About
Sunny Parker loves the Del Mar Garden Apartments, the affordable housing complex where she lives. And she especially loves her neighbors. From her best friend, Haley Michaels, to Mrs. Garcia and her two kids—developmentally disabled son AJ and bitter but big-hearted daughter Izzy—every resident has a story and a special place in Sunny’s heart.
Sunny never thought living at the Del Mar Garden Apartments made her different—until the city proposes turning an old, abandoned school into a new affordable housing complex and the backlash of her affluent neighborhood teaches Sunny the hard way that not everyone appreciates the community she calls home. Her dad, the Del Mar’s manager-slash-handyman, wants Sunny to lay low. But as hurtful rhetoric spreads and the city’s public hearing approaches, Sunny realizes that sometimes there’s too much at stake to stay silent.
With her friends behind her, Sunny Parker is determined to change the narrative—because she and her community are here to stay!
Cover art by Sophie Diao
Art direction and design by Karyn Lee
⟡ ⟡ ⟡
Acclaim
A Junior Library Guild Selection
“Though the story thoughtfully tackles serious topics such as domestic violence and structural racism, Sunny’s hopeful perspective and commitment to community care enhance the swiftly paced narrative . . . Sunny’s journey is a celebration of the power of empathy, intergenerational friendships, and collective action.” —Horn Book Magazine
“There are plenty of humorous situations . . . The book uses its diverse cast to sensitively address poverty, community, racism, and autism. Sunny is a spunky young girl who finds the courage to stand up for what she believes in.” —Booklist
⟡ ⟡ ⟡
Availability
Simon & Schuster / BookShop / Barnes & Noble / Books-A-Million / Amazon
For best practices against capitalism, please order from an independent bookstore or check out books from your local library whenever possible. (And whenever you support queer- and BIPOC-owned bookstores, know that I am sending extra love and appreciation your way.)
