Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Funny, affecting graphic novel shows power of positivity.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
SWING IT, SUNNY picks up 10-year-old Sunny Lewin's story where it left off in Sunny Side Up, with Sunny returning from an exciting summer in Florida. Back home with her parents and baby brother, Sunny tries to figure out the rules of middle school, with help from her best friend and from a mysterious new neighbor. Sadly, her troubled older brother, Dale, is having a hard time at boarding school, and Sunny wishes she could make him happy again.
Is It Any Good?
A positive attitude can sometimes help troubles go away, and this gentle, humorous, and honest graphic novel demonstrates the value of optimism and persistence. Swing It, Sunny celebrates a specific time (1976-77), when kids had a little more freedom to explore their neighborhoods. Despite her sometimes brash personality, Sunny is a sensitive and kind girl, and the author and illustrator carefully delineate the love the Lewins have for one another as they experience trying times. Middle school girls are most likely to enjoy Sunny's adventures, but the series, with its great character work and whimsical action, may appeal to a wide range of readers.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Swing It, Sunny depicts a family struggling with big and small problems. How do family members show that they need help?
Dale has been sent to a military boarding school. What kind of education might a boarding school offer a student who's having trouble in public school?
How can taking up a new activity help when you're feeling sad or stressed out?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Matthew Holm
- Genre : Graphic Novel
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship , School ( Middle School )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Graphix
- Publication date : September 12, 2017
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 224
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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