The Mighty Heart of Sunny St. James

My 11 year old niece has endured more trauma in her short life than many do in decades. She was raised in chaos: domestic violence, drug abuse, foster care, parental incarceration.All of this came to a terrible dénouement when her mother (my sister) was found dead of an overdose on the living room sofa.By the grace of God her father has remained sober since he was released from jail. He reunited the family with a new, loving, stable and nurturing wife and what seemed destined for inevitable tragedy has grown into a “happy ending” for all.And my niece? Last summer in one of the most fun and tender afternoons I’ve enjoyed she came out to me. I am gay and I cannot begin to express how different her experience is from mine. My early years as a closeted boy were fraught with fear and insecurity. The societal loathing was only matched by my own...and those painful and isolating years left deep scars.I see none of that in my niece. The world has changed and at least in this way, for the better.She is not a reader and remembering how it felt to watch television and see no characters who were “like me” I decided to find something private and affirmative for her to connect to.Enter Sunny St. James, who, like my own niece has suffered and grown through that suffering to become wiser, braver, more steady, and deeply compassionate.So my “not a reader” niece? It’s been less than a month since I gave her the book and she’s read it twice and starting it over again. I’ve never seen her hungry for the written word like this.Yay for gay uncle!Thank you to Ashley Blake Herring and to all the allies, friends family and members of my community past and present who have made this a safer, more loving world for LGBTQ people.

This book was so sweet and heartwarming. I loved Sunny and Quinn's friendship and how close they became. I loved that it touched on serious notes as well. Kids are so capable of dealing with adult issues and this story proved it.

This was a really good story, there was a bit of same sex attraction but it was so innocent and sweet that it shouldn't be a cause for concern for those who may not typically read this type of story.

A great little story with all the feels. I really enjoyed Sunny and her story. Well written and draws you in.

Twenty two of my 26 fifth graders- half boys, half girls - chose to read this book for a Book Breakfast! This is a meaty book, and it lead to the best discussion we've had all year! I can't recommend it highly enough. There's something here for every middle grade reader, and it should be in every 5th grade classroom.

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This book is a must read. I teach 5th grade and I purchased it for my classroom library. Ashley Herring Blake has created a world where it’s ok to be someone new but it’s also ok to be the you you’ve always been. Middle grade kids, especially girls, will connect instantly with Sunny. Get this book now!

Another incredible story by Ashley Herring Blake. I wish her books had been available when I was a teenager. Excellent coming or are tale from the perspective of an LGBTQ protagonist. I'm proud to have this book in my classroom library.

This book was such a joy to read. There were many different plots happening, all of which were engaging and felt equally important. The characters were given time to develop and Sunny most of all, I could not help but to cherish and root for her along the way. I especially loved how the author explored Sunny's sexuality and the realities that can come with realising that you are a girl who might like other girls. It was very well done for its intended audience. And as an adult reader I thoroughly enjoyed it, and would highly recommend it to all readers.