Step into the vibrant, sun-soaked world of the Sunny series, where the 1970s come alive through the eyes of Sunshine 'Sunny' Lewin, a plucky middle-grader navigating family secrets and personal growth. Crafted by sibling duo Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm, this middle-grade graphic novel series blends colorful illustrations, heartfelt storytelling, and a nostalgic vibe to tackle heavy themes like addiction and identity with a light touch, making it a gem for young readers and adults alike.
With its retro aesthetic and emotional depth, Sunny invites you to join a coming-of-age journey that’s as funny as it is poignant, set against a backdrop of bell-bottoms, comic books, and community pools. Whether you’re a fan of graphic novels or just love a good story, Sunny’s world is one you won’t want to leave!
How Sunny Began
The Sunny series sprang from the creative minds of Jennifer L. Holm, a New York Times bestselling author with three Newbery Honors, and her brother Matthew Holm, a talented illustrator. Inspired by their own 1970s childhoods, the Holms wanted to craft a story that addressed tough topics like family addiction with honesty and hope. Their goal? To create a safe space for kids to explore complex emotions through a medium they love: graphic novels. Collaborating with colorist Lark Pien, they brought Sunny’s world to life with vivid, retro visuals that pop off the page.
The series kicked off in 2015 with Sunny Side Up, drawing from the Holms’ personal experiences with a relative’s substance abuse. Their mission was clear: to break the silence around addiction and show young readers they’re not alone, all while weaving a story that’s engaging and accessible.
The Heart of Sunny
The Sunny series follows Sunny Lewin, an eleven-year-old girl in suburban Pennsylvania, as she faces the ups and downs of middle school and family life. In Sunny Side Up, Sunny is sent to her grandfather’s Florida retirement community for the summer of 1976, a trip that’s less about fun and more about shielding her from her older brother Dale’s drug addiction. Through flashbacks, we see Sunny grapple with guilt and confusion, finding solace in new friend Buzz and superhero comics.
Swing It, Sunny, the second book, brings Sunny back to Pennsylvania for middle school, where she navigates changing friendships and Dale’s return from boarding school, still a shadow of his former self. Sunny Rolls the Dice dives into Sunny’s geeky side as she discovers Dungeons & Dragons, while Sunny Makes a Splash sees her working at a community pool, exploring first crushes and independence. Each book blends humor, 1970s nostalgia (think Brady Bunch and shag carpets), and serious themes like mental health, identity, and resilience, all rendered in a breezy, colorful art style.
The series’ strength lies in its balance: it doesn’t shy away from heavy topics but wraps them in a warm, relatable narrative. Sunny’s journey reflects universal coming-of-age struggles—fitting in, understanding family, and finding your voice—making it a standout in middle-grade literature.
Why Sunny Resonates
Sunny has carved a special place in the hearts of readers and educators alike. Its honest portrayal of addiction and family dynamics offers kids tools to process their own experiences, while its nostalgic charm hooks adults who grew up in the 70s. The graphic novel format, with its vibrant art and digestible panels, makes complex emotions accessible to young readers, earning praise from critics like Raina Telgemeier, creator of Smile.
Beyond its emotional impact, Sunny’s cultural snapshot of the 1970s—complete with roller skates and Tiger Beat magazines—adds a layer of historical richness. With five books and counting, the series continues to inspire conversations about empathy, resilience, and the power of storytelling, cementing its legacy in children’s literature.
- Publication Years: 2015–2024
- Number of Books: 5 (Sunny Side Up, Swing It, Sunny, Sunny Rolls the Dice, Sunny Makes a Splash, Sunny Makes Her Case)
- Awards: Eisner Award-winning creators for Babymouse, critical acclaim for Sunny
Ready to dive into Sunny’s world? Grab Sunny Side Up and join her on a heartfelt, retro adventure that’s sure to leave you smiling!