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The Mighty Heart of Sunny St. James
Twelve-year-old Sunny St. James navigates heart surgery, reconnections with a lost mother, first kisses, and emerging feelings for another girl.
When Sunny St. James receives a new heart, she decides to set off on a "New Life Plan": 1) do awesome amazing things she could never do before; 2) find a new best friend; and 3) kiss a boy for the first time.
Her "New Life Plan" seems to be racing forward, but when she meets her new best friend Quinn, Sunny questions whether she really wants to kiss a boy at all. When the reemergence of her mother, Sunny begins a journey to becoming the new Sunny St. James.
When Sunny St. James receives a new heart, she decides to set off on a "New Life Plan": 1) do awesome amazing things she could never do before; 2) find a new best friend; and 3) kiss a boy for the first time.
Her "New Life Plan" seems to be racing forward, but when she meets her new best friend Quinn, Sunny questions whether she really wants to kiss a boy at all. When the reemergence of her mother, Sunny begins a journey to becoming the new Sunny St. James.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published March 26, 2019
About the author
Ashley Herring Blake
12 books4,058 followersAshley Herring Blake is a reader, writer, and mom to two boisterous boys. She holds a Master’s degree in teaching and loves coffee, arranging her books by color, and cold weather. She is the author of the young adult novels Suffer Love, How to Make a Wish, and Girl Made of Stars (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt), the middle grade novels Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World, The Mighty Heart of Sunny St. James, and Hazel Bly and the Deep Blue Sea (Little, Brown), and the adult romance novels Delilah Green Doesn't Care and Astrid Parker Doesn't Fail (Berkley). Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World was a Stonewall Honor Book, as well as a Kirkus, School Library Journal, NYPL, and NPR Best Book of 2018. Her YA novel Girl Made of Stars was a Lambda Literary Award finalist. You can find her on Twitter and Instagram at @ashleyhblake and on the web at www.ashleyherringblake.com. She lives in Georgia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 598 reviews
March 29, 2019
This is my third Ashley Herring Blake book that I've read and the third that I've given 5 stars. This was so sweet and so pure and my queer lil heart is absolutely soaring. Sunny was such a great character and tbh I found myself giggling multiple times while reading her inner monologue. THIS BOOK WAS JUST SO GREAT!
ALSO: I highkey want Ashley Herring Blake to write a novella or something about Kate & Dave because THEY WERE ALSO SO GREAT? Everything about this was fantastic. 10/10 do recommend reading this book ASAP.
ALSO: I highkey want Ashley Herring Blake to write a novella or something about Kate & Dave because THEY WERE ALSO SO GREAT? Everything about this was fantastic. 10/10 do recommend reading this book ASAP.
May 1, 2020
I swear to god, every Ashley Herring Blake book I read ends with a goodreads review that’s just “made me cry a lot lol!!” and damn if she didn’t do it again
April 24, 2022
I am so looking like a rotten tomato after all that crying and ... crying!
I didn't know that this book would make me all soft and cry like it's everything I needed to feel alive.
It's just one of the best books I have ever read with the most realistic characters. The character representation is quite diverse and represented so well that it literally makes you feel like you have adopted them as your family forever.
Starting from the cover itself (yes, I as a human has her shallow reasons), it's one of the best middle grade plus coming of age fiction I would ever read in my entire life. Not exaggerating a bit, I will always nominate this one for the best books I have ever read kind of polls. The plot is quite good. It talks about alcohol addiction and rehabilitation, relationships, found families, friendships which can be either real or fake and the best part? It's the subtle romance. Three different romance stories. Done with perfection.
I cried a lot because of the way it's written, how the words express exactly what I would have felt if I was the character who's been feeling like she's been abandoned by her own mother all this time. The realisation, the reality, the acceptance and the way everything comes together in the end make the read totally unforgettable and so damn beautiful!
I am a puddle of tears still. And I need to fix this headache.
I am seriously wondering what made me cry so much while reading this book. I gave my reasons but I am still wondering why it affected me so much🤧
I didn't know that this book would make me all soft and cry like it's everything I needed to feel alive.
It's just one of the best books I have ever read with the most realistic characters. The character representation is quite diverse and represented so well that it literally makes you feel like you have adopted them as your family forever.
Starting from the cover itself (yes, I as a human has her shallow reasons), it's one of the best middle grade plus coming of age fiction I would ever read in my entire life. Not exaggerating a bit, I will always nominate this one for the best books I have ever read kind of polls. The plot is quite good. It talks about alcohol addiction and rehabilitation, relationships, found families, friendships which can be either real or fake and the best part? It's the subtle romance. Three different romance stories. Done with perfection.
I cried a lot because of the way it's written, how the words express exactly what I would have felt if I was the character who's been feeling like she's been abandoned by her own mother all this time. The realisation, the reality, the acceptance and the way everything comes together in the end make the read totally unforgettable and so damn beautiful!
I am a puddle of tears still. And I need to fix this headache.
I am seriously wondering what made me cry so much while reading this book. I gave my reasons but I am still wondering why it affected me so much🤧
Want to read
July 24, 2021Ashley Herring Blake is blessing us with another queer MG story and I'm just always gonna be here for it. ♥ While we wait on this precious little bundle to come out, can I interest you in one of her other incredible queer tales?
• How to Make a Wish: YA f/f
• Girl Made of Stars: YA f/nb
• Ivy Aberdeen's Letter to the World MG f/f
May 16, 2019
Loved this!
Audio: 5 stars. The narrator put so much of Sunny's attitude into her reading that I could practically FEEL all the eye rolling. She did multiple accents and voices very well also.
Audio: 5 stars. The narrator put so much of Sunny's attitude into her reading that I could practically FEEL all the eye rolling. She did multiple accents and voices very well also.
August 8, 2020
me after reading this instead of going to therapy: cured 😌✨🙈💖🤝🥰🧘♂️🤯
April 10, 2023
Ashley Herring Blake is not one of my all time favorite authors for nothing. I actually plan to reread all of her books next year.
This story is so wholesome. Why can't I just teleport into this book and live the rest of my life in it?
Everything about Sunny was so loveable. The things she'd been through, the heart transplant, the FBF (former best friend), the poems, the confusion, her biological mother, the fact she realised Kate is her mom, despite the fact they don't share a dna. I love her so much.
And the poems. The poems made me cry.
Maybe my favorite thing is (spoiler?) that she didn't make up with her FBF, and although she let her bio mother into her life, it didn't change the fact, Kate, who raised her, is her actual mother.
We need to let go of the past and the things/people that make us miserable, and move forward.
This story is so wholesome. Why can't I just teleport into this book and live the rest of my life in it?
Everything about Sunny was so loveable. The things she'd been through, the heart transplant, the FBF (former best friend), the poems, the confusion, her biological mother, the fact she realised Kate is her mom, despite the fact they don't share a dna. I love her so much.
And the poems. The poems made me cry.
Maybe my favorite thing is (spoiler?) that she didn't make up with her FBF, and although she let her bio mother into her life, it didn't change the fact, Kate, who raised her, is her actual mother.
We need to let go of the past and the things/people that make us miserable, and move forward.
June 9, 2022
this is the fourth book I’ve read by Ashley Herring Blake and the third to make me cry. someone needs to stop her from writing more books
January 14, 2020
Do you have a moment to talk about our lord and savior, Queer Middle Grade Books?
This was so lovely. Twelve year old Sunny St. James is adjusting to life after getting a heart transplant, reconnecting with her mother who she hasn’t seen in years, and befriending (and possibly falling for) a new girl in town.
Ashley Herring Blake deals with some tough topics with extreme care. The Mighty Heart of Sunny St. James is incredibly touching and very cute, this is just the perfect Middle Grade book.
This was so lovely. Twelve year old Sunny St. James is adjusting to life after getting a heart transplant, reconnecting with her mother who she hasn’t seen in years, and befriending (and possibly falling for) a new girl in town.
Ashley Herring Blake deals with some tough topics with extreme care. The Mighty Heart of Sunny St. James is incredibly touching and very cute, this is just the perfect Middle Grade book.
July 22, 2019
The cover of the book grabbed my attention when I saw Carrie adding it to her tbr. I read the blurb, did some research on the author/book and asked Kid1 if she would like to read it with me. Thanks to Book Depository for making it possible for her to have a copy as I decided to read in style by getting the audio - no regrets, the narration was superb + I get to admire the stunning cover.
So why should we adults pay USD1O for this book just to read about a 12-year-old? Because we can and if you do, I hope that you will not judge/criticize Sunny's attitude. What she was going through - the heart disease, abandonment, betrayal, transplant, living not living and loneliness - her plate was fuller than The Klumps' when they attacked the all that you can eat buffet in The Nutty Professor || movie. Despite all her hardships, she was a cool kid and I love her to bits.
The island setting was perfect for this semi intense read, Blake's superb writing sucked me right into Sunny's world. She didn't pull any punches when it comes to Sunny's setbacks, triumphs as well as the emotional and physical effects while functioning with /adjusting to a new heart...and.
Accepting and welcoming two people - one blood and the other, a stranger into her life. One who brought her to this world then abandoned her, seeking forgiveness and a second chance. The other, who offered her unrestricted friendship and presented something beautiful and promising for them to pursue even though they were both females and only 12 years old.
Kid 1 finished this first and she sent a selfie of her gorgeous, megawatt smile. No words needed, we knew we found ourselves a winner, reread worthy and could not wait for our next beach trip, where our hanging spot matched Sunshine's and Quinn's on the cover and talk more about The Mighty Heart Of Sunny St. James. Ms.Blake, well done. Carrie, thank you.
So why should we adults pay USD1O for this book just to read about a 12-year-old? Because we can and if you do, I hope that you will not judge/criticize Sunny's attitude. What she was going through - the heart disease, abandonment, betrayal, transplant, living not living and loneliness - her plate was fuller than The Klumps' when they attacked the all that you can eat buffet in The Nutty Professor || movie. Despite all her hardships, she was a cool kid and I love her to bits.
The island setting was perfect for this semi intense read, Blake's superb writing sucked me right into Sunny's world. She didn't pull any punches when it comes to Sunny's setbacks, triumphs as well as the emotional and physical effects while functioning with /adjusting to a new heart...and.
Accepting and welcoming two people - one blood and the other, a stranger into her life. One who brought her to this world then abandoned her, seeking forgiveness and a second chance. The other, who offered her unrestricted friendship and presented something beautiful and promising for them to pursue even though they were both females and only 12 years old.
Kid 1 finished this first and she sent a selfie of her gorgeous, megawatt smile. No words needed, we knew we found ourselves a winner, reread worthy and could not wait for our next beach trip, where our hanging spot matched Sunshine's and Quinn's on the cover and talk more about The Mighty Heart Of Sunny St. James. Ms.Blake, well done. Carrie, thank you.
April 3, 2019
i'm smiling and crying and i've never experienced something so real and wow i really love ashley herring blake??
May 3, 2019
Sunny St. James is twelve and getting a new heart. She was diagnosed at the age of ten with cardiomyopathy: a failing heart. That was two years ago. Sunny’s been through a lot in her short life. Her dad passed away in an accident right after she was born. When she was four, her mom, Lena, couldn’t take care of her anymore, so she gave her to her best friend, Kate. Kate and Sunny moved to Juniper Island, where Kate runs Cherry Picked Books. And recently, Sunny’s best friendship with Margot ended. But she’s getting a heart transplant, and everything is going to change now. Sunny even has a new life plan, which includes finding a new best friend and kissing some boys. So when she meets Quinn, a new girl, on the beach, it seems like all the pieces of her plan are coming together. But Quinn makes Sunny question some things—including whether she wants to kiss boys at all.
“I’m going to die today. Definitely for a few minutes and maybe forever. Kate keeps telling me no way, nohow is it going to be forever, but she isn’t the one who’s about to have her most important internal organ switched out like a new swimsuit at the start of the summer.”
Oh this book, this book. Ashley Herring Blake did it again. She is just such a wonderful, wonderful writer. I simply fell head over heels for Sunny, who stole my heart from the first pages of this beautiful book. She is strong, vulnerable, and a darling character who came to life through Blake’s lovely writing. She goes through so much in her life—and in the chapters of this book—and yet there’s so much hope and laughter. I cannot even describe it. The book opens with Sunny’s transplant and then we move on from there, as she works to implement her three-step plan:
“Step One: Do awesome amazing things I could never do before. Step Two: Find a new best friend. Step Three: Find a boy and kiss him.”
To Sunny’s twelve-year-old reasoning, it all makes perfect sense. She has a new heart, so it’s a perfect time to be a new person. In fact, with the new heart, there’s no reason to feel the things she felt before, which might have included some desires to kiss girls. When she meets Quinn on the beach—Quinn and her mom are in town for the summer, as Quinn’s mom is a nature photographer—they become fast friends. It seems like they will be on a quest to kiss boys together. But things quickly go awry (seriously – there are some hilarious comedic scenes as the two attempt to kiss some boys). This book does such an amazing job at capturing the loneliness of young gay kids. I so wish there books like this around when I was a teen. Sunny is so sweet, so real, and so raw as she works through her confusion about liking girls. This is such a wonderful and needed book for middle schoolers (and everyone)—for queer kids as they try to figure out things like Sunny and for the allies who need to support them. I wish everyone could read it. Not only does Sunny struggle with her feelings about liking girls and boys, but she must deal with the return of her long-lost mother, Lena. In another book, these two storylines might feel crowded, but Blake handles them deftly.
And it’s such a lovely story at its heart—because, truly, it’s a book about hearts and those you love and who love you. I defy you to read this book and not fall in love with Sunny St. James. She is a character who will stick with you long after you read the last page. Blake has created yet another lasting story through her magical words. I highly recommend this book. 4.5+ stars.
Blog ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Google+ ~ Instagram ~ Smashbomb
“I’m going to die today. Definitely for a few minutes and maybe forever. Kate keeps telling me no way, nohow is it going to be forever, but she isn’t the one who’s about to have her most important internal organ switched out like a new swimsuit at the start of the summer.”
Oh this book, this book. Ashley Herring Blake did it again. She is just such a wonderful, wonderful writer. I simply fell head over heels for Sunny, who stole my heart from the first pages of this beautiful book. She is strong, vulnerable, and a darling character who came to life through Blake’s lovely writing. She goes through so much in her life—and in the chapters of this book—and yet there’s so much hope and laughter. I cannot even describe it. The book opens with Sunny’s transplant and then we move on from there, as she works to implement her three-step plan:
“Step One: Do awesome amazing things I could never do before. Step Two: Find a new best friend. Step Three: Find a boy and kiss him.”
To Sunny’s twelve-year-old reasoning, it all makes perfect sense. She has a new heart, so it’s a perfect time to be a new person. In fact, with the new heart, there’s no reason to feel the things she felt before, which might have included some desires to kiss girls. When she meets Quinn on the beach—Quinn and her mom are in town for the summer, as Quinn’s mom is a nature photographer—they become fast friends. It seems like they will be on a quest to kiss boys together. But things quickly go awry (seriously – there are some hilarious comedic scenes as the two attempt to kiss some boys). This book does such an amazing job at capturing the loneliness of young gay kids. I so wish there books like this around when I was a teen. Sunny is so sweet, so real, and so raw as she works through her confusion about liking girls. This is such a wonderful and needed book for middle schoolers (and everyone)—for queer kids as they try to figure out things like Sunny and for the allies who need to support them. I wish everyone could read it. Not only does Sunny struggle with her feelings about liking girls and boys, but she must deal with the return of her long-lost mother, Lena. In another book, these two storylines might feel crowded, but Blake handles them deftly.
And it’s such a lovely story at its heart—because, truly, it’s a book about hearts and those you love and who love you. I defy you to read this book and not fall in love with Sunny St. James. She is a character who will stick with you long after you read the last page. Blake has created yet another lasting story through her magical words. I highly recommend this book. 4.5+ stars.
Blog ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Google+ ~ Instagram ~ Smashbomb
March 26, 2020
This is a very emotional and deep novel, especially considering the main character is twelve years old. Not only could I not imagine going through what Sunny has endured at that age (or any age), I don't know if I would have been emotionally prepared for a story like this at that age. With that being said, I also truly believe that there's a twelve year old out there that needs this story in their life.
It's hard to imagine any of these circumstances happening to kids but they do, whether it be a complex illness or a parent's addiction. Luckily enough, Sunny did have a positive living environment and someone to support her through that.
This was a powerful story and I appreciated the LGBTQ representation with characters of a younger age. I think many readers of a similar age would appreciate having that voice if they were having similar thoughts and feelings.
Overall, it was a very visual and emotional story. My heart really felt for Sunny's character and I cannot imagine having the bravery that she had, especially at such a young age. It was a perfect story of childhood strength, resilience, and perseverance.
***Thank you to Hachette Book Group Canada for sending me an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review***
It's hard to imagine any of these circumstances happening to kids but they do, whether it be a complex illness or a parent's addiction. Luckily enough, Sunny did have a positive living environment and someone to support her through that.
This was a powerful story and I appreciated the LGBTQ representation with characters of a younger age. I think many readers of a similar age would appreciate having that voice if they were having similar thoughts and feelings.
Overall, it was a very visual and emotional story. My heart really felt for Sunny's character and I cannot imagine having the bravery that she had, especially at such a young age. It was a perfect story of childhood strength, resilience, and perseverance.
***Thank you to Hachette Book Group Canada for sending me an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review***
June 15, 2019
Yes I cried alot. My queer heart is malfunctioning over this book :<
November 23, 2022
I absolutely fell in love with this book. Sunny has to get a heart transplant. Her life has been on hold for awhile. After the surgery and her health getting much better she wants her life to go back to normal, well as normal as a 13 year old life can get. She want a new best friend and she wants to kiss a boy. She gets her new best friend but when she starts to have feeling for her she becomes afraid that people will make fun of her, but will she follow her heart, her new heart, to make the right decision for her? This book was so good. Sunny family is different. Her Mother is coming back into her life again and her Kate, the Mother she has ever known, is confused on how to let her Mother back in. There are many emotions all around and all Sunny wants to be a normal teenager and have that kiss!! Really its a wonderful read and I think an important one to read to your kids. We all come in different shapes and sizes and Sunny has a different life that all should learn and understand. Its really a must read!! No matter what your age, pick up this wonderful book! You won't be disappointed!!
March 20, 2019
full review now on my blog!
"I lost my heart but kept on
breathing.
Now all the mirrors show the
same face,
but I don't know the girl inside.
Does anyone know her?
A thousand years ago, she was lost in the ocean
but now she walks on the land.
Is she me?
Or am I her?
Or is she a new girl
who looks like
someone I used to be?"
Sunny St. James has just received a new heart transplant and wants to restart her life. Two years prior, she was diagnosed with a heart illness and bedridden, which deteriorated her relationship with her best friend. For eight years, she’s been living with her mother’s old best friend, Kate, and awaits the arrival of her absent mother. Now, she’s ready to begin her new life. The first objective: do things she wouldn’t typically do. Her first attempt is a swim on the beach, where she meets her new best friend, Quinn. Next, she desperately wants to have her first kiss with a boy. However, Sunny slowly comes to the realisation that it hasn't always been just boys that she's wanted to kiss.
Every review of mine covering an Ashley Herring Blake novel starts the same way: I wish I had this book when I was younger. I wish I could read about a character who has genuine feelings for another girl and doesn’t feel ashamed of it when I was twelve. I wish I read from the perspective of a character that was questioning and has to force themselves to pretend to be straight when others find out. This may sound problematic now, but it’s something a lot of bisexual people have to go through at some point in their journey to realising their sexuality. And I definitely appreciated reading about it from a twelve-year-old.
The Mighty Heart of Sunny St. James is a Middle Grade novel for all ages. Its protagonist is one that’ll inspire you to be brave yourself, no matter how old you are. Ashley Herring Blake’s latest novel is the heartbreaking, intense, and subsequently uplifting story of a girl with a new heart who restarts her life, starting with a new best friend and reconnection with her mother. I’d definitely recommend this book or any of the author’s previous novels.
Full review will be posted on my blog soon!
April 1, 2019
i did not cry
not even once
not even a single tear
and i most definitely don't want someone to take me to a beach right fucking now and love and cherish me with all their heart
i don't
no, sir
ಥ‿ಥ
rtc
not even once
not even a single tear
and i most definitely don't want someone to take me to a beach right fucking now and love and cherish me with all their heart
i don't
no, sir
ಥ‿ಥ
rtc
October 29, 2022
I was honestly shocked when, after reading this book, I looked up interviews with the author to find out if she had a heart condition like her protagonist's and discovered that she does not. I absolutely believed it, 100%. I have a heart condition adjacent to the one the protagonist has -- not quite the same, and the specific experience of having a heart transplant isn't my own -- but I related so intensely to the way the protagonist narrated her experience of having a heart condition, I felt like this was someone I would have a deep genuine conversation with about our shared experience. Normally I would be annoyed by someone trying to write outside their experience like this, especially on a specific type of disability or medical condition, but this author nailed it so well, I can't even be annoyed by it. Well done.
The book itself is absolutely spectacular. I'm not even sure what I can say about it that won't sound cheesy. It opens with the protagonist having heart transplant surgery. What book does that??? Well, this one. This girl is a badass, she recovers from her surgery, she has a plan for her life now that it's over, and she is READY. She finds a new best friend to replace her problematic old best friend, and now she's ready to do some kissing. Specifically, kissing boys. (Spoiler: She definitely wants to do some kissing...but, not boys, so much.) Also, as if all this weren't enough, her mom (who abandoned her at age 4 and left her with the mom's best friend to raise her) has suddenly reappeared and wants to be part of her life again. Throughout the book, you get to read the poetry she writes as she makes sense of her experiences, adding yet another dimension to this powerhouse of a novel. WOW.
I'm excited to read this book again eventually, but I wish I could go back in time to when I hadn't read it yet so I could read it for the first time all over again.
UPDATE: I read it again and it was just as wonderful the second time and I still wish I could go back in time to when I hadn't read it yet so I could read it for the first time all over again.
The book itself is absolutely spectacular. I'm not even sure what I can say about it that won't sound cheesy. It opens with the protagonist having heart transplant surgery. What book does that??? Well, this one. This girl is a badass, she recovers from her surgery, she has a plan for her life now that it's over, and she is READY. She finds a new best friend to replace her problematic old best friend, and now she's ready to do some kissing. Specifically, kissing boys. (Spoiler: She definitely wants to do some kissing...but, not boys, so much.) Also, as if all this weren't enough, her mom (who abandoned her at age 4 and left her with the mom's best friend to raise her) has suddenly reappeared and wants to be part of her life again. Throughout the book, you get to read the poetry she writes as she makes sense of her experiences, adding yet another dimension to this powerhouse of a novel. WOW.
I'm excited to read this book again eventually, but I wish I could go back in time to when I hadn't read it yet so I could read it for the first time all over again.
UPDATE: I read it again and it was just as wonderful the second time and I still wish I could go back in time to when I hadn't read it yet so I could read it for the first time all over again.
March 13, 2021
This was so cute!! Queer middle grade just gives me serotonin like nothing else.
Want to read
June 26, 2018ivy aberdeen's letter to the world is by far my favourite of herring blake's books so far, so you bet your fucking ass off i'm excited for this
May 19, 2019
This is the first book I've read by Ashley Herring Blake and it will not be my last. I can in no way describe how much I loved this.
Sunny St. James lived with her mom's friend, Kate. Sunny's mom, Lena, left her with Kate when she was four and she hasn't seen her in eight years. Kate is amazing though and loves Sunny so much. I loved this relationship. Kate finally spoke to Lena because Sunny was having a heart transplant. The book starts with a bit of her story, but mostly her fears and thoughts about dying or living with someone else's heart. After she got sick, she lost her best friend and wasn't able to go to school. While she loved Kate, Sunny made a goal to get a new best friend and to also kiss a boy.
Shortly after healing from surgery, Sunny went back into the ocean she loves. When she opened her eyes, there was a girl with blue hair underwater by her. This is how she met Quinn. Quinn's mom does underwater photography and is there for the summer to take dolphin photos. There is an almost instant connection between the girls and they agree right then to be best friends. Sunny doesn't tell her about her heart transplant, but does tell her how she is ready to kiss boys. She also doesn't tell Quinn that she had thoughts of kissing girls, too. But that was the old Sunny and she was determined to change so she isn't laughed at by the other kids.
During this time, Lena shows back up and wants to see Sunny. Things start slow. Lena was a musician until she had Sunny. Sunny's dad died in a motorcycle accident before she was born. Lena left Sunny behind because she was an alcoholic and couldn't cope. She was also still really upset over losing the man she had loved since she was young. Sunny is afraid to get close to Lena because she may leave again. But she agrees to see her and Lena decides to teach her how to surf. Things start to go really well and Sunny opens up to Lena about certain things.
What I loved most about this book is how clearly it dealt with Sunny's battle to figure out who she was attracted to. It was easier to like boys. And she did like them. But thoughts of girls kept creeping back in. Especially thoughts of Quinn. Sunny starts writing poems and leaves them all around in random places. It helps her get her feelings out. She is such a strong, caring, and fun girl and I loved reading about her. There was so much emotion throughout this book.
I have to say that having an lgbtqui+ positive book for middle grade is so important. Young kids need to know they are not alone in their feelings. I knew at a very young age that I liked boys. Probably around six. I also knew I was sexually attracted to them by middle school. So kids this age need to see that there are so many other things besides being straight because it's expected of you. It's time that parents also stop expecting their children to be who they want and instead encourage them into who they actually are.
I obviously have this 5 stars. Even though it's middle grade, I think this book is perfect for any age.
There are some serious topics to mention. Alcoholism, death of a parent, and parental abandonment. Also, 11 and 12 year old girls being mean and laughing about the thoughts Sunny had about girls. I'm not sure how to warn about this one, but a parent who adopted a child might have some intense feelings about the birth mother showing back up out of nowhere.
Sunny St. James lived with her mom's friend, Kate. Sunny's mom, Lena, left her with Kate when she was four and she hasn't seen her in eight years. Kate is amazing though and loves Sunny so much. I loved this relationship. Kate finally spoke to Lena because Sunny was having a heart transplant. The book starts with a bit of her story, but mostly her fears and thoughts about dying or living with someone else's heart. After she got sick, she lost her best friend and wasn't able to go to school. While she loved Kate, Sunny made a goal to get a new best friend and to also kiss a boy.
Shortly after healing from surgery, Sunny went back into the ocean she loves. When she opened her eyes, there was a girl with blue hair underwater by her. This is how she met Quinn. Quinn's mom does underwater photography and is there for the summer to take dolphin photos. There is an almost instant connection between the girls and they agree right then to be best friends. Sunny doesn't tell her about her heart transplant, but does tell her how she is ready to kiss boys. She also doesn't tell Quinn that she had thoughts of kissing girls, too. But that was the old Sunny and she was determined to change so she isn't laughed at by the other kids.
During this time, Lena shows back up and wants to see Sunny. Things start slow. Lena was a musician until she had Sunny. Sunny's dad died in a motorcycle accident before she was born. Lena left Sunny behind because she was an alcoholic and couldn't cope. She was also still really upset over losing the man she had loved since she was young. Sunny is afraid to get close to Lena because she may leave again. But she agrees to see her and Lena decides to teach her how to surf. Things start to go really well and Sunny opens up to Lena about certain things.
What I loved most about this book is how clearly it dealt with Sunny's battle to figure out who she was attracted to. It was easier to like boys. And she did like them. But thoughts of girls kept creeping back in. Especially thoughts of Quinn. Sunny starts writing poems and leaves them all around in random places. It helps her get her feelings out. She is such a strong, caring, and fun girl and I loved reading about her. There was so much emotion throughout this book.
I have to say that having an lgbtqui+ positive book for middle grade is so important. Young kids need to know they are not alone in their feelings. I knew at a very young age that I liked boys. Probably around six. I also knew I was sexually attracted to them by middle school. So kids this age need to see that there are so many other things besides being straight because it's expected of you. It's time that parents also stop expecting their children to be who they want and instead encourage them into who they actually are.
I obviously have this 5 stars. Even though it's middle grade, I think this book is perfect for any age.
There are some serious topics to mention. Alcoholism, death of a parent, and parental abandonment. Also, 11 and 12 year old girls being mean and laughing about the thoughts Sunny had about girls. I'm not sure how to warn about this one, but a parent who adopted a child might have some intense feelings about the birth mother showing back up out of nowhere.
May 17, 2019
4.5 stars
TW: surgery (heart transplant), hospital
Rep: sapphic MC, sapphic Mexican LI
The Writing
Sunny’s voice is very distinct and clear throughout the novel and I found myself really enjoying her narration. It was, of course, a bit juvenile, but this is a middle grade, so that was something I had expected going into the story. I thought the narration worked very well for this novel and the simplicity of it made it all the more beautiful and the message definitely packed a lot more of a punch that way, as well.
The Plot/Pacing
The idea of a young girl discovering she likes other girls had me sold pretty much from the start, but the execution of this was brilliant as well. I found that storyline to be paced very well and it never felt rushed and things were always happening at just the right moment, so the story never felt like it dragged at all. Reading about Sunny’s journey discovering and coming to terms with liking girls was one of the most cathartic things I’ve experienced and I think that I could have probably used this about five or six years ago. The young me that’s still there in my head was very pleased with this story.
The Characters
I absolutely fell in love with Sunny right from page one. Her courage, her determination, all of it was just so inspiring to me that I couldn’t help but love her. I also really loved Quinn and I really enjoyed getting to know her better and her backstory. Would lowkey (highkey) be down for this book told from Quinn’s perspective. Kate and Dale were also really nice to read about and I loved the way Sunny was invested in their relationship. I would have liked them to be a bit more fleshed out, but I still really loved them. I loved the way Sunny’s relationship with her mother developed over the course of the story and the character development we see on both sides, there.
Overall
This book was so so amazing and I’m so glad we’re getting more mg about girls liking other girls, it makes my heart so fucking happy.
~~~
there's something cathartic about reading middle grade about girls discovering they like girls. I *wish* I had books like this when I was younger and I'm so glad Ashley Herring Blake is out there, truly doing the lord's work. RTC.
~~~
Hi, I just found out that Ashley Herring Blake has another book coming out in 2019 and at this point, I will read anything and everything this woman writes and oh wow I am so excited for this one.
TW: surgery (heart transplant), hospital
Rep: sapphic MC, sapphic Mexican LI
The Writing
Sunny’s voice is very distinct and clear throughout the novel and I found myself really enjoying her narration. It was, of course, a bit juvenile, but this is a middle grade, so that was something I had expected going into the story. I thought the narration worked very well for this novel and the simplicity of it made it all the more beautiful and the message definitely packed a lot more of a punch that way, as well.
The Plot/Pacing
The idea of a young girl discovering she likes other girls had me sold pretty much from the start, but the execution of this was brilliant as well. I found that storyline to be paced very well and it never felt rushed and things were always happening at just the right moment, so the story never felt like it dragged at all. Reading about Sunny’s journey discovering and coming to terms with liking girls was one of the most cathartic things I’ve experienced and I think that I could have probably used this about five or six years ago. The young me that’s still there in my head was very pleased with this story.
The Characters
I absolutely fell in love with Sunny right from page one. Her courage, her determination, all of it was just so inspiring to me that I couldn’t help but love her. I also really loved Quinn and I really enjoyed getting to know her better and her backstory. Would lowkey (highkey) be down for this book told from Quinn’s perspective. Kate and Dale were also really nice to read about and I loved the way Sunny was invested in their relationship. I would have liked them to be a bit more fleshed out, but I still really loved them. I loved the way Sunny’s relationship with her mother developed over the course of the story and the character development we see on both sides, there.
Overall
This book was so so amazing and I’m so glad we’re getting more mg about girls liking other girls, it makes my heart so fucking happy.
~~~
there's something cathartic about reading middle grade about girls discovering they like girls. I *wish* I had books like this when I was younger and I'm so glad Ashley Herring Blake is out there, truly doing the lord's work. RTC.
~~~
Hi, I just found out that Ashley Herring Blake has another book coming out in 2019 and at this point, I will read anything and everything this woman writes and oh wow I am so excited for this one.
June 28, 2021
FINALLY. I feel like I've read so many mediocre books this year that finding a book I genuinely adored from start to finish feels like such a breath of fresh air. I finished this the day I started it, which hasn't happened in a while either, in this Year of the Reading Slump.
But yes, I LOVED THIS. I loved Sunny, the 12-year old protagonist whose story in this book begins with getting a heart transplant. And Sunny is genuine sunshine, both in name and demeanor. What a delight of a person. And also, she very clearly is a 12-year old, with everything that entails, both good and bad.
I adored everything about this. I LOVED Sunny finding herself. I loved all the family stuff in this. Birth mom reappearing after 8 years away while Sunny was raised by the birth mom's best friend, and all the complications that brings, all of Sunny's struggles about how her bio mom and her mom of the heart each fit into her life, and all the conflict between Sunny and her two mothers, and the way they treat her, and also all the joy that Sunny gets to experience.
And Sunny's first foray into romance, and dealing with internalized homo/biphobia, and Sunny and Quinn just being the most wonderful, adorable, useless baby queers is just THE BEST. Aggressively trying to find a boy to kiss, and making your best friend go on a kissing quest with you, in the beginning because it's a genuine wish to kiss a boy, and later on because you don't want to admit you're actually in love with said best friend is a peak Gay Disaster Move. They're so in love with each other and literally everyone knows it, except the two of them about the other. And it's A DELIGHT. I love it so much. And their whole journey of misunderstandings and being afraid but always loving each other was just truly great.
I also SUPER DUPER loved the lowkey side romance between , two of the adult characters, and would genuinely read a whole novel about them because everything we got to see from them was truly just the loveliest. What wonderful humans, what a wonderful romance.
This was a somewhat heavy book for middle grade, but not at all age-inappropriate. It also never learned heavily into manufactured drama at all, it all seemed very natural and was merely the story unfolding the way it was meant to unfold. The book also made me cry a bunch, because of course. But only in a good way.
I can't recommend this book highly enough. Especially if you love baby queer disasters, a summer romance, and (for the most part) genuinely great adult characters.
But yes, I LOVED THIS. I loved Sunny, the 12-year old protagonist whose story in this book begins with getting a heart transplant. And Sunny is genuine sunshine, both in name and demeanor. What a delight of a person. And also, she very clearly is a 12-year old, with everything that entails, both good and bad.
I adored everything about this. I LOVED Sunny finding herself. I loved all the family stuff in this. Birth mom reappearing after 8 years away while Sunny was raised by the birth mom's best friend, and all the complications that brings, all of Sunny's struggles about how her bio mom and her mom of the heart each fit into her life, and all the conflict between Sunny and her two mothers, and the way they treat her, and also all the joy that Sunny gets to experience.
And Sunny's first foray into romance, and dealing with internalized homo/biphobia, and Sunny and Quinn just being the most wonderful, adorable, useless baby queers is just THE BEST. Aggressively trying to find a boy to kiss, and making your best friend go on a kissing quest with you, in the beginning because it's a genuine wish to kiss a boy, and later on because you don't want to admit you're actually in love with said best friend is a peak Gay Disaster Move. They're so in love with each other and literally everyone knows it, except the two of them about the other. And it's A DELIGHT. I love it so much. And their whole journey of misunderstandings and being afraid but always loving each other was just truly great.
I also SUPER DUPER loved the lowkey side romance between , two of the adult characters, and would genuinely read a whole novel about them because everything we got to see from them was truly just the loveliest. What wonderful humans, what a wonderful romance.
This was a somewhat heavy book for middle grade, but not at all age-inappropriate. It also never learned heavily into manufactured drama at all, it all seemed very natural and was merely the story unfolding the way it was meant to unfold. The book also made me cry a bunch, because of course. But only in a good way.
I can't recommend this book highly enough. Especially if you love baby queer disasters, a summer romance, and (for the most part) genuinely great adult characters.
March 27, 2019
full review to come.
April 24, 2019
This was absolutely beautiful! So much love to Ashley Herring Blake for giving us such wonderful sapphic Middle Grade stories.
May 11, 2019
I ugly cried the last like 20 or so pages I absolutely loved this book
September 21, 2022
It's fine, I'm fine. I didn't just bawl my eyes out to a middle grade book. That absolutely didn't happen.
As much as I loved Ashley Herring Blake's adult romance, I have a super squishy soft spot for her middle grade books. They just rip out your soul and then put it back in and give it a hug. They are so heartwarming and adorable and incredibly queer.
This one specifically is about Sunny who is 12 years old and just had a heart transplant. As she is healing she is learning how to live again with the idea that she actually will be able to live and have a future. The one thing that she really wanted to do and was going to be super mad about if she died before she was able to do it, was kiss a boy. So Sunny sets off on this kissing quest to find someone to kiss and she's got a lot of ups and downs to get through. You see Sunny has thought about kissing girls before too but she had a not so great experience when she told someone and so now she's determined to just stick to boys. And that was all fine and good until Quinn rolled into town.
Quinn literally swims up to Sunny in the ocean and makes herself known in Sunny's world. There's a super sweet element of this that just knowing how easy and simple it is for kids to be friends and I wish it was that easy to make friends as an adult. Like yeah we're just going to be best friends and that's that. How freaking cute.
So this whole book Quinn and Sunny are on the kissing quest and it is a quest. Sunny not only is grappling with her own emotions with who she wants to kiss but also figuring out where she belongs in the world in terms of her family. She lives with her mom's best friend Kate because her mom gave her up when she was 4 years old but all of a sudden her mom is back and that is a roller coaster that Sunny was not prepared for. You're also not prepared for it because I hope you're ready to cry.
All in all this book is so very sweet and you're going to be put through the gauntlet and rung dry. We found another favorite, friends
Bisexual MC, lesbian Puerto Rican SC
As much as I loved Ashley Herring Blake's adult romance, I have a super squishy soft spot for her middle grade books. They just rip out your soul and then put it back in and give it a hug. They are so heartwarming and adorable and incredibly queer.
This one specifically is about Sunny who is 12 years old and just had a heart transplant. As she is healing she is learning how to live again with the idea that she actually will be able to live and have a future. The one thing that she really wanted to do and was going to be super mad about if she died before she was able to do it, was kiss a boy. So Sunny sets off on this kissing quest to find someone to kiss and she's got a lot of ups and downs to get through. You see Sunny has thought about kissing girls before too but she had a not so great experience when she told someone and so now she's determined to just stick to boys. And that was all fine and good until Quinn rolled into town.
Quinn literally swims up to Sunny in the ocean and makes herself known in Sunny's world. There's a super sweet element of this that just knowing how easy and simple it is for kids to be friends and I wish it was that easy to make friends as an adult. Like yeah we're just going to be best friends and that's that. How freaking cute.
So this whole book Quinn and Sunny are on the kissing quest and it is a quest. Sunny not only is grappling with her own emotions with who she wants to kiss but also figuring out where she belongs in the world in terms of her family. She lives with her mom's best friend Kate because her mom gave her up when she was 4 years old but all of a sudden her mom is back and that is a roller coaster that Sunny was not prepared for. You're also not prepared for it because I hope you're ready to cry.
All in all this book is so very sweet and you're going to be put through the gauntlet and rung dry. We found another favorite, friends
Bisexual MC, lesbian Puerto Rican SC
July 14, 2021
This book is an emotional wrecking ball - to the point where I had to take a break at one point because I was getting so stressed on Sunny's behalf! - but oh, the climax was perfectly cathartic, and the ending was utterly perfect and left me full of happiness. This is the second MG book I've read by Ashley Herring Blake, and I am already excited to read the third!
March 11, 2019
It has been a pleasure to meet you, Sunny St. James. This book stole my heart and instantly became one of my fave middle-grade books.
This book is an emotional rollercoaster as Sunny deals with her life: a heart-transplant, reconnecting with her birth mother, coming to terms with her sexuality, and juggling friendships/relationships. It was such a sweet read and my heart melted during so many moments when I just wanted to give Sunny a hug and tell her everything’s gonna be okay.
The characters were the biggest win for me with this story. Everyone was so developed and played a key role to the story. There were so many heartfelt moments that really made me feel for the characters.
I love how much this book tackles as a middle-grade novel as well. Obviously the main story is about Sunny and her family, but reading as an adult you really feel for Kate and Lena and their situation too. It made it all that more impactful, while still being a powerful story for older kids and young teens.
And amidst everything else going on, the central story is a really cute love story for Sunny. Her development made me feel so many things and I’m so happy and living for her story.
*ARC provided by the publisher for an honest review*
Review can also be found on my blog!
This book is an emotional rollercoaster as Sunny deals with her life: a heart-transplant, reconnecting with her birth mother, coming to terms with her sexuality, and juggling friendships/relationships. It was such a sweet read and my heart melted during so many moments when I just wanted to give Sunny a hug and tell her everything’s gonna be okay.
The characters were the biggest win for me with this story. Everyone was so developed and played a key role to the story. There were so many heartfelt moments that really made me feel for the characters.
I love how much this book tackles as a middle-grade novel as well. Obviously the main story is about Sunny and her family, but reading as an adult you really feel for Kate and Lena and their situation too. It made it all that more impactful, while still being a powerful story for older kids and young teens.
And amidst everything else going on, the central story is a really cute love story for Sunny. Her development made me feel so many things and I’m so happy and living for her story.
*ARC provided by the publisher for an honest review*
Review can also be found on my blog!
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