“What about BIG AL?”

From Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm’s Swing It, Sunny.

After spending the summer in Florida with her grandfather while her parents worked some stuff out at home, Sunny is finally back in Pennsylvania and starting middle school. Life is often confusing for Sunny, especially while her family tries to figure out how to deal with her older brother’s recent addiction issues and his absence from home while away at military school. Fall brings on a new allergy diagnosis, Halloween brings a disagreement between Sunny and her friend, and Thanksgiving brings a bitter older brother home for break… all aspects that just add to the complicated mess that is Sunny’s life. When Sunny is introduced to baton and flag twirling at school, she is unsure about the marching band activity, but she finally decides to step outside her comfort zone and give it a try. Sunny’s new activity proves to be a bit difficult at first, but with her desire to do well and a little help from new friend, Neela, Sunny begins to find enjoyment in unexpected places.

The second installment in the series continues the story from the first while also creating additional challenges for the main character to grow through. Set in 1970’s America, Holm creates a story that is simple, but touching, especially for anyone whose life has been touched by the pain of addiction. Swing It, Sunny is a quick read that builds the character’s world a bit and will draw readers back for the next book.