Saving Sunshine

Starred review from July 10, 2023
Tween twins with a strained relationship must overcome their differences to save the day—and each other—in this moving graphic novel by Faruqi (the Ali the Great series) and debut creator Khan. Muslim Pakistani American twins Zara and Zeeshan have been bickering nonstop as they pack for their family trip from New York to Key West, Fla. When their tension—exacerbated by Islamophobic experiences at the airport—reaches a boiling point, their exasperated parents confiscate the twins’ phones until they can “figure out how to be friends.” Arriving in Florida without their devices, Zara and Zeesh must work together if they want to enjoy their trip and get their phones back. Collaborating on a mission to save a sick turtle allows the siblings to demonstrate each other’s individual passions, resulting in newfound connection and understanding. Khan’s digital illustrations mimic the free-flowing feel of watercolor; shifts between soft pastels and saturated primary colors evoke changes in mood, and creative angles, detailed expressions, and dynamic paneling portray characters’ interactions and relationships. Poignant flashbacks to the twins’ tumultuous childhood, as well as their present-day encounters with racism, supplement this stirring and uplifting story of family and identity. Ages 8–12.

August 1, 2023

Gr 4-7-Muslim twins Zeeshan and Zara's mother is recognized as pediatrician of the year, and the Aziz family must travel from New York to a conference in Key West. Along the way, the twins face microaggressions and discrimination from others, while battling an inability to get along with each other due to diverging interests and perceived slights. When their bickering leads to lost phone privileges and they need find entertainment in each other's company, Zeeshan and Zara aren't sure they're going to survive the trip. But a chance discovery of Sunshine, a sick loggerhead turtle stranded on the beach, presents the twins with an opportunity to put their differences aside in order to nurse it back to health. Sunshine's story quietly takes a backseat to the twins' still-evolving relationship. Despite multiple conflicts being present, the tension never comes to a head as they are quickly resolved, while character growth feels believable though perhaps rushed. Although discrimination at the hands of airport personnel is recognized as harmful, microaggressions are largely dismissed, as the twins are urged to avoid anger. The stunning artwork is dominated by soft sea-inspired watercolor blues and greens in the present, while flashbacks are signaled with sepia. A smattering of animal and space facts, representing the interests of the twins, respectively, are shared via fact boxes meant to appear as social media posts. VERDICT A fine addition for collections seeking representation of discordant sibling relationships.-Alea Perez

Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from July 15, 2023
When their parents take away their phones, twins are forced to figure out how to be friends. Pakistani American tweens Zara and Zeeshan Aziz are traveling from New York to Key West with their parents, Amma and Abba, for the conference where their mother will become the first Muslim woman honored with a pediatrician of the year award. The kids have different interests--nature lover Zara is a member of an animal rescue society, and Zeesh is into space exploration and NASA videos. Told to stick together, they go kayaking and walk on the beach, where Zara finds a sick loggerhead turtle she names Sunshine. They also meet a kindly veterinarian who's checking on the turtle. The siblings later work together to help Sunshine return to the sea. While exploring without technology, they overcome their differences, learn more about one another's interests, and start appreciating and supporting each other. Faruqi seamlessly weaves in flashbacks showing the history of their relationship as well as their parents' memories and experiences of immigration and Islamophobia. Powerful scenes reveal Zara's choice to start wearing hijab in sixth grade and how she was treated at school and Zeesh's racist treatment by classmates that led to his quitting the after-school space club. Facts about animals and outer space appear in text boxes. Khan's rich, detailed, watercolorlike illustrations enhance the story, capturing the siblings' passions, emotions, and love for one another. A beautiful, realistic, and important story focusing on family and sibling bonds. (Graphic fiction. 8-12)

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Starred review from September 15, 2023
Grades 4-7 During their family trip to Florida for a medical conference honoring their mother, it doesn't take long for twins Zara and Zeeshan to start bickering. Amid their forced bonding time, the siblings discover deeper wounds that they both carry: Zara resents Zeeshan for not standing up for her in the past when being bullied for wearing her hijab, and Zeeshan is frustrated with ignorant people misinterpreting what it means to be a Pakistani American. But when Zara discovers a stranded sea turtle, Zeeshan surprises them both with his eagerness to help. Will the twins succeed in saving Sunshine's life? Or better yet, will they begin to see eye to eye? Faruqi, creator of Yusuf Azeem Is Not a Hero, presents a relatable sibling story that approaches tough topics like discrimination with compassion and intention. Khan's vivid digital watercolors capture the characters' warmth and expressiveness. Delicate chapter headings and insightful pop-up notifications enhance the engaging narrative. Heartwarming, funny, and bright, this book is sure to leave readers beaming.

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