Book Review Summary: The Mighty Heart of Sunny St. James

Introduction

"The Mighty Heart of Sunny St. James" by Ashley Herring Blake is a captivating young adult novel that explores the journey of a twelve-year-old girl named Sunny St. James. Sunny receives a new heart and sets off on a "New Life Plan" to do amazing things, find a new best friend, and kiss a boy for the first time. As she navigates her new life, Sunny encounters challenges and experiences emotional growth, ultimately discovering her true self. In this article, we will delve into the book's summary, author background, analysis of readers' views, reasons for recommendation, and reasons for not recommendation.

About Ashley Herring Blake

Ashley Herring Blake is an accomplished author known for her engaging young adult novels and middle grade books. With a Master's degree in teaching and a passion for coffee, book organization, and cold weather, Blake has created compelling stories that resonate with readers. Her works include "Suffer Love," "How to Make a Wish," "Girl Made of Stars," "Ivy Aberdeen's Letter to the World," "The Mighty Heart of Sunny St. James," and "Hazel Bly and the Deep Blue Sea." Blake's writing has received acclaim from readers and critics alike, with her books being recognized as Stonewall Honor Books, Kirkus, School Library Journal, NYPL, and NPR Best Books of 2018.

Analysis of Views

1. Sunny St. James as a relatable character: Readers found Sunny St. James to be a relatable protagonist who underwent significant challenges at a young age. They appreciated her resilience, determination, and growth throughout the story.
2. Emotional depth and representation: Many readers praised the emotional depth of the novel, particularly in addressing issues such as heart surgery, reconnection with a lost mother, and emerging feelings for another girl. They found the representation of these topics in a middle grade context to be commendable and relevant to young readers.
3. Engaging narrative: The book's narrative was praised for its engaging storytelling and ability to captivate readers from start to finish. Readers appreciated the pacing, character development, and the way the story unfolded naturally without relying on manufactured drama.
4. LGBTQ representation: The book received positive feedback for its representation of LGBTQ characters, particularly the portrayal of Sunny's journey towards understanding her feelings for another girl. Readers appreciated the authenticity and sensitivity in depicting these themes in a middle grade context.
5. Wholesome and uplifting: Many readers found the book to be wholesome and uplifting, with a focus on positivity and resilience. They appreciated the emphasis on friendship, family, and self-discovery, which added value to the story's overall message.

Reasons for Recommendation

1. Engaging storytelling: Readers highly recommend "The Mighty Heart of Sunny St. James" for its engaging storytelling that captures the imagination and keeps readers invested in Sunny's journey. The narrative is well-paced and engaging, making it difficult to put down.
2. Emotional depth and representation: The book's emotional depth and representation of important topics such as heart surgery, reconnection with a lost mother, and emerging feelings for another girl resonated with readers. They found it valuable to have these themes explored in a middle grade context, providing insight and understanding for young readers.
3. Positive messages and uplifting themes: Readers appreciate the positive messages and uplifting themes present in the book. The emphasis on friendship, family, self-discovery, and resilience offers valuable lessons for young readers while maintaining a wholesome and enjoyable reading experience.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

1. Age-appropriateness: Some readers felt that the book's emotional depth and exploration of complex issues may not be suitable for all middle grade readers. They believe that certain aspects of the story may require maturity and emotional preparedness to fully comprehend and appreciate.
2. Narrative pacing: A few readers felt that the narrative pacing could have been more consistent throughout the book. They appreciated certain parts but felt that some sections lacked tension or had pacing issues that slowed down the overall reading experience.

Conclusion

"The Mighty Heart of Sunny St. James" by Ashley Herring Blake is a captivating young adult novel that explores the journey of a twelve-year-old girl named Sunny St. James as she navigates heart surgery, reconnections with a lost mother, first kisses, and emerging feelings for another girl. Through its engaging storytelling, emotional depth, and representation of important topics, the book resonated with readers who appreciated its positive messages and uplifting themes. While some readers found certain aspects challenging or felt that certain sections lacked pacing, overall, "The Mighty Heart of Sunny St. James" is recommended for those seeking an engaging and emotionally resonant reading experience that explores themes of resilience, self-discovery, and acceptance.