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.

Relatable, funny, and heart-wrenchingly honest, Saving Sunshine is the poignant story of Muslim American siblings learning how to build each other up in a world that is too often unkind.

Eisner Awards finalist 2024

Harvey Awards finalist 2024

Bank Street Best Books of 2024

Jane Addams Children’s Book Award nominee 2024

Kirkus Review Best Books of 2023

New York Public Library Best Books for Kids 2023

Texas Library Association’s Little Maverick Graphic Novel List 2024

YALSA Great Graphic Novels for Teens 2024

Junior Library Guild Selection 2023

High-res cover Discussion Guide

 

PRAISE FOR SAVING SUNSHINE

“[A]stirring and uplifting story of family and identity.” Publishers Weekly Starred Review

“A beautiful, realistic, and important story focusing on family and sibling bonds.” Kirkus Starred Review

“Emotional depth as well as humor and sweetness.” The Bulletin of the Center For Children’s Books Starred Review

“A fine addition for collections seeking representation of discordant sibling relationships.” School Library Journal

“Heartwarming, funny, and bright.” Booklist

Publisher: First Second Books
ISBN: 9781250793805
Publication: 9/5/2023
Illustrator: Shazleen Khan
Formats: hardcover; paperback; e-book