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Winnie Nash is Not Your Sunshine
In this powerful new novel by award-winning author Nicole Melleby, 12-year-old Winnie Nash is forced to live with her grandma for the summer and finds herself torn between her family’s secrets and the joy of celebrating Pride.
Winnifred “Winnie” Nash is not a senior citizen, despite what anyone thinks of her name. And she is definitely not excited to live with her grandma in New Jersey for the summer. Not only are they basically strangers, but Winnie—who’s always known she’s gay—has been pushed into the metaphorical closet by her parents, who worry what Grandma will think. So Winnie keeps quiet about the cute girls she befriends; plays card games with seniors, which she does not enjoy; and dreams of the day she can go to the Pride Parade in New York City—a day that can’t happen when she’s hiding the truth from Grandma.
Meanwhile, her mom’s latest pregnancy is approaching its due date, and Winnie is worried it might end like the ones before, with Winnie still an only child. As she tries so hard to be an agreeable, selfless daughter, getting to NYC for Pride is feeling more and more like her only escape from a family who needs her to always smile. Winnie Nash is not your sunshine—and maybe it’s time to show the world who she really is.
Winnifred “Winnie” Nash is not a senior citizen, despite what anyone thinks of her name. And she is definitely not excited to live with her grandma in New Jersey for the summer. Not only are they basically strangers, but Winnie—who’s always known she’s gay—has been pushed into the metaphorical closet by her parents, who worry what Grandma will think. So Winnie keeps quiet about the cute girls she befriends; plays card games with seniors, which she does not enjoy; and dreams of the day she can go to the Pride Parade in New York City—a day that can’t happen when she’s hiding the truth from Grandma.
Meanwhile, her mom’s latest pregnancy is approaching its due date, and Winnie is worried it might end like the ones before, with Winnie still an only child. As she tries so hard to be an agreeable, selfless daughter, getting to NYC for Pride is feeling more and more like her only escape from a family who needs her to always smile. Winnie Nash is not your sunshine—and maybe it’s time to show the world who she really is.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published April 2, 2024
13 people are currently reading
3312 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Melleby
14 books273 followersNicole Melleby, a Jersey native, is the author of highly praised middle-grade books, including the Lambda Literary finalist Hurricane Season and ALA Notable Children's book How to Become a Planet. She lives with her wife and their cats, whose needs for attention oddly align with Nicole’s writing schedule.
Feel free to follow her on Twitter @LadyMelleby
Feel free to follow her on Twitter @LadyMelleby
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
March 28, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
Trigger Warnings: The storyline refers to multiple miscarriages of the main character's mother
Thanks to NetGalley and Algonquin Young Readers for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own
Book Description Tagline: In this powerful novel by an award-winning author, 12-year-old Winnie Nash is forced to live with her grandma for the summer and finds herself torn between her family’s secrets and the joy of celebrating Pride.
Winnie Nash. I want to hold you in my arms, you dear sweet child. It's okay not to be full of sunshine all the time. You are allowed all of your emotions.
More than anything, this middle-grade novel touches upon being our authentic selves and allowing space for our emotions. That's what made it a winner for me.
Loved Pippa and Lucia, summer friends who embrace Winnie for who she is. I have a secret hope that in their fictional world, they will always remain steadfast like that.
Did I have a problem with her parents asking Winnie to hide her authentic self? Absolutely. I did love that the entire family was looking into therapy at the end of the story. Positive mental health representation is a winner for me as a reader.
As an educator, I would find it very interesting to explore this title with a group of students.
Expected Publication o2/04/24
Goodreads Review 26/04/24
WinnieNashIsNotYourSunshine #NetGalley
Trigger Warnings: The storyline refers to multiple miscarriages of the main character's mother
Thanks to NetGalley and Algonquin Young Readers for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own
Book Description Tagline: In this powerful novel by an award-winning author, 12-year-old Winnie Nash is forced to live with her grandma for the summer and finds herself torn between her family’s secrets and the joy of celebrating Pride.
Winnie Nash. I want to hold you in my arms, you dear sweet child. It's okay not to be full of sunshine all the time. You are allowed all of your emotions.
More than anything, this middle-grade novel touches upon being our authentic selves and allowing space for our emotions. That's what made it a winner for me.
Loved Pippa and Lucia, summer friends who embrace Winnie for who she is. I have a secret hope that in their fictional world, they will always remain steadfast like that.
Did I have a problem with her parents asking Winnie to hide her authentic self? Absolutely. I did love that the entire family was looking into therapy at the end of the story. Positive mental health representation is a winner for me as a reader.
As an educator, I would find it very interesting to explore this title with a group of students.
Expected Publication o2/04/24
Goodreads Review 26/04/24
WinnieNashIsNotYourSunshine #NetGalley
April 23, 2024
Wish some things had been expanded upon more but this was still a beautiful book :).
April 12, 2024
I want to wrap queer contemporary middle grade books up in a blanket and hold them close forever. They are one of my absolute favorite genres and I knew Nicole Melleby would deliver and deliver she did.
I think this book tackles how adults sometimes, a lot of the time honestly, underestimate how many emotions the kids are feeling and how capable they are of dealing with their own emotions. We underestimate kids and their capacity for challenges or hard topics when in reality they are going through things no matter what. No matter how hard we try to shield them from our own pain, they know and hiding it only makes it harder.
Winnie's mom has pretty severe depression and it is exacerbated during pregnancy due to the fact that she's had miscarriages in the past. So when her mom is pregnant again, her parents decide that it'd be best for Winnie to spend the summer with her grandma instead of being around her mom and her depression.
The only problem with that is that Winnie's grandma doesn't know that Winnie is a lesbian and so she's been well intentionally put back in the closet. She's expected to not talk about anything going on at home and to just have a fun summer. Except that's not really possible when Winnie is aware of what's going on at home and worried. She wants to go to pride in New York City not spend her days playing cards and reading books with old people.
As the summer continues on, when he begrudgingly starts enjoying the books for book club and starts making friends with some cute girls and eventually learns how to play the card game with her grandma, but her mom is constantly on her mind. She tries to save all of her smiles and all of her laughs for her mom because Winnie knows she needs them more. As her friendships (and maybe a crush) develop, attending Pride becomes her main goal, even though it isn't likely.
This book will require some tissues and it's great for both kids and adults. I think as adults sometimes we need that wake up call that kids are always listening and are extremely capable of knowing both their own emotions and of gauging their surroundings. Shielding children from the hard things only exacerbates the difficulty.
This isn't my favorite Nicole Melleby book But I still enjoyed it a lot. It is a difficult one to get through so content warnings for forced closeting, miscarriages, and depression.
Thanks so much to Algonquin YR for the finished copy!
I think this book tackles how adults sometimes, a lot of the time honestly, underestimate how many emotions the kids are feeling and how capable they are of dealing with their own emotions. We underestimate kids and their capacity for challenges or hard topics when in reality they are going through things no matter what. No matter how hard we try to shield them from our own pain, they know and hiding it only makes it harder.
Winnie's mom has pretty severe depression and it is exacerbated during pregnancy due to the fact that she's had miscarriages in the past. So when her mom is pregnant again, her parents decide that it'd be best for Winnie to spend the summer with her grandma instead of being around her mom and her depression.
The only problem with that is that Winnie's grandma doesn't know that Winnie is a lesbian and so she's been well intentionally put back in the closet. She's expected to not talk about anything going on at home and to just have a fun summer. Except that's not really possible when Winnie is aware of what's going on at home and worried. She wants to go to pride in New York City not spend her days playing cards and reading books with old people.
As the summer continues on, when he begrudgingly starts enjoying the books for book club and starts making friends with some cute girls and eventually learns how to play the card game with her grandma, but her mom is constantly on her mind. She tries to save all of her smiles and all of her laughs for her mom because Winnie knows she needs them more. As her friendships (and maybe a crush) develop, attending Pride becomes her main goal, even though it isn't likely.
This book will require some tissues and it's great for both kids and adults. I think as adults sometimes we need that wake up call that kids are always listening and are extremely capable of knowing both their own emotions and of gauging their surroundings. Shielding children from the hard things only exacerbates the difficulty.
This isn't my favorite Nicole Melleby book But I still enjoyed it a lot. It is a difficult one to get through so content warnings for forced closeting, miscarriages, and depression.
Thanks so much to Algonquin YR for the finished copy!
May 30, 2025
I'm not sure what's taken me so long to read something by Nicole Melleby. This was such a beautiful, yet emotional read. CW: parents asking child to hide identity, multiple miscarriages.
Winnie Nash is Not Your Sunshine caught me by surprise. I went into it without reading the synopsis, so I wasn't sure what to expect. It's an emotional read that explores the need for children to be their authentic selves as well as the impact that mental health issues can have on the entire family. I appreciate the way that Melleby crafted the relationship between Winnie and her grandmother. It's rocky in the beginning filled with preconceived notions, but evolves into a place where their love and respect for each other is evident. I must say that Melleby also did an amazing job tackling the sensitive topics associated with miscarriages. It has an impact on Winnie and her family and it is the one of the many reasons why she is sent to live with her grandmother in the first place. There is a perfect balance of family issues with personal issues. This was a great read and Winnie is a character you can't help rooting for. After the experience, I'll definitely go back and explore more of Melleby's backlist.
Winnie Nash is Not Your Sunshine caught me by surprise. I went into it without reading the synopsis, so I wasn't sure what to expect. It's an emotional read that explores the need for children to be their authentic selves as well as the impact that mental health issues can have on the entire family. I appreciate the way that Melleby crafted the relationship between Winnie and her grandmother. It's rocky in the beginning filled with preconceived notions, but evolves into a place where their love and respect for each other is evident. I must say that Melleby also did an amazing job tackling the sensitive topics associated with miscarriages. It has an impact on Winnie and her family and it is the one of the many reasons why she is sent to live with her grandmother in the first place. There is a perfect balance of family issues with personal issues. This was a great read and Winnie is a character you can't help rooting for. After the experience, I'll definitely go back and explore more of Melleby's backlist.
August 23, 2023
This hit too hard
April 7, 2024
I swear that every book that Melleby writes just pulls the heart strings the whole time! So good.
February 20, 2024
one of my favorite booksof 2024 so far!! it had me crying, laughing, and a lot more crying. please read this 💗💗💗
April 12, 2024
A great queer middle grade book about a young closeted lesbian who is sent to stay with her grandma for the summer and told to keep her identity a secret. I loved how this story focused on Winnie's growth, her yearning to be who she is unapologetically and the way her relationship with her grandmother evolves over the summer!! Highly recommended and great on audio!!
May 27, 2025
Incredibly good, but it's by Nicole Melleby so that's like saying the sky is blue. I related HARD to Winnie but at the same time just wanted to hug her and tell her everything would be okay. It's so hard to be young and dealing with big, messy feelings you can't put into words and this book captures it perfectly.
July 7, 2024
Nicole Melleby is one of my favorite Middle Grade authors because she has an amazing ability to bring out the big emotions that tweens feel and allow you to feel them too. This is about Winnie, who is sent to spend the summer with her grandma. Winnie’s parents instruct her not to tell her grandmother that she likes girls, which puts Winnie into a closet she never previously occupied. Plus, Winnie’s mom is pregnant again after multiple losses, but no one will talk to Winnie about the pregnancy or the losses and the emotions they left behind. The people who support Winnie during her summer with her grandma are all amazing, and I loved the relationship that Winnie formed with Grandma herself. I also enjoyed its Jersey shore setting! I read this book in a day and loved it as much as I’ve loved all the Melleby books I’ve read!
April 17, 2024
Content warnings: parent who has had several miscarriages (central plot point), neglectful parents, forcing child back into the closet, grief, parent with depression.
Rep: Winnie (MC) is cis, white, and lesbian. Side POC characters, side lesbian characters.
I want to wrap Winnie up in a massive hug.
This book made me cry because of course it did.
Winnie has been foisted off on her grandma for the summer because her mum is pregnant again and can't deal with the stress of having her only daughter around (in case she miscarries again, so valid feeling, but still left my heart hurting for Winnie). And she's told she can't tell anyone in her grandma's town that she's lesbian, effectively shoving her back into the closet.
Winnie, is, understandably, angry, because her parents won't talk to her about anything. They've just decided that this is what is best, and that is that.
Winnie has the biggest heart - she thinks if she can save up her smiles for her mum, then her mum will never be sad again. Because when she's sad, she forgets that she has a whole other child to look after.
I know that Winnie's parents are just humans, they're doing their best, but heck I wanted to jump into the book and tell them to look after the daughter they had.
The fact that Winnie had previously ran away and her parents didn't even notice?? Makes my heart hurt.
I did love the friendships that Winnie developed with Pippa and Lucia - they were such good characters! I definitely need more of them in my life.
Anyway, this review is rambly and all over the place.
The book was fantastic.
Rep: Winnie (MC) is cis, white, and lesbian. Side POC characters, side lesbian characters.
I want to wrap Winnie up in a massive hug.
This book made me cry because of course it did.
Winnie has been foisted off on her grandma for the summer because her mum is pregnant again and can't deal with the stress of having her only daughter around (in case she miscarries again, so valid feeling, but still left my heart hurting for Winnie). And she's told she can't tell anyone in her grandma's town that she's lesbian, effectively shoving her back into the closet.
Winnie, is, understandably, angry, because her parents won't talk to her about anything. They've just decided that this is what is best, and that is that.
Winnie has the biggest heart - she thinks if she can save up her smiles for her mum, then her mum will never be sad again. Because when she's sad, she forgets that she has a whole other child to look after.
I know that Winnie's parents are just humans, they're doing their best, but heck I wanted to jump into the book and tell them to look after the daughter they had.
The fact that Winnie had previously ran away and her parents didn't even notice?? Makes my heart hurt.
I did love the friendships that Winnie developed with Pippa and Lucia - they were such good characters! I definitely need more of them in my life.
Anyway, this review is rambly and all over the place.
The book was fantastic.
April 13, 2024
The reason MG books should be written, read and hyped is found within these pages.
☀️
Winnie is angry. Her parents sent her to live with her grumpy grandmother for the summer who doesn’t want a preteen around. That’s fine with Winnie because she doesn’t want to be there either. She wants to be back home with her chatty dad and pregnant mom whose smile has dimmed a lot over the years. Before she left her parents told her not to reveal that she likes girls to her grandmother so now Winnie feels like she’s not truly herself. When Winnie meets two local girls they become fast friends, even though it wasn’t what Winnie was looking for. But as the summer gets closer to the Pride festival in NYC that Winnie really wanted to go to, she finds herself thinking about that and all the things that could go wrong with her mother’s pregnancy. When it all comes to a head, what will Winnie do?
🌈
I truly believe @nicolemelleby can do no wrong. For those who don’t think middle grade books matter or can deal with tough topics, hand them this #novel immediately. Everything from dealing with anger, being yourself, found family, depression and miscarriages, along with a wide range of issues about family and friends can all be found here written perfectly for this age group. Give it a read—it’s perfect for summer or any time!
CW: miscarriage, blood clotting, hospitalization, coming out theme, bullying, depression
4.5 ⭐️
☀️
Winnie is angry. Her parents sent her to live with her grumpy grandmother for the summer who doesn’t want a preteen around. That’s fine with Winnie because she doesn’t want to be there either. She wants to be back home with her chatty dad and pregnant mom whose smile has dimmed a lot over the years. Before she left her parents told her not to reveal that she likes girls to her grandmother so now Winnie feels like she’s not truly herself. When Winnie meets two local girls they become fast friends, even though it wasn’t what Winnie was looking for. But as the summer gets closer to the Pride festival in NYC that Winnie really wanted to go to, she finds herself thinking about that and all the things that could go wrong with her mother’s pregnancy. When it all comes to a head, what will Winnie do?
🌈
I truly believe @nicolemelleby can do no wrong. For those who don’t think middle grade books matter or can deal with tough topics, hand them this #novel immediately. Everything from dealing with anger, being yourself, found family, depression and miscarriages, along with a wide range of issues about family and friends can all be found here written perfectly for this age group. Give it a read—it’s perfect for summer or any time!
CW: miscarriage, blood clotting, hospitalization, coming out theme, bullying, depression
4.5 ⭐️
March 26, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley, author Nicole Melleby, and Algonquin Young Readers for providing me with a free ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!
I am such a sucker for queer middle grade reads!!! This one was definitely a lot heavier than others that I have read, but I think that's a good thing. Melleby has such good anxiety representation in this book, especially for pre-teens who are having really big feelings. There's a lot going on in Winnie's life, between family changes and her personal identity (though I loved that she was proudly and confidently queer the entire book!!), and it's definitely reflected through the book. I think it's great that kids, especially queer kids, can have this book for representation that everything is ~not~ always rainbows yet that is still okay. I loved seeing Winnie's relationship with her grandmother grow, as well as her friendship with Pippa and Lucia. If anything, I would have liked for there to be more of the girls' friendships present in the book. I also felt as though it wrapped up a bit too quickly for just how heavy the book was. Overall though, I really enjoyed Melleby's writing, and I definitely recommend for a diverse MG read!!
I am such a sucker for queer middle grade reads!!! This one was definitely a lot heavier than others that I have read, but I think that's a good thing. Melleby has such good anxiety representation in this book, especially for pre-teens who are having really big feelings. There's a lot going on in Winnie's life, between family changes and her personal identity (though I loved that she was proudly and confidently queer the entire book!!), and it's definitely reflected through the book. I think it's great that kids, especially queer kids, can have this book for representation that everything is ~not~ always rainbows yet that is still okay. I loved seeing Winnie's relationship with her grandmother grow, as well as her friendship with Pippa and Lucia. If anything, I would have liked for there to be more of the girls' friendships present in the book. I also felt as though it wrapped up a bit too quickly for just how heavy the book was. Overall though, I really enjoyed Melleby's writing, and I definitely recommend for a diverse MG read!!
May 2, 2025
This was the perfect book to kick off my 'Middle Grade Mayhem' challenge! Winnie is a great character, she's liked girls since she was out of diapers and hasn't ever questioned it. She's headstrong, pushing to join a senior community book club (even though she's the only kid) and just wants her family to be okay.
I was disappointed in Winnie's parents for not explaining about anything that was happening and telling her to hide her true self when shipping her off to stay with her grandma. This girl is twelve, she understands what a miscarriage is and that her mom sinks into depressive episodes. Please do better about including her and not making her feel like a burden!
Thankfully Winnie found some people she can trust and made a couple new friends. This was short and an enjoyable read.
I was disappointed in Winnie's parents for not explaining about anything that was happening and telling her to hide her true self when shipping her off to stay with her grandma. This girl is twelve, she understands what a miscarriage is and that her mom sinks into depressive episodes. Please do better about including her and not making her feel like a burden!
Thankfully Winnie found some people she can trust and made a couple new friends. This was short and an enjoyable read.
March 18, 2024
This book! This author!!! I’m so excited to check out Nicole’s backlist after reading Winnie’s story.
Winnie is staying with her grandma for the summer at her senior city community in New Jersey… where she finds her self in bookclubs and even giving Canasta a try with the seniors! But Winnie has secrets that are starting to take a toll on Winnie… especially when she meets new friends and is getting more comfortable with her grandmother.
This book dives into great discussions… miscarriage within a family, depression and the importance of of queer community. I found this one to be a breath of fresh air in the MG genre. A great pick for summer reading!
Thank you Algonquin Young Readers
Releases 4/2
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lyon.brit.A...
Winnie is staying with her grandma for the summer at her senior city community in New Jersey… where she finds her self in bookclubs and even giving Canasta a try with the seniors! But Winnie has secrets that are starting to take a toll on Winnie… especially when she meets new friends and is getting more comfortable with her grandmother.
This book dives into great discussions… miscarriage within a family, depression and the importance of of queer community. I found this one to be a breath of fresh air in the MG genre. A great pick for summer reading!
Thank you Algonquin Young Readers
Releases 4/2
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lyon.brit.A...
April 27, 2024
Winnie Nash is not YOUR Sunshine
I enjoyed the book but didn't get gaga over it. It is a coming-of-age book for a tween who is part of the LGBT community and trying to deal with coming out (at 12/13) and family crisis issues within her family.
The message was good, talk, talk, talk... but Winnie wouldn't and couldn't and seemingly was told she shouldn't. The one thing I didn't like was the Mom's friend who took Winnie to Pride without the permission of her parents. If Mom was best friends with a member of the LGBT community, she should have been more aware... this relationship did not ring true with me.
3 stars
Happy Reading!
I enjoyed the book but didn't get gaga over it. It is a coming-of-age book for a tween who is part of the LGBT community and trying to deal with coming out (at 12/13) and family crisis issues within her family.
The message was good, talk, talk, talk... but Winnie wouldn't and couldn't and seemingly was told she shouldn't. The one thing I didn't like was the Mom's friend who took Winnie to Pride without the permission of her parents. If Mom was best friends with a member of the LGBT community, she should have been more aware... this relationship did not ring true with me.
3 stars
Happy Reading!
August 13, 2023
Coming of age for a 12 year-old who has known she was gay since toddlerhood. The story is easy enough to read and the author does a good job of building the main character and her friends. However, the parents story-line is thin and under developed. The reader has to fill in some gaps of the relationships between mother-daughter and mother-grandmother.
December 21, 2025
I didn’t care for Winnie Nash at the start of this story - the never-smiling crabby girl. Then I cried in the middle and again near the end… I felt for her, her family, and even her grandma. Sweet, sad story that someone needs to read, I’m sure.
April 8, 2024
Nicole Melleby is an auto-buy author for me. The quiet strength and depth of emotion she brings to each MG book floors me.
This is a book that I hope gets into the hands of all young queer kids who are struggling with their identity, coming/being out, and opening up to people.
An added story line that hit hard was the grief/fear/confusion/hope around miscarriage. As someone who’s had a baby after miscarriage, I know that particular concoction of heavy emotions as a parent. But seeing that journey through 12-year-old Winnie’s eyes of her mother trying to have a baby after miscarriage is heart wrenching, but handled really accurately I think.
This is a book that I hope gets into the hands of all young queer kids who are struggling with their identity, coming/being out, and opening up to people.
An added story line that hit hard was the grief/fear/confusion/hope around miscarriage. As someone who’s had a baby after miscarriage, I know that particular concoction of heavy emotions as a parent. But seeing that journey through 12-year-old Winnie’s eyes of her mother trying to have a baby after miscarriage is heart wrenching, but handled really accurately I think.
February 19, 2025
thoroughly enjoyed this one and winnie’s journey!!
August 22, 2025
Solid
August 16, 2024
This is a book about feeling your emotions, treading water through the sadness, and finding the people who make you feel safe enough to share what you’re going through. I grew to love Winnie and her grandmother and it was a hopeful message. 🌈
September 18, 2024
A middle grades novel that was far more poignant and realistic than I expected! Winnie Nash has to deal with spending the summer at her maybe-homophobic grandmother's house while hiding the fact that she likes girls and that she is worried about wasting her smiles on herself because she wants to give them to her mom, who suffers from depression and has had multiple miscarriages. Plus...her family doesn't really talk about these things, so Winnie keeps everything inside. I liked the character arcs in this book; some of the pacing felt awkward, but overall, I think it's something that a lot of kids (and adults!) would benefit from reading.
July 9, 2024
I am so happy that we have reached a point where queer books for grade schoolers are becoming more common. This is a positive step for future generations, and I am deeply grateful to the authors who write these important stories.
This book was very special to me. It’s an easy read, and I believe middle schoolers will enjoy the way the story progresses and the engaging writing style. The book touches on significant themes such as mental health, depression, miscarriage, identity crisis, friendships, and more. It portrays the teenage world and their concerns exceptionally well.
I appreciated the characters, each with their own unique identities, making them relatable in different ways. However, I rated it 4 stars because I would have enjoyed a more in-depth exploration of each character’s background. For example, why did the grandma dislike the neighbor? What was Maria’s backstory? And what about her mom’s depression?
Overall, it was an entertaining and enjoyable read.
This book was very special to me. It’s an easy read, and I believe middle schoolers will enjoy the way the story progresses and the engaging writing style. The book touches on significant themes such as mental health, depression, miscarriage, identity crisis, friendships, and more. It portrays the teenage world and their concerns exceptionally well.
I appreciated the characters, each with their own unique identities, making them relatable in different ways. However, I rated it 4 stars because I would have enjoyed a more in-depth exploration of each character’s background. For example, why did the grandma dislike the neighbor? What was Maria’s backstory? And what about her mom’s depression?
Overall, it was an entertaining and enjoyable read.
March 30, 2025
This was not a bad book; it just did not quite work for me. Winnie Nash does not want to spend the summer with her grandmother or go every afternoon to the senior citizens club but her parents did not give her a choice. Her mom is pregnant again but that does not mean that Winnie will become a big sister. Multiple miscarriages have left her mother repeatedly falling into deep depressions each time, motivating Winnie to want to save all her smiles for her mom. A few other things drive the plot of this book but it's hard to become invested in the narrative because the author, unfortunately , did too good of a job making Winnie a surly, distant character who constantly pushes people away, in this case the reader as well. These types of narratives, the ones where something keeps me from being immersed, do not really work for me and end up really disappointing, especially when everything else about the novel has so much potential.
Read
May 25, 2024Good story about family, budding friendships and being true to your authentic self. A bit sad at times, especially with the family emotionally dealing with the mom's past miscarriages and current pregnancy, but ultimately hopeful (not really a spoiler, her mom's health during her "latest" pregnancy is in the jacket description).
Also, a plus that it comes in under 300 pages (not every book has to be short, but there aren't nearly enough iddle grade ones lately to offer my readers).
Also, a plus that it comes in under 300 pages (not every book has to be short, but there aren't nearly enough iddle grade ones lately to offer my readers).
February 27, 2024
~~Thank you to NetGalley and Algonquin Young Readers for the ARC!~~
3.5/5 stars rounded up.
Ugghh, this book gave me a lot of feels, but there are a couple things personally keeping me back from loving it more.
Firstly, I adore Winnie and her grandma's relationship. Their progression from near strangers to close loved ones was so sweet. Grandma's patience and kindness to Winnie's struggles throughout the story almost made me cry. The second best part of the book was Winnie's blossoming relationship with Pippa and Lucía, who both are endearing in their own ways.
My biggest grip with the book comes from the parents.
Overall, this was a good book, but some personal beliefs of mine regarding the handling of the parents held me back from fully enjoying it. I still would wholeheartedly recommend this book, as the relationship between Winnie and her grandma is stellar, and the discussion of miscarriages was done so well here.
3.5/5 stars rounded up.
Ugghh, this book gave me a lot of feels, but there are a couple things personally keeping me back from loving it more.
Firstly, I adore Winnie and her grandma's relationship. Their progression from near strangers to close loved ones was so sweet. Grandma's patience and kindness to Winnie's struggles throughout the story almost made me cry. The second best part of the book was Winnie's blossoming relationship with Pippa and Lucía, who both are endearing in their own ways.
My biggest grip with the book comes from the parents.
Overall, this was a good book, but some personal beliefs of mine regarding the handling of the parents held me back from fully enjoying it. I still would wholeheartedly recommend this book, as the relationship between Winnie and her grandma is stellar, and the discussion of miscarriages was done so well here.
April 2, 2024
Nicole Melleby's "Winnie Nash Is Not Your Sunshine" is a poignant and heartfelt exploration of identity, family, and the journey to self-acceptance. Through the eyes of 12-year-old Winnie Nash, readers are invited into a world of secrets, struggles, and ultimately, triumphs.
As the story unfolds, we are introduced to Winnie, a young girl grappling with the complexities of her family's dynamics while navigating her own emerging sense of identity. Forced to spend the summer with her grandmother, Winnie finds herself torn between loyalty to her family's secrets and the undeniable pull of her authentic self.
Melleby's portrayal of Winnie's journey is both authentic and relatable, capturing the challenges and triumphs of coming to terms with one's identity in the face of societal expectations and familial pressures. As Winnie navigates the ups and downs of her summer with her grandmother, readers are treated to a nuanced exploration of queer representation and the importance of finding community and acceptance.
One of the standout elements of the book is its portrayal of intergenerational connections and the bonds that tie families together. Through Winnie's interactions with her grandmother and her grandmother's friends, Melleby beautifully captures the power of love, understanding, and acceptance across generations.
I found myself deeply moved by Winnie's struggles with her mother's depression and the impact it has on their family. Melleby's sensitive handling of this theme highlights the profound emotional toll that adult problems can have on children, underscoring the importance of open communication and support within families.
The character of Winnie's grandmother resonated deeply with me, reminding me of my own experiences coming out to my family. Her unwavering love and acceptance serve as a beacon of hope for Winnie and readers alike, showcasing the transformative power of unconditional love and understanding.
At its core, "Winnie Nash Is Not Your Sunshine" is a story about the universal need for acceptance, belonging, and love. Through Winnie's journey, Melleby reminds us of the importance of finding community and embracing our true selves, even in the face of adversity.
In conclusion, "Winnie Nash Is Not Your Sunshine" is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant novel that speaks to the heart of what it means to be true to oneself. With its richly drawn characters, authentic storytelling, and powerful themes, it is a testament to the transformative power of love, acceptance, and the courage to be oneself.
Nicole Melleby has quickly become one of my favorite authors, and I eagerly anticipate her future works.
As the story unfolds, we are introduced to Winnie, a young girl grappling with the complexities of her family's dynamics while navigating her own emerging sense of identity. Forced to spend the summer with her grandmother, Winnie finds herself torn between loyalty to her family's secrets and the undeniable pull of her authentic self.
Melleby's portrayal of Winnie's journey is both authentic and relatable, capturing the challenges and triumphs of coming to terms with one's identity in the face of societal expectations and familial pressures. As Winnie navigates the ups and downs of her summer with her grandmother, readers are treated to a nuanced exploration of queer representation and the importance of finding community and acceptance.
One of the standout elements of the book is its portrayal of intergenerational connections and the bonds that tie families together. Through Winnie's interactions with her grandmother and her grandmother's friends, Melleby beautifully captures the power of love, understanding, and acceptance across generations.
I found myself deeply moved by Winnie's struggles with her mother's depression and the impact it has on their family. Melleby's sensitive handling of this theme highlights the profound emotional toll that adult problems can have on children, underscoring the importance of open communication and support within families.
The character of Winnie's grandmother resonated deeply with me, reminding me of my own experiences coming out to my family. Her unwavering love and acceptance serve as a beacon of hope for Winnie and readers alike, showcasing the transformative power of unconditional love and understanding.
At its core, "Winnie Nash Is Not Your Sunshine" is a story about the universal need for acceptance, belonging, and love. Through Winnie's journey, Melleby reminds us of the importance of finding community and embracing our true selves, even in the face of adversity.
In conclusion, "Winnie Nash Is Not Your Sunshine" is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant novel that speaks to the heart of what it means to be true to oneself. With its richly drawn characters, authentic storytelling, and powerful themes, it is a testament to the transformative power of love, acceptance, and the courage to be oneself.
Nicole Melleby has quickly become one of my favorite authors, and I eagerly anticipate her future works.
March 24, 2024
I was excited to find another sapphic MG book. This one definitely fell into the coming of age category and dealt with some difficult topics like miscarriages, depression, neglect, and homophobia.
I loved the voice. Winnie was very relatable, and I just wanted to give the girl a big hug and assure her she mattered and that everything would be okay. Maria, Winnie’s godmother, unofficial aunt, and the best friend of Winnie’s mother, was wonderful and the clear MVP of the story. I wish that every LGBTQ+ kid had a Maria to take them to their first Pride and offer them unconditional love and support. I also liked Winnie’s new friends, Pippa and Lucía, and the elderly Jeanne from book club who clearly was doing her best to help out a queer kid in a bad situation. Even Grandma grew on me when her true colors were finally shown.
Fair warning: Winnie’s parents were infuriating, since their obsession with trying to have a second child completely blinded them to the needs of the child they already had. The turmoil they put Winnie through was heartbreaking. While I can understand Winnie’s mother struggling to be present while dealing with depression, miscarriages, and a high risk pregnancy, Winnie’s father had no valid excuse to not pick up the slack and be there for Winnie. Forcing their lesbian daughter into the closet so they could send her to live with a grandmother they believed to be homophobic for the summer was unforgivable in my eyes. Not only was traumatic for Winnie, it could have put her safety at risk. The story also never explained why Winnie couldn’t stay with friends or Maria, go to summer school or summer camp, or even stay home alone some of the time since she was twelve.
Things do turn out mostly all right in the end. Winnie ends up forging strong relationships with her new friends and grandmother. There’s also the promise of more openness from Winnie’s parents along with possible family therapy, but I felt that was too little, too late considering everything they put Winnie through.
I received an advanced copy from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving this review
I loved the voice. Winnie was very relatable, and I just wanted to give the girl a big hug and assure her she mattered and that everything would be okay. Maria, Winnie’s godmother, unofficial aunt, and the best friend of Winnie’s mother, was wonderful and the clear MVP of the story. I wish that every LGBTQ+ kid had a Maria to take them to their first Pride and offer them unconditional love and support. I also liked Winnie’s new friends, Pippa and Lucía, and the elderly Jeanne from book club who clearly was doing her best to help out a queer kid in a bad situation. Even Grandma grew on me when her true colors were finally shown.
Fair warning: Winnie’s parents were infuriating, since their obsession with trying to have a second child completely blinded them to the needs of the child they already had. The turmoil they put Winnie through was heartbreaking. While I can understand Winnie’s mother struggling to be present while dealing with depression, miscarriages, and a high risk pregnancy, Winnie’s father had no valid excuse to not pick up the slack and be there for Winnie. Forcing their lesbian daughter into the closet so they could send her to live with a grandmother they believed to be homophobic for the summer was unforgivable in my eyes. Not only was traumatic for Winnie, it could have put her safety at risk. The story also never explained why Winnie couldn’t stay with friends or Maria, go to summer school or summer camp, or even stay home alone some of the time since she was twelve.
Things do turn out mostly all right in the end. Winnie ends up forging strong relationships with her new friends and grandmother. There’s also the promise of more openness from Winnie’s parents along with possible family therapy, but I felt that was too little, too late considering everything they put Winnie through.
I received an advanced copy from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving this review
October 26, 2024
Nicole Melleby is unmatched when it comes to exploring mental health issues, especially in middle-grade protagonists, and Winnie Nash Is Not Your Sunshine is no exception. This heartfelt novel introduces us to Winnie, a 12-year-old grappling with the weight of family secrets, the complexities of her identity, and the pressures of living up to everyone else's expectations.
Winnie is not just your average kid—she’s a sunshine baby, a term that feels both heavy and inadequate given what she doesn’t know about her mother’s miscarriages. While her parents are struggling, Winnie feels the need to ration her own happiness, saving her smiles for her mom, whose own have faded. This emotional pressure cooker is about to explode, and as she navigates a summer with her estranged grandmother, we see her wrestling with her sexuality, her family's secrets, and her yearning for freedom.
What I loved most about this book is how Melleby masterfully balances the heavy themes of grief and identity with humor and hope. Winnie is forced to keep her true self hidden, but through new friendships and supportive adults, she begins to find her voice. The journey isn’t easy, but it’s authentic and relatable, capturing the essence of what it means to grow up amid complicated family dynamics.
And let’s not forget the fabulous queer books Winnie reads throughout the summer—they’re pure gold! These moments not only serve as a reflection of her journey but also highlight the importance of representation and finding solace in stories that resonate.
In a world that often demands children to be their family's sunshine, Winnie Nash reminds us that it’s okay to have shadows, too. This book is a poignant exploration of self-discovery, resilience, and the importance of embracing one's true identity. If you’re looking for a heartfelt read that tackles important themes with grace, look no further.
Winnie is not just your average kid—she’s a sunshine baby, a term that feels both heavy and inadequate given what she doesn’t know about her mother’s miscarriages. While her parents are struggling, Winnie feels the need to ration her own happiness, saving her smiles for her mom, whose own have faded. This emotional pressure cooker is about to explode, and as she navigates a summer with her estranged grandmother, we see her wrestling with her sexuality, her family's secrets, and her yearning for freedom.
What I loved most about this book is how Melleby masterfully balances the heavy themes of grief and identity with humor and hope. Winnie is forced to keep her true self hidden, but through new friendships and supportive adults, she begins to find her voice. The journey isn’t easy, but it’s authentic and relatable, capturing the essence of what it means to grow up amid complicated family dynamics.
And let’s not forget the fabulous queer books Winnie reads throughout the summer—they’re pure gold! These moments not only serve as a reflection of her journey but also highlight the importance of representation and finding solace in stories that resonate.
In a world that often demands children to be their family's sunshine, Winnie Nash reminds us that it’s okay to have shadows, too. This book is a poignant exploration of self-discovery, resilience, and the importance of embracing one's true identity. If you’re looking for a heartfelt read that tackles important themes with grace, look no further.
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