We did not pick this book out because it dealt with a serious and sensitive issue, but I'm glad now that we did pick it out because it gave me a chance to open a dialogue with my younger son. I'm glad that there are still those who are willing to address it, because between the time my older son was in 5th grade and my younger son was in 5th grade, our school system stopped the DARE program, which I think is terrible.

Perhaps it is because we now live in a different community, or perhaps it is not as prevalent 40 years later, but it doesn't seem that substance abuse is as common as it was in the 70's. We only saw my uncle's family every few years, but I recall on one occasion when they were visiting, my cousin stole his father's medication and then took our motorcycle for a joy ride, wrecked it and injured himself. When I was growing up in the 70's, my cousin, who was three years older, had a substance abuse problem. I think it might help kids understand that while substance abuse might not affect them directly, it may be something a friend is facing. It sends a great message to kids, even if they do not have the same issues at home. I thought the book handled a sensitive issue very well - it was funny, but also a little sad. They wanted to let kids know that they don't have to feel ashamed like they did and they don't have to keep secrets. The authors explain at the end of the book that they wrote it because when they were young, they had a close relative with a substance abuse problem. But Sunny is tired of keeping other people's secrets, like her Grandfather's smoking when he is not supposed to, and what her older brother does behind her parents' backs, and she finally explodes like a volcano. Buzz shares with her his love of comic books and how to make money by collecting golf balls.

Florida is not what she expected - instead of Disney World, it is a retirement community with grumpy old people, visits to the post office, and dinner at 4:30, until she meets Buzz. She is eagerly anticipating a trip to the shore with her family and best friend when she is sent to stay with her Grandfather in Florida for the summer. Sunny is a 10-year-old living with her parents and two brothers - one a toddler and the other a senior in high school. Jennifer also wrote several Newbery Honor books. The book is a semi-autobiographical account inspired by their childhood. Sunny Side Up is a middle-grade graphic novel written by the brother and sister creators of the Babymouse series of graphic novels.

Sunny Side Up by Jennifer L. Holm