For ages 9+ 🌱Firstly, it’s VERY important for me to let you know that every bit of PRAISE you read or or hear about this book is ABSOLUTELY 100% TRUE! GM Linton is a truly exciting debut author, her writing filled with charm, wit and soul. Paying homage to her parents of Jamaican origin, she wanted to honour their legacy and knack for storytelling in a book for children that respects the experience of the Windrush generation and reflects how they are remembered and celebrated in our time. Sunshine (and there’s a funny tale in the book about how she came into the world waiting for you by the way) is a school girl whose sense of self is fractured every time there’s an unkind word, an expectation placed on her. She binds all her insecurities up in her funny/silly take on things that when you read her innocent misconceptions you laugh out loud. New girl at school, Evie, seemed like such a good friend, but now she’s settled in she’s really becoming unbearable with her Miss Perfect holidays at Lake Como spotting Hollywood stars, her massive house, best phone, and big “brilliant” life. Every time Evie talks to Sunshine or “Silly Sunny” as she’s nicknamed her, it makes the reader squirm and wish they were there to stick up for Sunshine!! A special assembly for 50 years Golden Jubilee of Sunshine’s primary school is to take place this Summer term, but what is Sunshine’s “X”, her something that is important to her to share with audience? Sunshine’s Grandad Bobby, who lives with them, came over from Jamaica in the 1950s on the Arosa Star ship to help “the mother country” (England) to recover after WWII, like so many, and became a bus driver. Grandad is so very special to Sunshine. He’s also a big star in the community, and with the other school kids. GM Linton vitally infuses the narrative with important messages around embracing one’s own brown skin, afro hair, history (including Black heroes like Katherine Johnson, Malcom X, Dr Martin Luther King Jr, Mary Seacole and more), and culture whilst highlighting to non-Black readers examples of inappropriate actions and words. Black children must feel validated and empowered to speak up for themselves and to know when to say out loud it’s just not okay, e.g. another kid touching their hair out of curiosity. Fuuji Takashi’s style is absolutely perfect for this book with many illustrations throughout. As the reader moves through the everyday events of Sunshine’s school dramas there is a subtle sub-plot developing as Grandad starts to feel more tired, and at 82 years old he’s not the body builder he once was, then he needs more naps, can’t do the school run, starts to get thin… this chirpy fellow who still has so much wisdom and knowledge to impart whether reassurance about “life’s twists and turns”, teaching that “it’s good to celebrate and learn from difference” or “if you spit in the sky, it has a tendency to fall back in your face” and more. Eventually, in her grief Sunshine finds her “X” for a truly heartfelt ending to the story. A summer term to remember!! This is such an incredible story - a must read!! Miss Peach, Sunshine’s teacher would not approve of my enthusiasm for exclamation marks, that’s for sure!! 75 years of #Windrush anniversary is Thursday 22nd June!! As Granddad Bobby says, Caribbean people “have been a part of Britain’s past for many centuries, and we are a part of Britain’s future”. #BLM

I really enjoyed following the story of Karis 'Sunshine' Simpson as she navigates her way through the challenges of friendships and families.  Everything is well described and children will easily relate to the different characters.  I loved the character of Grandpa and his Jamaican spin on life. A lovely piece of advice which I took from the book is that everyone needs to stand tall and proud as everyone has a reason to shine.
I can't wait to share this with my children as I know they will enjoy it as much as I did.
I will definitely be looking out for other books in this series.

Sunshine Simpson is a girl trying to grow into her best self, even as she is held back by the "bad luck" that all too often seems to find her. Growing up can be confusing at times, but Sunshine is glad to have the support of her teacher Miss Peach (whom she likes, despite that unfortunate name!) and her friends Arun and Charley.

Grandpa Bobby is also a great source of everyday wisdom, and he always makes Sunshine feel better about things, no matter what's bothering her. But sometimes Sunshine struggles to find within herself the special things that Grandpa Bobby assures her are part of her birthright.

Having to contend with the arrival of the depressingly perfect Evie doesn't help. Because now Sunshine has even lost her cherished status as the best skipper in her school! And some of the things that Evie says makes Sunshine wonder about her motives - even if Evie often *sounds* as though she's trying to be funny rather than mean. Many of the problems that Sunshine faces are likely to strike a chord with readers who belong to the target group for this book.

The close relationship between Sunshine and her grandfather is one of the real strengths of this story. Her interactions with Grandpa Bobby allow in not only the positive messages that her grandfather gives this young girl, but also serve to enrich the multicultural aspects of the story telling in the book.

The story of Sunshine's birth and the adventures of Grandma Rose Pepper were particularly effective in adding some colour to the story

Unfortunately, things take a decided turn for the worse in Sunshine's life when Grandpa Bobby's health begins to deteriorate. How the very likable character of Sunshine deals with the pressure of everyday challenges is taken up several notches as a result of this.

Overall, the story is likely to be interesting and enjoyable for most middle grade readers, not least because Sunshine's preoccupations, worries and occasional awkwardness may feel quite relatable to some young readers. The writer has done a great job of weaving in a variety of issues that the children of today are likely to encounter into the easy-to-read narrative, which flows well.

My name is Sunshine Simpson
G.M Linton
Publishing with Usborne: 11 May 2023.
Age 9+

About the book:

Sunshine Simpson's larger-than-life Grandad is always telling her to get out and find her own adventures, but unfortunately BAD LUCK has a habit of coming her way.

Her new friend Evie is fast becoming a FRENEMY, her home haircut is a DISASTER, and the school showcase is so STRESSFUL! Everything seems to be going wrong! Especially with Grandad getting older and weaker every week.

Sunshine needs to find her voice, but can she break through the clouds to stand tall, stand proud, and show the world she can shine?

Thoughts:

What a joy it's been to meet Sunshine Simpson through this wonderful debut novel!

With echoes of Jacqueline Wilson's well-crafted storytelling, we the readers are treated to an story that's bursting with fun, friendship and family, kindness, wisdom and bravery. Having recently read 'The Octopus, Dadu and Me' by Lucy Ann Unwin, it was a treat to have again a focus on the special relationship between a girl and her Grandad. Grandad Bob is Sunshine's biggest supporter, and shares his experience to guide her through the ups and downs of friendships and school life. The bond between them, and indeed between all members of Sunshine's family, adds another layer of heart to a story already full of warmth.

I don't want to give anything away plot-wise, except to say it reads true to life with a balance of joy, sadness and 'everyday-ness'. The first-person characterisation is superb and Sunshine is a girl I know many young readers will identify with, being at a point where she is starting to explore who she is, and where she fits in the world. She is finding her voice, and starting to consider how she will use it, in what her Grandad calls "this adventure called Life". It was pleasing to read a 'growth mindset' undercurrent within the story. Grandad's advice, that Sunshine takes on board as the story progresses, shows children and young people that it is okay to make mistakes and get things wrong. This WILL happen in life. The key is in how we respond and what we learn in the process.

I think it's worth just being aware as a librarian or teacher, that death from cancer is a storyline within the book. It is dealt with sensitively, however, for some children this may be a triggering issue.

Whilst the e-arc was awaiting illustration images, if the front cover is an indication of the artwork to come, I'm sure these will only enhance the overall reading experience.

In this first Sunshine Simpson story, we have a heart-warming, inclusive, delight of a book that will be a great addition to any primary school library. I truly hope there are more to come! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thanks to #netgalley for an advance reader copy of #SunshineSimpson

My name is Sunshine Simpson
By G.M.Linton
Published by Usborne Publishing Ltd

This middle grade story of Sunshine Simpson and her larger than life Granddad made my heart sing. It combines, love, laughter and heart-wrenching teenage moments that EVERYONE will connect with.
But ‘bad luck’ always seems to find Sunshine and her friendships are stretched to the limit, testing her patience, choices and emotions.

My favourite quote from Grandad says it all when it comes to knowing what you need in your life when choices cross your path.
Grandad Bobby said, “You’re a Nubian queen, my Sunshine. But be wary of beauty. You may have eyes that shine like diamonds and lips as red as
rubies, but no amount of beauty on the
outside can make up for a rusting heart. The heart and the brain are the most precious things of all.”

Beautifully written and full of rich, thoughtful vocabulary, Sunshine’s story takes you on a journey that fills the mind with great imagery along the way. Every classroom deserves a copy to enable readers to see themselves alongside their teenage trials and tribulations.

Such a powerful and delightfully written story. You captured my heart Sunshine.
“See your life as an adventure. It’s yours to live, so live it the best way you can. Do your thing and don’t hesitate. Go for it! And if you fall down, get up and go again.”

Joanne Bardgett - teacher of littlies, lover of Children’s literature.

#Netgallery

I am blown away to learn that My Name is Sunshine Simpson is G.M. Linton’s debut novel. What a way to enter the world of publishing!

This is a truly wonderful read. Genuinely emotional (I cried), warm and uplifting. The characters are not just likeable - I fell firmly in love with Sunshine and her incredible family! I loved the storyline, the prose and the important references to black history, sprinkled throughout.

This is bound to be a huge success and I can see it flying off my classroom bookshelf. This is a book that will speak to many young readers. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

I really enjoyed this book and whizzed through it
Sunshine Simpson is a book about family, friendship and funding your voice
Sunshine lives with her parents, the twins and her grandpa. When they are set a school project, things start to unravel for Sunshine.
This was a really moving and enjoyable read I will definitely be recommending and sharing in school