My Name is Sunshine Simpson

By Author / Illustrator

G.M. Linton, Fuuji Takashi

Genre

Family & Home

Age range(s)

Publisher

Usborne Publishing Ltd

ISBN

9781801313346

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

11-05-2023

Synopsis

Meet Sunshine Simpson - a brand-new best friend for 9+ readers! Perfect for fans of Jacqueline Wilson.

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 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?

Praise for My Name is Sunshine Simpson: "An utterly briliant book that had me laughing and crying in equal measure. G.M. Linton has created a truly radiant heroine. It is officially a new favourite." Tola Okogwu, author of Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun. "A book as warm and radiant as sunshine itself! I loved it." Lisa Thompson, author of The Goldfish Boy. "A beautiful, heartwarming hug of a book about the power of self-acceptance. I defy anyone not to fall in love with Sunshine!" Hannah Gold, author of The Last Bear. "I loved this book, Sunshine entirely lives up to her name in this delightful story that manages to be both sincerely heartfelt and sparklingly funny in equal measure." L.D. Lapinski, author of The Strangeworlds Travel Agency.

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Reviews

Sunshine Simpson was born in a taxi; she knew this because there was a photo of her with the taxi driver and mum. Important things in her life are, The Twinzies, mum and dad, but especially her Grandad Bobby. He is 'as strong as an ox', that's what everybody says. He is always telling stories and singing songs and is so very proud of his Jamaican roots. Sunshine loves him and goes to him whenever she is happy, sad or has a problem that needed solving, Grandad Bobby always knows what to do.

So, when Sunshine unexpectedly loses her title at the skipping competition, and the new girl at school starts being mean to her, and Miss Peach announces her 'exciting' news about the 'big family assembly' that they have to perform at, Sunshine knows just the person who can help her. But Grandad Bobby is not feeling himself. He is sleeping in the day and isn't taking them to school anymore. The adults are doing that whispering thing they do, and Sunshine is confused. If she can't ask Grandad Bobby, she will have to sort it all out for herself... but how? And how can she find out what is going on with her grandad?

G.M.Linton has created a marvellous insight into the life of a young girl struggling with everyday life in My Name is Sunshine Simpson. With key references to important historic events and people from black history sprinkled throughout the book, My Name is Sunshine Simpson gives readers a glimpse into the lives of a family whose heritage stems from The Windrush generation and the impact it has on the lives of subsequent generations.

Curriculum links: family, friendship, love, bereavement, belief, perseverance, jealousy and kindness. Key focus on The Windrush generation and Black History.

320 pages / Reviewed by Donna Burkert, teacher