Sunny Makes a Splash by Jennifer L. Holm

Hints of romance also occur in this book for Sunny, which may please some of her readers. Her attempts to send him to his room and impose curfews are hilarious, but her dad takes it all in stride. He really shines in this book, though, as he starts dating a woman and his daughter (Sunny’s mom) starts treating him like he is another teenager under her roof. Sunny’s grandfather has always been delightful with his own positive approach to life.

Her unflappable attitude contrasts strongly in this installment with her mother’s worries, to great comedic affect.Īdding to the humor is an appearance by Sunny’s grandfather, who arrives unexpectedly for a visit when his home must undergo renovations.

Sunny’s easygoing nature is, however, what makes the books such a treat for me. She undergoes the same experiences as contemporary teens, trying to make her mother understand that she is growing up and feeling both interested in and baffled by flirting. Though she is coming of age in another decade, Sunny feels completely relevant. The 1970s setting is no doubt a good deal of the series’ charm, but the books go far beyond raising feelings of nostalgia. If only I could go on vacation with Sunny next year! I adored the 1970s setting with its fashion, its food, and, yes, its dangerously high diving board. The cute lifeguards, nostalgic snacks, and good old-fashioned fun all feel classic this is what an American teen’s summer should look like (at least, according to the movies!). Our titular character returns for a delightful summer-themed story set at the local pool. Sunny Makes a Splash is my favorite Sunny yet.

Sunny Makes a Splash by Jennifer L. Holm