About This Book
A parent would reach for this book when their child is experiencing significant life changes involving financial hardship, housing instability, or a move to a shelter. It serves as a gentle bridge for families navigating the stress of 'not having enough' while trying to maintain a sense of wonder and normalcy. Through the eyes of ten year old Sunny Holiday, the story validates the reality of being poor without succumbing to despair, focusing instead on the power of perspective and community. As Sunny invents new holidays to fill the 'empty' months, readers see a model of resilience and creative problem solving. The narrative balances the weight of a parent's job loss and the indignity of living in a shelter with moments of genuine humor and optimism. It is an ideal choice for elementary schoolers who need to see their own struggles represented with dignity, or for those who need to build empathy for peers whose lives look different from their own.
