Representation: Character with a physical disability
Trigger warnings: Loss of limb (arm,) drug use, abuse and addiction mentioned in the past
Score: Seven out of ten.

It looks like I finally read this one. I haven't read from Jennifer L. Holm in almost two years, but I needed to complete the Sunny series (which I read out of order, since I read the first and then the fourth instalments) so I picked Swing it, Sunny, up. I headed in with high expectations and found it enjoyable.

Did I mention this one is one of the few illustrated novels I haven't read yet until now? It starts (more like continues) with Sunny Lewin moving away from Florida after the events of the first novel and now enters her first year of middle school. I initially thought it would only be another story in the list of school narratives, but it goes deeper than that. The only intriguing subplot is one involving her brother, Dale, who had to attend boarding school because of his drug abuse issues. I appreciated the pictures, which looked engaging and the likable characters, though I couldn't relate to the dysfunctional family, with Dale distancing himself from his siblings and parents, but I'm sure others can relate.

The pacing is enough to keep the book going, with its length barely over 200 pages, so I didn't find it too slow, overwhelming or filled with filler pages that add nothing. Even when Dale briefly visits Sunny during Thanksgiving, an American holiday, she thinks he changes, but he eventually warms up to her, showing intriguing character dynamics and development. I don't see settings like the one in Swing it, Sunny, that often, as Holm set this one in the late 1970s, allowing for a fascinating look into what happened at that time. Some readers may feel young in a way, but I didn't mind that much. Not all side characters are the same, with some being memorable, and others, not quite as such. Developing more characters beside Dale would improve the reading experience, though. At least the conclusion is heartwarming. I'll write my thoughts on Sunny Rolls the Dice after reviewing this one. ( )

Quick, well-constructed book. I enjoyed it and liked the characters, without having read the first one. ( )

Excellent graphic novel for middle grade and adults. Sunny has issues common to all pre-teens; problem siblings, problem with siblings and best friends, and getting comfortable with herself. The illustrations greatly enhance the narrative. A fast yet thoughtful read, with nostalgic value for those growing up in the 1970s. ( )

children's middlegrade graphic novel (semi-memoiresque growing up in the 70s). Too short! More, please! ( )

I'm reading out of order in the Sunny series, but #2 stands alone as well as #3. This time, Sunny is preoccupied with her older brother Dale's absence; he's away at a military boarding school due to bad behavior. Sunny looks forward to his visits home, but his personality seems to have changed. Meanwhile, her best friend Jen moves out of the house next door (though it seems like she stays local), and an older girl moves in. Neela is in high school marching band, and she's kind to Sunny; she teaches her how to twirl. Sunny's parents are kind and as comforting as they can be about Dale; Sunny also confides in her grandpa, who lives in Florida but comes to visit in February.

Quotes

"I guess what I'm trying to say is: Do you think people can change?" (Sunny to Gramps, 142)

"I know it's hard to watch somebody you love struggle. All you want to do is make it better. But you can't always fix things....Just keep loving him and hope for the best." (Gramps to Sunny, 145)

"When he's around, everyone argues more, and it's harder to breathe. I miss him, but I don't miss that." (Sunny to her mom, 192)

"When things get bad, sometimes they take it out on the people they should be turning to for help." (Sunny's mom, 193) ( )