Holm is three years younger than I am, she has made Sunny just my age. Do I even need to mention that I was on the speech team in high school?
Strengths: In addition to being a fantastic look at a particular period in history (something which the pictures in graphic novels support nicely), this is a universal story about the constant pull between academics and athletics in schools. I love that Sunny is interested in pursuing debate even though she isn't entirely sure she's good at it, and even though she knows most people in her school don't care. It is not at all surprising that Sunny tries out to be a cheerleader even though she didn't really want to-- even I went to the cheer clinics at the end of 6th grade. There was powerful social pressure in the 1970s to be a cheerleader, and most girls didn't have the background in gymnastics that they do today. I loved the search for the advisor, and the fact that the book is dedicated to two of Holm's teachers. This is a popular series in my library, so I will buy two copies.
Weaknesses: I would like to see more involvement of Sunny's family, and am voting that the next book be a road trip in a station wagon that includes the grandfather!
What I really think: This is a great examples of writing what you know and LOVE. The inclusion of a picture of Holm and the friend who was in debate with her was fun to see. Pair this with Copeland's Cub for a good look at an underrepresented era in middle grade literature.
After her amazing summer at the pool in Sunny Makes a Splash, Sunny is back at school. She thinks that it's perfectly reasonable to do nothing but watch The After School Special after school in her wood paneled family room, but her mother thinks she should do something else. Her friend tries out for the cheerleading squad, but since Sunny really had no knowledge of what cheer takes, she doesn't make the squad, while her friend does. She keeps running into Tony (from the pool) at school, and he's clearly interested in her, but they never get too talk very much, since she is always running late to class. Her friend Arun isn't a huge fan of sports, and he and Sunny decide to start a debate team. It's hard to find a faculty sponsor at first, but they eventually recruit a science teacher, who does a great job helping them practice. It doesn't come quite as naturally to Sunny, but she tries hard. She and Arun actually do really well, and when people at school actually notice that the school HAS a debate team, they also have Jason join. Things are fairly calm at Sunny's house; she does talk to her brother (who is stationed abroad) on the phone, and hangs out a little with her grandfather, but we don't see as much of her family. She does go shopping with her mother in order to obtain the perfect outfit for the debate: a powder blue power suit, complete with vest and a bow blouse! Because that's what girls wore in the 1970s! My power suit was rust corduroy! Sunny and her team continue to do well, and she manages to finally connect with Tony. Sigh.
I'm sorry. These books are just so evocative of my own middle school experience that I just can't review them critically! While Ms. Holm is three years younger than I am, she has made Sunny just my age. Do I even need to mention that I was on the speech team in high school?
Strengths: In addition to being a fantastic look at a particular period in history (something which the pictures in graphic novels support nicely), this is a universal story about the constant pull between academics and athletics in schools. I love that Sunny is interested in pursuing debate even though she isn't entirely sure she's good at it, and even though she knows most people in her school don't care. It is not at all surprising that Sunny tries out to be a cheerleader even though she didn't really want to-- even I went to the cheer clinics at the end of 6th grade. There was powerful social pressure in the 1970s to be a cheerleader, and most girls didn't have the background in gymnastics that they do today. I loved the search for the advisor, and the fact that the book is dedicated to two of Holm's teachers. This is a popular series in my library, so I will buy two copies.
Weaknesses: I would like to see more involvement of Sunny's family, and am voting that the next book be a road trip in a station wagon that includes the grandfather!
What I really think: This is a great examples of writing what you know and LOVE. The inclusion of a picture of Holm and the friend who was in debate with her was fun to see. Pair this with Copeland's Cub for a good look at an underrepresented era in middle grade literature.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews