Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Funny, moving graphic novel takes on teen substance abuse.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 5 parent reviews
Based on 13 kid reviews
Kids say the book offers a deep exploration of mature themes such as family dynamics and the impact of drug use, making it more suitable for older or more mature children. While many appreciate its emotional depth and humor, some parents express concerns about its portrayal of drugs and lies, suggesting it might confuse younger readers.
- mature themes
- emotional depth
- reader age
- concerns about subject
- humor and lessons
- family dynamics
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
When Sunny Lewin arrives in Florida in the summer of 1976, she assumes she'll be spending her days at the beach or at Disney World. Life at her grandfather's retirement village turns out to be not very exciting. Luckily, she's able to make friends with Buzz, the only other kid in the area, and they have adventures rescuing cats, reading comics, and swapping golf balls for cash. But Sunny is carrying around a lot of secrets, which eventually come spilling out. SUNNY SIDE UP explores how to make the best of an uncomfortable situation.
Is It Any Good?
With sensitivity and good humor, this graphic novel provides a portrait of a loving family negotiating some difficult times. Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm capture the excitement, boredom, and absurdity of an unexpected trip to Florida. Sunny is a likable and adventurous main character, and her interactions with her friend Buzz and her grandfather ring with well-observed detail. The serious topics of tobacco, alcohol, and drug addiction are handled with finesse.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why comics and graphic novels are so popular. What kinds of stories are best suited to the medium?
What kinds of conflicts arise when people from different generations live together? What kinds of accommodations can be made so everyone is more comfortable?
If a member of the family is abusing alcohol or drugs, what can be done to help him or her? Is it better to keep the situation a secret or to find ways to talk about it?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Matthew Holm
- Genre : Family Life
- Topics : Superheroes , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Graphix
- Publication date : August 25, 2015
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 224
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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