Sweet story about a relatable sibling rivalry that also touches on equally relatable issues of assimilation, xenophobia, and Islamophobia. I enjoyed Zara and her mom's perspectives on their relationship to wearing hijab.

Saadia Faruqi has done it again. Taking the usual and making it unusual is a gift, and this author always delivers a meaningful message mixed with just enough humor, sentiment, and silliness to help us remember that life is only as difficult as we choose to make it. In this case, the forced proximity due to extended travel mixed with (gasp) the absence of cell phones allows siblings at odds to realize their parents are smart cookies. Brought together despite themselves and in honor of someone else's achievement is a fine motivator, especially when Zara and Zeesh must put aside their differences to save wildlife.
What could have been just another sibling rivalry story is a lovely keepsake regarding people, places, and things we often take for granted. Further, the illustrations are delicious and go well with the cadence of the text.

Thanks to First Second and NetGalley for allowing me to read this one. It's a keeper.

Saving Sunshine is a very sweet middle-grade graphic novel that does a good job of bringing up some tough topics like sibling rivalry and racism in a way that is age-appropriate. It shows ways to deal with overt, covert, and "accidental" racism through the parent's lens but also allows us to see how the main character boy and girl deal with it in different ways. It shows how the siblings' relationship has and does develop as they age. It was well worth the read and I would recommend it! Thank you, NetGalley for the eARC!

THANKS TO NETGALLEY FOR THIS REVIEW COPY IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW.

Like other books by Saadia Faruqi, this book also addressed a few sensitive topics. Zara and Zeeshan, despite being twins are not on the best terms. They are obsessed with different fields, Zara is into animals, and Zeeshan is in outer space. Their parents have been tolerating their bickering but not anymore. The trip is for their mother who is winning a big award at a conference and the parents don't have the energy to resolve their fights. They must find a way to bond otherwise parents won't return their phones. The story is about compromises, flexibility and respect each others religion, opinion, lifestyle and interests.

Thank you to NetGalley and First Second for the eARC!

SAVING SUNSHINE was a fun middle grade graphic novel about two Muslim American twins who have to put aside their differences and learn to work together. The story was layered with STEM themes that will definitely appeal to MG readers, as well as honest depictions of micro-aggressions that the twins and their family face.

Twins Zara and Zeesh are both passionate about STEM topics — for Zara it's environmentalism and animals, while for Zeesh it's astronomy and NASA. Yet despite this the twins find themselves constantly at odds, and when their bickering comes to a head during their family's trip to Florida, their parents take away their phones. As a result, Zara and Zeesh are forced to actually spend time with each other.
While this may seem like the ultimate punishment at first, the siblings slowly start to learn more about each other and the difficulties they both face. And when an endangered loggerhead turtle turns up at the beach, Zara and Zeesh realize that they'll have to work together if they want to save it.

I loved how the STEM themes were woven into this story, with fun little infographics about the kids' interests. The story was fun and educational, and at the same time very heartfelt. The illustrations by Shazleen Khan were also a particular highlight for me — the art was so colourful and gorgeous, and quite different to a lot of other MG graphic novels I've ready recently. I really liked how the flashbacks were portrayed in a different colour palette, and though the flashback about Zara's decision to wear the hijab was particularly powerful.

Overall, I really enjoyed this graphic novel and was impressed with how deftly Saadia Faruqi was able to weave in so many different topics and themes. Highly recommend for MG readers!

What a wonderful MG graphic novel on siblings and sibling rivalry. About being different and embracing that difference. About coming together as a family.

Zara and Zeeshan are Pakistani-American twins. Even so, they are constantly bickering and fighting, hating on each other's hobbies and likes. Seemingly hating on each other's existence, even. The usual sibling rivalry among siblings and maybe slightly more. So one day while on a family vacation-cum-work conference for their parents, they had their mobiles taken away so that they can bond.

And bond they did. They learnt how to accept each others likes and dislikes and learn to band together and accept how not everyone are nice to those who look/sound/are different. They learn some people can be really sincere in wanting to learn about your heritage even if there are those who mistreat you or look down and make fun of you. Plus, i loved the little environmental nuggets made as a sub-premise in the story.

I feel this was a beautiful representation and ownvoice novel, especially for the young ones to grapple for being POC. Presented in a really beautiful illustration form. Cause graphic novels are still books and even graphic novels can put across a wonderfully plotted story.

This is a story about family and the bond you share as siblings - how it can be hard to friends with your sibling, but also how important that relationship can be.
It's also a story about having your identity questioned, Islamophobia and the constant comments and stares you can, will. receive as a woman with a hijab or the like.
And it's a story about being a kid and being passionate about something. About figuring out what's important and what you love and what you can live without.

I liked this graphic novel. I hope many kids will find it and I will recommend it to my colleagues.

/ Denise

Saving Sunshine is a story about a brother and sister, Zeeshan and Zara. They have a hard time getting along like most siblings do. During a family trip, their parents decide to take their phones away from them until they can appreciate one another. They are forced to bond with one another. As they spend time together, they find a sick loggerhead turtle on the beach. They work together to figure out how to help it.

The illustrations in this book were beautiful. They added to the story that was being told. Since the family are Muslim Americans, it covered some of the stereotypes they face. This is an excellent graphic novel about belonging, family, and helping others.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Saving Sunshine by Saadia Faruqi was a wonderful graphic novel. It was about twins-Zara & Zeeshan. The are growing up with very different interest and starting to bicker a lot. When they go on a trip with their parents, their fighting becomes too much and their parents take their phones away. Slowly, the begin to understand each other and begin to help each other.. It shows about sibling struggles, struggles fitting in, and struggles of Muslin Americans. This is a must read, middle grade graphic novel!

Thank you NetGalley/publishers for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
This is one of the best graphic novels I have read this year. The illustrations drew me in from the very first page and the storyline kept me turning page after page.
Saving Sunshine is a middle grade graphic novel, about two siblings, a pair of twins actually, Zara and Zeeshan who can't seem to get along. Zara loves animals and is always looking to be around them, while Zeeshan loves the outer space and is obsessed with watching NASA videos. Both of their parents are doctors. The family takes a trip to Florida because the twins mother is going to receive an award. The twins get in a fight and lose their phone privileges.There the twins learn to work together by saving an endangered animal who is sick. They also learn to appreciate each other's interest and help each other in their own way. A few pages in you will get to know why the books name is 'Saving Sunshine'.
While this was a fun read, the author also introduced some serious but important topics like islamophobia, microaggression and racism. The family is faced by various stereotypes and a few comments from strangers. Despite all that, the advice given by the twins parents and the love shown by a few strangers touched my heart.
I loved every minute of reading this book and would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves reading graphic novels.

Saving Sunshine by Saadia Faruqi is a heartfelt and beautifully crafted graphic novel that captivates readers with its authentic representation and meaningful storytelling. This graphic novel offers a refreshing and authentic representation of Muslim American characters. The realistic portrayal of Zara and Zeeshan's challenges with prejudice, discrimination, and microaggressions struck a chord with me, as it sheds light on the very real struggles faced by many individuals in our diverse society. The illustrations beautifully complemented the narrative, capturing the characters' expressions and interactions well. There are boxes specifically used for presenting environments and space exploration-related facts. Saving Sunshine sends powerful messages about acceptance and empathy. The characters learn to appreciate each other's passions and strengths. This heartwarming growth illustrates the power of understanding and supporting one another.

⤷‧₊˚4⭑
nothing else to say but FANTASTIC.
i loved it so much, if you haven't read it yet, read it now!

4.5 stars rounded up.

A really beautiful story about Muslim twin siblings who re-learn how to like and stick up for each other. I thought the messages were really powerful, the illustration style was great, and the characters were lovable. I highly recommend!

“Saving sunshine" is a beautiful story about two siblings who lost connection with each other over the years. They each have their own interests and have forgotten how to get along. During a holiday, their parents are tired of the constant bickering and they take away their phones. It was beautiful to see how the twins reconnect after the temptations of a smartphone are taken away. They see each other again, understand each other better, stand up for each other. They have a common goal and it was just beautiful to see the evolution in the characters. The story also dwells on big and small struggles of racism here and there, which was heartbreaking to see at times. The drawings and use of colour are very fitting for the story. All in all, a graphic novel I would definitely recommend!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC of this book!

"Saving Sunshine" by Saadia Faruqi and illustrated by Shazleen Khan is a heartwarming middle-grade graphic novel that tells the story of a Muslim American family. The parents, who originally came from Pakistan, are now recognized doctors in America. Their twin children, Zara and Zeeshan, have differing opinions and are constantly at odds. Zara chooses to wear a hijab, while Zeeshan becomes upset when asked about his heritage.
The book's narrative unfolds during a summer trip to Florida, where the twins are confronted with the need to understand and listen to each other, putting an end to their constant fighting. One of the strengths of the book is how the author and illustrator capture the feelings of these kids when faced with teasing and being treated as outsiders in their own country. As a white European and migrant reader, I found the Muslim representation in the book to be both genuine and impactful.
The artwork by Shazleen Khan is truly stunning, emanating summery vibes that perfectly complement the story. The cover, in particular, stands out as one of the best I've ever seen. I would highly recommend "Saving Sunshine" not only to children but also to readers of all ages. The novel touches on important themes such as the experiences of migrants, the Muslim community, feelings of being an outsider and activism.
Thank you to NetGalley and First Second Books for the E-ARC! All opinions are my own.
Content Warnings: discrimination and bullying.
4.5 stars

Four stars ⭐️
I read this book with my 10 and 12 year old daughters, and we all really enjoyed it. As a the despairing parent of children who have been squabbling and are glued to their devices over the summer holidays this also chimed a chord.

It’s a fun story of twins Zara and Zeesh whose strained relationship causes them to have their phones confiscated whilst they are on a summer trip to Florida. Cut off from their respective interests - Zeesh his NASA feed and Zara her animal protection app - they are forced to get on, cooperate and find things that will entertain them both. It ends with them having a new understanding for each other.

There were some really interesting discussion points, that we found as a family, some that went over my kids heads, for example why the hijab wearing, Pakistani originating family needed to spend extra time at the airport, but there were also more tangible ideas like why everyone kept asking Zeesh “where he was from?”, how he might feel about that and why people might ask about that. We also really enjoyed the positive way Zara’s decision to wear the hijab was covered.

The artwork was beautiful. Really summery. It felt like a photo album full of memories. I also thought it was really effective the way their past memories switched to the sepia tones to show flashbacks. Overall it had a beautiful look and feel. A delight to read.

I also applaud the fact both my kids enjoyed this, without it even containing a single dragon or elf!

Saving Sunshine is such a wholesome story that bonds twin siblings who find every chance to fight. Pairing it off with breathtaking illustrations makes it such an enjoyable read. I wanted to slowly savour the book but had no choice but to devour it in one sitting. I really am such a huge fan of this book I highly recommend you to read it as soon as it's out!

For twins Zara and Zeeshan, having different hobbies from each other is exhausting. When their mother is awarded for being an amazing doctor, their family travels to Florida for the event. But as Muslim Americans, the family is hit with resentment and bitterness from the locals for being foreigners. With their parents at the conference during the week and their phones confiscated (for being unruly children), the twins venture onto the beach. When Zara finds an unlikely ally in a turtle, she notices that the animal is sick. Can both put aside their differences and come together to save Sunshine the turtle?
Beautifully written and deeply honest. "Saving Sunshine" tells a story of twins, an ailing turtle, and the raw openness of people who call them names. As kids, their classmates have a hard time with their religion, their names, and outright hatred. Zara and Zeeshan, through thick and thin, stick together throughout the story despite their differences in hobbies. From saving animals to seeing other planets in their galaxy, these two bicker and fight, yet still love each other despite being twins. A fun and quick read, I highly recommend it!

Every single MG reader and beyond must read this book. I'll say it again: EVERY single MG reader and beyond MUST read this book! An important story about siblings who struggle to get along, a family who is treated unfairly because of their faith (but readers learn A LOT about tolerance, understanding, and acceptance), the power of disconnecting from technology, and the importance of taking care of the world, its creatures, and each other. Beautifully written, stunning illustrations, and a fantastic read!

The muslim representation in this book is wonderful!! as a muslim, i found this story relatable and realistic. i loved the animal and space facts the book presented. i LOVED the art style, it was truly beautiful. and lastly, i love the character development both siblings had. i found their little journey to getting closer together super wholesome.