Engaging story and artwork about twins (brother/sister) who face racism/bigotry.

I would say this is appropriate for 4th - 6th graders. There's sibling squabbles, vacation fun, serious topics like sexism, racism, bigotry, religious discrimination...

Great read for adults too!

Special thanks to Netgalley and First Second books for giving me copy from this book.
My daughter loved it so much and i will request many books from this author

This was a cute story about siblings finding a way to reconnect despite everything that has divided them. It was partially a story about a young girl who loves animals, but the small experiences with racism add a depth to it that will be meaningful to the target audience.

Thank you so much for letting me read this graphic novel. This was very wholesome children's graphic novel. It depicted a very adequate sibling relationship. And contained a lot of useful informations.

Sweet upper elementary/middle-grade graphic novel about two constantly feuding twins on vacation with their parents. While most of the conflict focuses on the usual things that divide children with different interests, there is a repeated theme of anti-Muslim bigotry and how both children both cope with it (including the sister's belief that her brother should stand up for her, although it is not clear if she feels that goes both ways). Strong coming of age themes throughout and well illustrated

Very important and lifelike coverage of anti-Muslim racism, but the story felt scattered to me. So did the artwork.

The story and characters were intensely engaging, but there was more that could have been done to develop both main characters, especially since the book seems to frame each sibling as a main player but puts a little more emphasis on Zara's experiences. To me, it was unclear who was supposed to be at the center of the narrative.

Twins Zara and Zeesh Aziz have very different interests; Zara is very devoted to animals (especially her Persian cat) and animal rescue efforts, and Zeesh is obsessed with watching NASA videos and learning everything he can about space. They frequently argue, but when their family heads off to the Florida Keys to a medical conference, their bickering escalates. Their parents, both doctors, are stressed enough about flying, since the family is frequently pulled aside for spot checks because they are Muslim, and eventually take away both children's phones after they have a very public fight. The mother is being honored as pediatrician of the year, a fact which the hotel concierge has taken time to remember, even if he asks the rude question of "where are you from". The parents did come from Pakistan, but the children have only ever lived in the US and are very tired of this question. With their phones gone, the children have to find things to do at the resort while their parents are at the conference. On the beach, Zara finds a large loggerhead turtle that seems unwell, and makes it her mission to help it. She names it Sunshine. She covers it with branches for shade and goes into town to ask at a pet store about it. Eventually, a local veterinarian comes and examines the animal, and thinks that once it gets some more vitamins, it will be okay. There are other children at the conference, and some of them are very mean. We see, in somewhat faded colors, flashback to similar events the children experienced back home. Their mother gets her award and the family is celebrsting her, but when Zeesh is angry that he is missing an important NASA broadcast, he runs away into a storm. Zara goes after them, and the two find that Sunshine is in trouble. They save it, and find that they bicker a bit less once they learn to appreciate each other's interests and have learned to work together.
Strengths: The artwork in this was more beautiful than the average graphic novel, and since it is set in the Florida Keys, it was like being on a little vacation! I'd love to see more graphic novels illustrated by Khan. Adults tend to forget what a big role siblings have in the lives of middle grade children, so it was good to see that even though the twins bickered, they were able to hang out together and find things to do. I adored that their parents took away their phones when they didn't do what was expected! Taking away technology was always my first line of defense with my own children, and it can be very effective! The Pakistani American representation is good to see, although it's sad that the family has to deal with so many microaggressions and hatred. This story moved quickly, and the turtle added an extra layer of interest.
Weaknesses: It seemed a bit odd that the children were allowed to wander around so much on their own, but perhaps this is fairly common in the Florida Keys. I've never been there.
What I really think: This is a good choice for graphic novel readers who want sibling tales like Harper's Bad Sister or books with Muslim characters and challenges like Huq's The Story of Nisrin's Hijab or Famy's Huda F. Are You.

Another great graphic novel that really hits tough topics that young readers will be able to process through reading this book. Highly recommended!

Zara and Zeeshan can’t stop fighting and on a trip to Florida their parents have had enough! When the siblings are forced to spend time together they must learn to work with each other - the life of a creature may depend on it.

This charming story of family, sibling rivalry, and nature is a sweet mix!

This was a fantastic middle grade graphic novel. It delved into a lot of serious topics (religion, sibling relationships, immigration, animal rights) but it wasn't overwhelming. Each topic brought up blended into the story well without being too bogged down. The art is really nice and the text is easy to read and follow. The dynamic between the twins, as well as their parents, was realistic. Nothing was tied neatly in a bow but it had a satisfying ending. The dealings with religion and country of origin were realistic, hard to read at times, and unfortunately reflected a very real reality for many Muslims in America. Definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a realistic middle grade graphic novel.

beautifully drawn, loved the characters designs, although some of the dialogue feels a bit stilted the way issues are introduced and handled makes it worthwhile.

The art style of this graphic novel was so cute! The watercolor style was so pretty! Unfortunately, the story did not really draw me in, so I didn't get very far with it. I think this is a really great graphic novel for middle grade kiddos that want to read something more serious, but have trouble reading full chapter books.

Such a sweet story about bickering siblings that have to find common ground while on vacation, mostly once they have the same mission.

This was a tender story with beautiful illustrations. I really enjoyed the brother-sister dynamic with the added layers of activism and identity.

Twins Zara and Zeeshan don't like each other. They can't go more than 10 minutes together before getting into a fight. While on a trip to Florida, their parents confiscate their phones and force them to spend time with each other. Despite a rocky start, Zara and Zeeshan start to learn more about each other and the other's interest. Zeeshan helps Zara care for a sick sea turtle, and Zara finds a lighthouse observatory for them to visit. Through their time together, they will learn they have more in common than they think - they are both extremely passionate, headstrong and hurting from racist harassment. A beautiful graphic novel about siblings learning to stick together even when they start to grow apart.

Recommended for all middle school libraries and high school libraries where MG circulates well. A must purchase for public libraries.

Adorable. I fell in love with the twins and their stories; it’s so easy to get lost in being competitive with a sibling that you forget the bond you share. I loved the way that this aspect was represented within this piece. This is definitely something I’ll be grabbing a physical copy of upon release - thanks first second for the galley <3

I love Saadia Faruqi's books, and this graphic novel didn't disappoint. The book read more as a slice of life, with some animal advocacy and a spotlight on religious tolerance. Overall I felt like it was a good look at family and sibling relationships, and how similar we all are when you get down to it.

This would be a good book to introduce diversity in religious habits and would help readers explore how their words can affect others. I think it would be a good book club or class discussion book.

"Saving Sunshine" by Saadia Faruqi is a gorgeous book both in story and art! Zara and Zeeshan are twins who cannot stop fighting. When their family takes a trip so that their mother can accept a prestigious award at a conference, the parents decide they've had enough of the constant bickering, and they take the twins' phones away for the entire trip. Both kids are devastated, as they had planned to be on their phones for most of the trip. Without their phones, the twins are forced to abandon their plans and spend all their time together. As they try to rediscover how to get along, they find an injured turtle on the beach, who Zara names Sunshine. Working together to save the turtle, they may just save themselves too. This is above all a beautiful family story, but it also delves into prejudice and discrimination in an authentic way. Highly recommended for middle grade collections and readers of all ages.

Saving Sunshine by Saadia Faruqi is a sweet and beautiful story about family, love, and activism. The story revolves around two twins, a brother and sister, who just can’t get along. When they’re forced to spend time together on vacation and get their phones taken away by their parents, they find a sick turtle and decide to save it together. The brother and sister couldn’t be more different and at first find it hard to get along, but eventually they find ways to work together and become closer than ever. This sweet story will teach kids about new cultures and will help kids to realize that our differences are nothing to be afraid or ashamed of.

Twins Zara and Zeeshan used to be close but now they're always fighting. One loves animals, the other space. The two are forced to reconnect and find common ground when their squabbling results in the loss of phones on a family vacation.

Interwoven with the main story are flashbacks of things like when Zara first chose to wear a hijab in public.

The author crafts a realistic narrative, weaving together strands of the past (mostly less pleasant, including incidents of racism) and drawing together the characters in the present. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and would highly recommend it for roughly 3rd grade up.