Families who loved Swing It, Sunny! by Jennifer L. Holm often look for books with a similar feel. These 15 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child is navigating the complicated emotions of a sibling's struggle or the shift from childhood into the middle school years. This graphic novel follows Sunny Lewin in the mid-1970s as she balances the everyday challenges of seventh grade with the heavy silence of her older brother's absence. While Sunny tries to find her footing through cheerleading and new friendships, she must also process her brother Dale's battle with substance use and his placement in a military academy. It is a deeply empathetic look at how families cope with internal crises, offering a message of resilience and hope for children who feel they have to keep their family secrets hidden from the world. It is particularly appropriate for readers ages 8 to 12 who appreciate realistic stories that don't shy away from complex family dynamics.