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Saving Sunshine
From Saadia Faruqi and Shazleen Khan comes a relatable, funny, and heart-wrenchingly honest graphic novel about Muslim American siblings who must learn how to stop fighting and support each other in a world that is often unkind.
It's hard enough being a kid without being teased for a funny sounding name or wearing a hijab.
It's even harder when you're constantly fighting your sibling―and Zara and Zeeshan really can't stand each other. During a family trip to Florida, when the bickering, shoving, and insults reach new heights of chaos, their parents sentence them to the worst possible fate―each other’s company! But when the twins find an ailing turtle, it presents a rare opportunity for teamwork―if the two can put their differences aside at last.
It's hard enough being a kid without being teased for a funny sounding name or wearing a hijab.
It's even harder when you're constantly fighting your sibling―and Zara and Zeeshan really can't stand each other. During a family trip to Florida, when the bickering, shoving, and insults reach new heights of chaos, their parents sentence them to the worst possible fate―each other’s company! But when the twins find an ailing turtle, it presents a rare opportunity for teamwork―if the two can put their differences aside at last.
224 pages, Paperback
First published September 5, 2023
15 people are currently reading
1520 people want to read
About the author
Saadia Faruqi
141 books481 followersSaadia Faruqi is a Pakistani American author, essayist and interfaith activist. She writes the children’s early reader series “Yasmin” published by Capstone and other books for children, including middle grade novels “A Place At The Table” (HMH/Clarion 2020) co-written with Laura Shovan, and “A Thousand Questions” (Harper Collins 2020). She has also written “Brick Walls: Tales of Hope & Courage from Pakistan” a short story collection for adults and teens. Saadia is editor-in-chief of Blue Minaret, a magazine for Muslim art, poetry and prose, and was featured in Oprah Magazine in 2017 as a woman making a difference in her community. She resides in Houston, TX with her husband and children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 316 reviews
June 16, 2024
Another solid read from Saadia Faruqi. Saving Sunshine follows a set of twins that can seem to get along. Tired of their antics and arguments, their parents decide to take their phones from them while on vacation to force the two to spend some time with each other. Although it was rough at first, the twins eventually learn to see things from the perspective of the other and work towards building a better relationship. This was a fast paced and interesting graphic novel that takes a look at the dynamics between siblings. It also interweaves discussions of immigration, Islamophobia, and conservation, racism, and bullying. I enjoyed the artwork which has a softer and more neutral tone to it. Overall, this was a good read and I'm happy to so see more Muslim representation in graphic novels.
August 15, 2024
'Okay, I get it. He's sick. Poor Mr. Turtle.'
'His name is Sunshine.'
'Sunshine? Are you serious? Why not something like Donatello or Michelangelo? Or one of the other Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles?'
So heartwarming and wholesome! I did feel like the twins hated each other a little too much and there was a lot of repetition in regards to their phones being taken away, but I guess that's really the whole point since their relationship does start to get better. The Islamophobia was a bit hard to get through but I liked that the story included Zara's journey of wanting to wear a hijab for the first time and how that affected her relationship with her brother, Zeeshan.
The little facts about animals and space peppered throughout the story added a nice little touch and Sunshine being a turtle was such a pleasant surprise.
The art is such a highlight, though. I love the muted color palette and the watercolor look is soo pretty gahh. It totally works for the story, too which is always a bonus.
'His name is Sunshine.'
'Sunshine? Are you serious? Why not something like Donatello or Michelangelo? Or one of the other Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles?'
So heartwarming and wholesome! I did feel like the twins hated each other a little too much and there was a lot of repetition in regards to their phones being taken away, but I guess that's really the whole point since their relationship does start to get better. The Islamophobia was a bit hard to get through but I liked that the story included Zara's journey of wanting to wear a hijab for the first time and how that affected her relationship with her brother, Zeeshan.
The little facts about animals and space peppered throughout the story added a nice little touch and Sunshine being a turtle was such a pleasant surprise.
The art is such a highlight, though. I love the muted color palette and the watercolor look is soo pretty gahh. It totally works for the story, too which is always a bonus.
August 22, 2024
This was an adorable graphic novel about a pair of twins, Zara and Zeeshan, who go from being unable to stand each other to bonding together to save an endangered turtle while on vacation.
When their parents, tired of their constant bickering, confiscate their phones, Zara and Zeeshan have to spend time together and learn to enjoy each other's company. Zara loves animals and Zeeshan is obsessed with space. Without technology, they are forced to entertain themselves with real world things.
They learn to appreciate each other's interests and we learn more about each of them and the difficulties they have faced because of looking and dressing differently. When the turtle that Zara names Sunshine needs help, the teamwork of both twins is needed and they concentrate on doing what's best for the turtle.
I loved the illustrations and the lessons about not judging or discriminating against others because of nationality or religion. This is a good read for the target group but even as an adult I enjoyed it.
When their parents, tired of their constant bickering, confiscate their phones, Zara and Zeeshan have to spend time together and learn to enjoy each other's company. Zara loves animals and Zeeshan is obsessed with space. Without technology, they are forced to entertain themselves with real world things.
They learn to appreciate each other's interests and we learn more about each of them and the difficulties they have faced because of looking and dressing differently. When the turtle that Zara names Sunshine needs help, the teamwork of both twins is needed and they concentrate on doing what's best for the turtle.
I loved the illustrations and the lessons about not judging or discriminating against others because of nationality or religion. This is a good read for the target group but even as an adult I enjoyed it.
January 27, 2023
This was a great #ownvoices, middle grade graphic novel about two Muslim American twin siblings who are forced to spend time together on vacation and end up working out their differences to help save a sick loggerhead turtle. Beautiful illustrations and important messages about not judging other people based on differences. Highly recommended. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
September 29, 2023
Zara and Zeeshan are twins who can’t stop bickering, much to the consternation of their parents. While on a trip to Florida to attend an event honoring their pediatrician mother, a blow-up between the siblings becomes the final straw—Mom and Dad are taking away their beloved phones until Zara and Zeeshan find a way to get along in a civil manner.
While they themselves can’t see it, the brother and sister are very much alike—they are both passionate about a singular topic—Zara, animals and Zeeshan, outer space—that they spend all of their free time studying and talking about. Forced away from their screens, the pair must find a way to work together when they discover an ill loggerhead sea turtle stranded on the beach. Through the restorative act of working together to help an animal, they begin to show greater awareness and respect for each other’s interests—and each other in general.
The expositional dialogue is a bit much, but I won’t be too hard on it as it’s meant for a juvenile audience who may not absorb as much through more subtle means.
Zara loves and is fascinated by animals, and identifies herself as an animal rights activist more than once in the text. This characterization makes it especially jarring when Zara reminisces on one of her Animal Rescue Club demonstrations while eating hamburgers at a street vendor’s stand. (It’s possible Zara had ordered a veggieburger, but with the amount of character exposition I feel this certainly would have been included in the text.) Obviously, this doesn’t erase the good Zara does for other animals such as the sea turtle. And I get that Zara is a middle schooler still figuring out the world and her values, and making the connection to factory-farmed animals is difficult even for adults. At the same time, given her awareness at all other times about animal facts and issues, her obliviousness to the largest animal welfare crisis of them all makes no sense for the character.
SUNSHINE is the rare junior graphic novel that tackles tough issues of prejudice and racist bullying—but it does so with grace, and in an age-appropriate way. These scenes and conversations are difficult, but the author does a wonderful job handling them. I would strongly recommend this title to any young person who is grappling with experiences of prejudice, or who might need a nudge in the direction of thinking about how they behave with classmates who don’t share their religion or ethnic background.
While they themselves can’t see it, the brother and sister are very much alike—they are both passionate about a singular topic—Zara, animals and Zeeshan, outer space—that they spend all of their free time studying and talking about. Forced away from their screens, the pair must find a way to work together when they discover an ill loggerhead sea turtle stranded on the beach. Through the restorative act of working together to help an animal, they begin to show greater awareness and respect for each other’s interests—and each other in general.
The expositional dialogue is a bit much, but I won’t be too hard on it as it’s meant for a juvenile audience who may not absorb as much through more subtle means.
Zara loves and is fascinated by animals, and identifies herself as an animal rights activist more than once in the text. This characterization makes it especially jarring when Zara reminisces on one of her Animal Rescue Club demonstrations while eating hamburgers at a street vendor’s stand. (It’s possible Zara had ordered a veggieburger, but with the amount of character exposition I feel this certainly would have been included in the text.) Obviously, this doesn’t erase the good Zara does for other animals such as the sea turtle. And I get that Zara is a middle schooler still figuring out the world and her values, and making the connection to factory-farmed animals is difficult even for adults. At the same time, given her awareness at all other times about animal facts and issues, her obliviousness to the largest animal welfare crisis of them all makes no sense for the character.
SUNSHINE is the rare junior graphic novel that tackles tough issues of prejudice and racist bullying—but it does so with grace, and in an age-appropriate way. These scenes and conversations are difficult, but the author does a wonderful job handling them. I would strongly recommend this title to any young person who is grappling with experiences of prejudice, or who might need a nudge in the direction of thinking about how they behave with classmates who don’t share their religion or ethnic background.
August 13, 2023
3.5
The themes, messaging and Islamic and cultural representation in this upper MG/lower middle school graphic novel are wonderfully unapologetically present. Yet somehow, I never connected with the characters, and the plotting seemed stiff. I don't regret reading the book, and I'm sure most readers will be delighted with the main story of sibling annoyance, a sick turtle, and independent kids with reflective flashbacks and OWN voice threads of Islamophobia, immigration, starting to wear hijab, identity and othering. I just felt the tropes were predictable, stereotypical even, and when the dad takes a stethoscope to a medical conference and the TSA agent doesn't know what it is, I cringed. Seriously, who takes a stethoscope on vacation? Who doesn't know what one is? I normally love the author's characters and wish for more Islam, this book gave me the Islam, but I really disliked the siblings, they were mean, angry, and annoying. I own that reading a book about bickering kids a few days before my own five children returned to school may have jaded me, and I do think I found the religious touchstones predictable because I do read a lot of kid lit and I'm older, so while I'm not gushing in my praise for this book, I will be preordering a copy for myself and the school library. How is that for having an opinion and then completely walking it back? Yeah, it happens.
SYNOPSIS:
Twins Zara and Zeeshan bicker, a lot. Zara loves animals and nature, Zeeshan space exploration, and both love their phones. When the family heads to a medical conference in Key West where their mom is getting an award, the kids get their phones taken away by their parents when the two won't stop fighting. The parents stick to their policy and the two are forced to stick together and entertain themselves while their parents attend lectures. At one point they find a turtle and Zara takes the lead to try and help Sunshine, but will need her brother along the way.
WHY I LIKE IT:
I love that the characters identifying as Muslim was central and unapologetic. I liked the flashbacks that provided a little bit of depth to the parents coming to America and their life in Pakistan, along with the personal reflections about starting to wearing hijab and when the kids started to go their own way. But the airport scene, the identity issues, and the Islamophobia seemed a little superficial and over done. The heart to hearts with the dad and his son and mom and Zara were sweet and insightful about belonging and where you come from, and not being so angry, but they also seemed very natural and in-character for the parents which is a disconnect from the anger the kids seem to carry. If the parents are talking to them and modeling all this, it is a bit of a stretch that they are reacting as they are in the book.
I have a brother, it is just the two of us, we aren't twins, but growing up in the 80s as the only Muslims in the area with a convert mom and immigrant dad, we came together a lot because only each other could understand the stresses we faced in and outside our home. I thought this book would draw on that universal theme, and I was surprised that the point of the book felt a little underdeveloped. I know MG can handle more than we give them credit for, but I felt like this book built up to have more of a warm hug, than I felt. I wanted more of them plotting together, I didn't feel like Zara really needed her brother to stick up for her, she wanted it sure, but that was a foot in the door that I think was missed. She is strong, yet was being vulnerable with her brother, and he was able to step up for her, but it needed a few more beats to be appreciated. I also wanted more connection to the turtle, his name is in the title, I thought he'd have a bigger role.
FLAGS:
Disrespect, lying, anger, yelling, bullying, teasing, Islamophobia, stereotypes, prejudice
TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:
The book would allow for discussion for middle grade readers who might see themselves in the family dynamic or be able to relate to some of the Islamophobia. It could also cause some worry for some children that being visibly Muslim or having cultural names, and wearing cultural clothes will bring negative differential treatment to them.
The themes, messaging and Islamic and cultural representation in this upper MG/lower middle school graphic novel are wonderfully unapologetically present. Yet somehow, I never connected with the characters, and the plotting seemed stiff. I don't regret reading the book, and I'm sure most readers will be delighted with the main story of sibling annoyance, a sick turtle, and independent kids with reflective flashbacks and OWN voice threads of Islamophobia, immigration, starting to wear hijab, identity and othering. I just felt the tropes were predictable, stereotypical even, and when the dad takes a stethoscope to a medical conference and the TSA agent doesn't know what it is, I cringed. Seriously, who takes a stethoscope on vacation? Who doesn't know what one is? I normally love the author's characters and wish for more Islam, this book gave me the Islam, but I really disliked the siblings, they were mean, angry, and annoying. I own that reading a book about bickering kids a few days before my own five children returned to school may have jaded me, and I do think I found the religious touchstones predictable because I do read a lot of kid lit and I'm older, so while I'm not gushing in my praise for this book, I will be preordering a copy for myself and the school library. How is that for having an opinion and then completely walking it back? Yeah, it happens.
SYNOPSIS:
Twins Zara and Zeeshan bicker, a lot. Zara loves animals and nature, Zeeshan space exploration, and both love their phones. When the family heads to a medical conference in Key West where their mom is getting an award, the kids get their phones taken away by their parents when the two won't stop fighting. The parents stick to their policy and the two are forced to stick together and entertain themselves while their parents attend lectures. At one point they find a turtle and Zara takes the lead to try and help Sunshine, but will need her brother along the way.
WHY I LIKE IT:
I love that the characters identifying as Muslim was central and unapologetic. I liked the flashbacks that provided a little bit of depth to the parents coming to America and their life in Pakistan, along with the personal reflections about starting to wearing hijab and when the kids started to go their own way. But the airport scene, the identity issues, and the Islamophobia seemed a little superficial and over done. The heart to hearts with the dad and his son and mom and Zara were sweet and insightful about belonging and where you come from, and not being so angry, but they also seemed very natural and in-character for the parents which is a disconnect from the anger the kids seem to carry. If the parents are talking to them and modeling all this, it is a bit of a stretch that they are reacting as they are in the book.
I have a brother, it is just the two of us, we aren't twins, but growing up in the 80s as the only Muslims in the area with a convert mom and immigrant dad, we came together a lot because only each other could understand the stresses we faced in and outside our home. I thought this book would draw on that universal theme, and I was surprised that the point of the book felt a little underdeveloped. I know MG can handle more than we give them credit for, but I felt like this book built up to have more of a warm hug, than I felt. I wanted more of them plotting together, I didn't feel like Zara really needed her brother to stick up for her, she wanted it sure, but that was a foot in the door that I think was missed. She is strong, yet was being vulnerable with her brother, and he was able to step up for her, but it needed a few more beats to be appreciated. I also wanted more connection to the turtle, his name is in the title, I thought he'd have a bigger role.
FLAGS:
Disrespect, lying, anger, yelling, bullying, teasing, Islamophobia, stereotypes, prejudice
TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:
The book would allow for discussion for middle grade readers who might see themselves in the family dynamic or be able to relate to some of the Islamophobia. It could also cause some worry for some children that being visibly Muslim or having cultural names, and wearing cultural clothes will bring negative differential treatment to them.
August 13, 2023
4.5 🌟
July 30, 2023
THANKS TO NETGALLEY FOR THIS REVIEW COPY IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW.
Like other books by Saadia Faruqi, this book also addressed a few sensitive topics. Zara and Zeeshan, despite being twins are not on the best terms. They are obsessed with different fields, Zara is into animals, and Zeeshan is in outer space. Their parents have been tolerating their bickering but not anymore. The trip is for their mother who is winning a big award at a conference and the parents don't have the energy to resolve their fights. They must find a way to bond otherwise parents won't return their phones. The story is about compromises, flexibility and respect each others religion, opinion, lifestyle and interests.
Like other books by Saadia Faruqi, this book also addressed a few sensitive topics. Zara and Zeeshan, despite being twins are not on the best terms. They are obsessed with different fields, Zara is into animals, and Zeeshan is in outer space. Their parents have been tolerating their bickering but not anymore. The trip is for their mother who is winning a big award at a conference and the parents don't have the energy to resolve their fights. They must find a way to bond otherwise parents won't return their phones. The story is about compromises, flexibility and respect each others religion, opinion, lifestyle and interests.
February 13, 2024
Cute story. I enjoyed Zara’s and Zeesh’s relationship, especially their bickering. It definitely reminded me of my siblings and I growing up. The artwork is great and effectively conveys the characters’ emotions.
I liked the bonus animal facts thrown in, but wish there were a few more scenes with Sunshine. There are some scenes of xenophobia that I thought the author handled and explained well, inviting future conversations with readers. Glad I picked this up.
I liked the bonus animal facts thrown in, but wish there were a few more scenes with Sunshine. There are some scenes of xenophobia that I thought the author handled and explained well, inviting future conversations with readers. Glad I picked this up.
August 14, 2023
Thanks NetGalley for letting my read this before it was published. Saadia Faruqi did it again! Without a doubt she is one of my favorite children’s authors. This book was so cute! It has themes if sibling relationships, embracing who you are, and children’s activism. Overall a delightful graphic novel.
August 25, 2023
Through two teenagers I have seen the world and it has saddened me, but at the same time it has given me hope for a better future or that there are people with empathy who are able to look at people, beyond a headscarf or the way they dress.
A book that shows us rawness and kindness in equal parts.
A book that shows us rawness and kindness in equal parts.
April 25, 2024
4.5 rounded up to 5
September 7, 2024
Graphic novel about Muslim American fraternal twins punished without their phones but stuck with eachother.
Enlightening
Enlightening
August 21, 2023
This was a sweet graphic novel centering on sibling relationships and being the focus of Islamophobia in America. I rooted for the siblings the entire time and loved the family's loving, supportive dynamic. I felt for the parents multiple times throughout the novel. I couldn't imagine trying to raise emotionally, mentally well-adjusted children in the face of the bigotry Muslims are subjected to daily. The science facts scattered throughout the novel were wonderful, and the watercolor style art is gorgeous.
***Thank you to Netgalley and First Second Books for an eARC of this graphic novel in exchange for a review. ***
***Thank you to Netgalley and First Second Books for an eARC of this graphic novel in exchange for a review. ***
December 4, 2023
Zara and Zeeshan are twins who never get along. All they do is fight and poke fun at each other. Things come to a head when they go on a trip to Florida. What is supposed to be a trip to celebrate their mom and the ceremony she’s being awarded at quickly goes south when their bickering finally becomes too much. The punishment? No phones! Now they’re forced to be in each other’s company without a buffer. Everything changes when they find a sick turtle, Sunshine, which gets them to slowly put aside their differences.
This is such an amazing book following twins, Zara and Zeeshan, who are similar yet very different. Because of this, all they do is butt heads left and right! However, they don’t realize they’re much more alike than they could ever see. They’re both very passionate about their interests and very caring people, so it was great to see them slowly bond throughout the book. Saadia captures their sibling dynamic extremely well. It was very realistic!
The book also captures the struggles of the siblings as well as their family very well, but also light enough for the young readers this is aimed at. We see how they face prejudice and racism as well as how even Zara’s friends treated her differently when she started wearing a hijab. The book keeps it light enough for young readers, but older readers can easily pick up how much depth there is to the prejudice and racism they face.
All in all, this is a wonderful book. I loved seeing how passionate Zara was about animals and Zeeshan is about space, so it was wonderful seeing them bond with each other about their differences and similarities. It also deals with prejudice and racism in a way that’s easy for young readers to digest and also feel seen and noticed if they have already experienced it themselves. The artwork is beautiful and helps give even more depth to the story. I highly recommend this book!
This is such an amazing book following twins, Zara and Zeeshan, who are similar yet very different. Because of this, all they do is butt heads left and right! However, they don’t realize they’re much more alike than they could ever see. They’re both very passionate about their interests and very caring people, so it was great to see them slowly bond throughout the book. Saadia captures their sibling dynamic extremely well. It was very realistic!
The book also captures the struggles of the siblings as well as their family very well, but also light enough for the young readers this is aimed at. We see how they face prejudice and racism as well as how even Zara’s friends treated her differently when she started wearing a hijab. The book keeps it light enough for young readers, but older readers can easily pick up how much depth there is to the prejudice and racism they face.
All in all, this is a wonderful book. I loved seeing how passionate Zara was about animals and Zeeshan is about space, so it was wonderful seeing them bond with each other about their differences and similarities. It also deals with prejudice and racism in a way that’s easy for young readers to digest and also feel seen and noticed if they have already experienced it themselves. The artwork is beautiful and helps give even more depth to the story. I highly recommend this book!
August 1, 2023
It was my first attempt in reading a book by Saadia Faruqi and I cannot but be in agreement with other readers saying that her works have meaningful messages and topics.
In "Saving Sunshine" (a middle grade graphic novel) we follow two Muslim American sibling - Zara and Zeeshan - that really can't stand each other. They are "stucked" with their parents in a family trip in Florida and their mother confiscated their phones. So, Zara and Zeeshan have to spend time together.
They have their own passion/hobby: Zara is into animals, and Zeeshan is in outer space. They end up working together to save a sick loggerhead turtle and during this time, they start to learn more about each other and the difficulties they both faced throughout the years. How their "cultural diversity" had an impact on their and other people's lives. How their classmates treated them with distrust.
I really loved the illustrations and the mix with present time and flashback (portrayed in a different colour palette).
Highly recommend for middle grades readers!
Hoping to read other works of Saadia Faruqi!
[Thank you to NetGalley and First Second for the eARC!]
In "Saving Sunshine" (a middle grade graphic novel) we follow two Muslim American sibling - Zara and Zeeshan - that really can't stand each other. They are "stucked" with their parents in a family trip in Florida and their mother confiscated their phones. So, Zara and Zeeshan have to spend time together.
They have their own passion/hobby: Zara is into animals, and Zeeshan is in outer space. They end up working together to save a sick loggerhead turtle and during this time, they start to learn more about each other and the difficulties they both faced throughout the years. How their "cultural diversity" had an impact on their and other people's lives. How their classmates treated them with distrust.
I really loved the illustrations and the mix with present time and flashback (portrayed in a different colour palette).
Highly recommend for middle grades readers!
Hoping to read other works of Saadia Faruqi!
[Thank you to NetGalley and First Second for the eARC!]
April 24, 2024
I really liked this one! It's the story about this family who's going to a conference and the brother and sister twins are just arguing constantly and so their parents take away their phones for the duration of this trip. The two have to figure out how to exist without their phones and without their individual special interests. Can they find a way to get along and find things to enjoy in the moment?
This book also tackles some racism and xenophobia. The family is Pakistani and the girl and the mom both wear hijab. All four of the family members have dealt with xenophobia in some way shape or form but the twins haven't quite figured out how to confront bullies and racism and how to cope living in a world that is always looking at them differently.
This graphic novel manages to be both adorable and hard-hitting in a way that is perfect for middle school readers. Highly recommend it.
This book also tackles some racism and xenophobia. The family is Pakistani and the girl and the mom both wear hijab. All four of the family members have dealt with xenophobia in some way shape or form but the twins haven't quite figured out how to confront bullies and racism and how to cope living in a world that is always looking at them differently.
This graphic novel manages to be both adorable and hard-hitting in a way that is perfect for middle school readers. Highly recommend it.
September 12, 2023
Saadia Faruqi is a great author. Everything she writes nails childhood really well. Saving Sunshine is no exception. It's a well written story with excellent illustrations about twins who share zero interests, fight constantly, and are forced to spend an electronics free vacation with each other. Add in the fact that they can't escape constant racial microaggressions and you've got a really important story. Kids who are fans of slice of life realistic friction graphic novels like Raina Telgemeier's books, Stepping Stones, New Kid, etc. will absolutely love this. Plus, sea turtles! Faruqi's books fly off the shelves at our library and this will have the same appeal. Many of our local kids will resonate with the character's sibling rivalry, as well as the message about acceptance and inclusion. Overall, a perfect book to booktalk at upcoming school visits!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a digital ARC to review. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a digital ARC to review. All opinions are my own.
September 3, 2023
This is the most adorable middlegrade graphic novels about twins who are always fighting and who have to figure out how to get along. They mainly grew apart because of their different struggles with racism and xenophobia in school, and because they don't understand each other's interests. Over the course of the book, they start opening up to each other's interests and are starting to understand each other better. This is such a sweet, heartfelt story, and I absolutely adored the art work.
March 12, 2025
Saving Sunshine
Overall Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ .5 (3.5/5) or 7.33/10 overall
Characters - 7
Atmosphere - 8
Writing - 7
Plot - 7
Intrigue - 7
Logic - 6
Enjoyment - 6
Overall Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ .5 (3.5/5) or 7.33/10 overall
Characters - 7
Atmosphere - 8
Writing - 7
Plot - 7
Intrigue - 7
Logic - 6
Enjoyment - 6
March 23, 2024
I got a box of books today which was a surprise (from NCTE). This will be a good addition to the classroom.
Read
April 2, 2024Trigger & Content Warnings:
Islamophobic bullying
Islamophobic bullying
November 28, 2023
This was a really good middle-grade graphic novel about a set of Muslim Pakistani-American twins who go on a trip with their parents (the purpose of the trip is to attend a medical conference where their mother, a doctor, will be receiving an award) and discover a sick sea turtle, Sunshine. The story about the turtle, though, really takes a backseat, as the core of the story was really about respect, compassion, and acceptance. The novel depicted the unfortunate reality of being a member of a minority population in this country, from overt bullying to misinformed but well-meaning comments, from unintentional microaggressions to pointed remarks and racism, but it also encourages kids to stay true to themselves and to stand up for themselves and others.
February 1, 2025
Twins Zara and Zeeshan used to be the best of friends but by sixth grade the brother-sister duo have branched off into other interests and seem to thrive on annoying one another. On a trip to a medical conference where their mom is receiving a prestigious medical award, the pestering reaches a new level of awful and their mom and dad decide that both will not only lose their phones for the entire conference, but they must pair up for each and every activity while at the beachside hotel. What follows may be predictable, but readers will enjoy watching the two learn to appreciate each others’ passions for NASA & all things space related (Zeeshan) and animal knowledge and protection (Zara) as well and understand their shared difficulties with people jumping to wrong assumptions about their Pakistani-Muslim heritage and harassing them when they wear their culture with pride. In Zara’s case, the “wearing” is literal as she has chosen to wear a hijab since beginning sixth grade and that expression of her faith has resulted in frequent sidewise looks and verbal barbs. Zeeshan has experienced equally painful comments and such prejudice he quit the afterschool space club he was so excited to join. Along with discovering their shared experiences and beginning to support one another as the jabs come, the two join together to help save an ailing loggerhead turtle found along the beach.
Author Saadia Faruqi uses the brief dialogue with such skill that readers will have a clear idea of who the twins are and teachers could easily use this text for character study lessons that go much deeper than simple physical description. Sharlene Khan’s graphic panels are realistic, convey the beauty of the beach and of space and use color, facial expressions and body language to establish overall mood and emotions.
Text is free of profanity, physical violence and sexual content. Representation: Pakistani Muslim family and the careless and sometimes deliberate persecution that can occur. This representation is not heavy-handed and will hopefully prompt readers to consider their words and actions carefully when dealing will all people. Target age range: grades 3-6
Author Saadia Faruqi uses the brief dialogue with such skill that readers will have a clear idea of who the twins are and teachers could easily use this text for character study lessons that go much deeper than simple physical description. Sharlene Khan’s graphic panels are realistic, convey the beauty of the beach and of space and use color, facial expressions and body language to establish overall mood and emotions.
Text is free of profanity, physical violence and sexual content. Representation: Pakistani Muslim family and the careless and sometimes deliberate persecution that can occur. This representation is not heavy-handed and will hopefully prompt readers to consider their words and actions carefully when dealing will all people. Target age range: grades 3-6
April 8, 2024
This was just okay for me. I loved the idea of it but the execution didn't hit. This is about a mom, dad, and their 2 kids. They are going to a conference for the mom to present because she has been given a prestigious award in pediatrics. They are Muslim from Pakistan and the discrimination they all face is outrageous. We follow the kids and their time while the parents are at the conference. They lose their phones because they won't stop fighting so they can't take pictures and they have to stay together all day no matter what they do. The boy loves space and the girl loves animals. He loves activity and adventure, she loves quiet solitude. They make it work but fight the whole time and that was one of my complaints. They work together to save a giant sea turtle and then she arranges for him to go to a Mars viewing. Eventually they work together, but it felt so abrupt it didn't seem genuine. The brevity of this is another big complaint. I wish they would've spent more time exploring the activities and relationship, as well as more discussion on the wrongness of the discrimination. He did stand up for her in the end, but I really wanted more retribution. I also hated how many times they took the Lord's name in vain in this book. Overall this was fine, but I needed less OMG and more substance.
July 20, 2023
“Everyone’s from somewhere, son. We all have our history, a place we connect with. What’s a tree without roots, eh?”
Saving Sunshine is a middle grade graphic novel about a pair of very different twins who have to learn to work together — specifically by saving an endangered turtle.
This was such a sweet and yet important graphic novel. The protagonists, Zara and Zeeshan, have vastly different interests and are constantly fighting. The family is Muslim American and throughout the story we see how they have been faced with different stereotypes and negative attitudes. As a teacher, my heart ached to see some of the things that these kids had faced in school.
The illustrations are beautiful and the story itself is easy to digest. The dialogue felt a bit stilted at times, but I feel like that’s often something I experience with graphic novels.
Saving Sunshine is definitely an easy to read story that covers the important topics of family, friendship, feeling alienated, and standing up for yourself. I will absolutely be reading this one with my middle graders at some point.
Thanks to Netgalley and First Second Books for giving me a chance to read an early copy in exchange for an honest review. Saving Sunshine is out in the world on 5th September.
Saving Sunshine is a middle grade graphic novel about a pair of very different twins who have to learn to work together — specifically by saving an endangered turtle.
This was such a sweet and yet important graphic novel. The protagonists, Zara and Zeeshan, have vastly different interests and are constantly fighting. The family is Muslim American and throughout the story we see how they have been faced with different stereotypes and negative attitudes. As a teacher, my heart ached to see some of the things that these kids had faced in school.
The illustrations are beautiful and the story itself is easy to digest. The dialogue felt a bit stilted at times, but I feel like that’s often something I experience with graphic novels.
Saving Sunshine is definitely an easy to read story that covers the important topics of family, friendship, feeling alienated, and standing up for yourself. I will absolutely be reading this one with my middle graders at some point.
Thanks to Netgalley and First Second Books for giving me a chance to read an early copy in exchange for an honest review. Saving Sunshine is out in the world on 5th September.
November 21, 2023
4.5 stars
Love this wholesome and pure book about siblings and saving a turtle!
I was so excited when I heard about this graphic novel! FINALLY A GRAPHIC NOVEL BY A MUSLIM AUTHOR ABOUT MUSLIM CHARACTERS!!! I know we have Huda Fahmy’s graphic novels but this style is different.
Zara and Zeeshan are twins that are always bickering but when their phones get confiscated in their holiday, they have to learn how to get along.
It would have been nice if Zeeshan told his parents or Zara what happened about Space Club as it was important to him. I am glad they both realised the other’s interests are important and they are allowed to like different things. It would have been better if they acknowledged that it’s okay to have different interests and do what is important to them.
I loved how they rescued a Loggerhead Turtle that was amazing!
Glad Zeeshan finally stood up for his sister when other kids were being racist and Islamophobic about her wearing hijab.
Just wished it was longer and talked about the bullying more.
Also, I don’t know if this is every copy or just mine but there were no dedication or acknowledgments!!! I love reading them!
Can’t wait of there students to read it! Hope they enjoy it as much as I did.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2023
In this age, where technology matters so much, what would you do at a resort without your phone?
Saving Sunshine is a story of two Muslim twins who don't get along very well because their interests and personalities differ. On a small vacation, for a prize that their mother will win, they manage to exceed their parents' patience limit and are punished: no cell phones. Zara is an environmental activist so she needs her phone to photograph and keep notes on flora and fauna, Zeeshan loves space and NASA (who are just doing a lot of lives these days about discoveries or Q & A's). So they both urgently need to get their phones back.
It is an ideal graphic novel for children between 7 and 12 years old.
“I'm tired of random strangers looking at me like I'm a puzzle to solve”
While the main plot of this graphic novel is family, it also addresses racism and how children deal with it. Both brothers have different but equally important struggles.
I like that children now have access to these stories so that they can understand their surroundings a little better and so that they can find comfort, if they need it, in the pages.
“Everyone's from somewhere, they are. We all have our history, a place we connect with. What's a tree without roots, eh? Most people are just curious”
Thank you NetGalley and First Second Books for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Saving Sunshine is a story of two Muslim twins who don't get along very well because their interests and personalities differ. On a small vacation, for a prize that their mother will win, they manage to exceed their parents' patience limit and are punished: no cell phones. Zara is an environmental activist so she needs her phone to photograph and keep notes on flora and fauna, Zeeshan loves space and NASA (who are just doing a lot of lives these days about discoveries or Q & A's). So they both urgently need to get their phones back.
It is an ideal graphic novel for children between 7 and 12 years old.
“I'm tired of random strangers looking at me like I'm a puzzle to solve”
While the main plot of this graphic novel is family, it also addresses racism and how children deal with it. Both brothers have different but equally important struggles.
I like that children now have access to these stories so that they can understand their surroundings a little better and so that they can find comfort, if they need it, in the pages.
“Everyone's from somewhere, they are. We all have our history, a place we connect with. What's a tree without roots, eh? Most people are just curious”
Thank you NetGalley and First Second Books for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
July 22, 2023
Zara and Zeeshan are twins. They are also fighting. Zeeshan is interested in outer space, and Zara is interested in savings wildlife. They do not get along. They are muslims in the US. I bring up this last fact, because, although they shouldn’t have problems, there are microaggressions all around, from their friends not saying their names right, to the TSA pulling their father aside each time they try to fly, to people asking where are they really from from.
They have gone on a trip to Florida because their mother, who is a doctor, is being honored, and they get in such a big fight that their parents take their phones away, and they have to, gasp, find things to do without them.
And that is where Sunshine comes in. Zara find a turtle, who is not feeling well, and tries to help it get back to good health, and in the ocean again. And Zeeshan decides to help her, even if it has nothing to do with outer space.
Such a good story about cooperation. Great pictures, and honest look at how microaggressions can wear you down.
Thanks to Netgalley and First Second Books for making this book available for an honest review. This book is coming out the 5th of September, 2023.
They have gone on a trip to Florida because their mother, who is a doctor, is being honored, and they get in such a big fight that their parents take their phones away, and they have to, gasp, find things to do without them.
And that is where Sunshine comes in. Zara find a turtle, who is not feeling well, and tries to help it get back to good health, and in the ocean again. And Zeeshan decides to help her, even if it has nothing to do with outer space.
Such a good story about cooperation. Great pictures, and honest look at how microaggressions can wear you down.
Thanks to Netgalley and First Second Books for making this book available for an honest review. This book is coming out the 5th of September, 2023.
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