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Hey, Kiddo #2
Sunshine: A Graphic Novel
The extraordinary--and extraordinarily powerful--follow-up to HEY, KIDDO.
When Jarrett J. Krosoczka was in high school, he was part of a program that sent students to be counselors at a camp for seriously ill kids and their families. Going into, Jarrett was worried: Wouldn't it be depressing, to be around kids facing such a serious struggle? Wouldn't it be grim?
But instead of the shadow of death, Jarrett found something else at Camp Sunshine: the hope and determination that gets people through the most troubled of times. Not only was he subject to some of the usual rituals that come with being a camp counselor (wilderness challenges, spooky campfire stories, an extremely stinky mascot costume), but he also got a chance to meet some extraordinary kids facing extraordinary circumstances. He learned about the captivity of illness, for sure . . . but he also learned about the freedom a safe space can bring.
Now, in his follow-up to the National Book Award finalist Hey, Kiddo, Jarrett brings readers back to Camp Sunshine so we can meet the campers and fellow counselors who changed the course of his life.
When Jarrett J. Krosoczka was in high school, he was part of a program that sent students to be counselors at a camp for seriously ill kids and their families. Going into, Jarrett was worried: Wouldn't it be depressing, to be around kids facing such a serious struggle? Wouldn't it be grim?
But instead of the shadow of death, Jarrett found something else at Camp Sunshine: the hope and determination that gets people through the most troubled of times. Not only was he subject to some of the usual rituals that come with being a camp counselor (wilderness challenges, spooky campfire stories, an extremely stinky mascot costume), but he also got a chance to meet some extraordinary kids facing extraordinary circumstances. He learned about the captivity of illness, for sure . . . but he also learned about the freedom a safe space can bring.
Now, in his follow-up to the National Book Award finalist Hey, Kiddo, Jarrett brings readers back to Camp Sunshine so we can meet the campers and fellow counselors who changed the course of his life.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published April 18, 2023
About the author
Jarrett J. Krosoczka
61 books887 followersJarrett J. Krosoczka, known since boyhood as "JJK," is the New York Times bestselling author/illustrator behind more than forty books for young readers, including his wildly popular Lunch Lady graphic novels, select volumes of the Star Wars™: Jedi Academy series, and Hey, Kiddo, which was a National Book Award Finalist. Krosoczka creates books with humor, heart, and deep respect for his young readers—qualities that have made his titles perennial favorites on the bookshelves of homes, libraries, and bookstores over the past twenty years.
In addition to his work in print, Krosoczka produced, directed, and performed in the full-cast audiobook adaptations of his graphic novels. The Hey, Kidoo audiobook garnered both Audie and Odyssey Awards for excellence in audiobook production. The Lunch Lady audiobook cast is led by Kate Flannery (The Office) and is rounded out by famed audiobook narrators and real kid actors! Krosoczka has been a guest on NPR's Fresh Air with Terry Gross, has been profiled in The New York Times, was featured on Good Morning America, and has delivered three TED Talks, which have accrued millions of views online. Krosoczka has garnered millions of more views online via the tutorials he has produced for YouTube and TikTok. As well as working on his books' film and television adaptions, Krosoczka has also written for The Snoopy Show (Apple TV+) and served as a consultant for Creative Galaxy (Prime Video), and appeared in live segments for the show.
Realizing that his books can inspire young readers beyond the page, Krosoczka founded School Lunch Hero Day, a national campaign celebrating school lunch staff. A consummate advocate for arts education, Krosoczka also established the Joseph and Shirley Krosoczka Memorial Youth Scholarships, which fund art classes for underprivileged children in his hometown of Worcester, Massachusetts.
Krosoczka lives in western Massachusetts with his spouse, their three children, pugs Ralph and Frank, and a French bulldog named Bella Carmella.
In addition to his work in print, Krosoczka produced, directed, and performed in the full-cast audiobook adaptations of his graphic novels. The Hey, Kidoo audiobook garnered both Audie and Odyssey Awards for excellence in audiobook production. The Lunch Lady audiobook cast is led by Kate Flannery (The Office) and is rounded out by famed audiobook narrators and real kid actors! Krosoczka has been a guest on NPR's Fresh Air with Terry Gross, has been profiled in The New York Times, was featured on Good Morning America, and has delivered three TED Talks, which have accrued millions of views online. Krosoczka has garnered millions of more views online via the tutorials he has produced for YouTube and TikTok. As well as working on his books' film and television adaptions, Krosoczka has also written for The Snoopy Show (Apple TV+) and served as a consultant for Creative Galaxy (Prime Video), and appeared in live segments for the show.
Realizing that his books can inspire young readers beyond the page, Krosoczka founded School Lunch Hero Day, a national campaign celebrating school lunch staff. A consummate advocate for arts education, Krosoczka also established the Joseph and Shirley Krosoczka Memorial Youth Scholarships, which fund art classes for underprivileged children in his hometown of Worcester, Massachusetts.
Krosoczka lives in western Massachusetts with his spouse, their three children, pugs Ralph and Frank, and a French bulldog named Bella Carmella.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 494 reviews
August 25, 2023
I think Jarrett Krosoczka must have the biggest heart of just about anyone on this planet. The tenderness with which he relates the stories about his childhood is so beautiful. He has a great gift for art, I love the way he illustrates his stories, but that combined with the way he tells stories, some funny, some tragic, is just so perfect.
February 6, 2024
A touching memoir about the week during high school the author spent volunteering at a summer camp in Maine for children with life-threatening illnesses.
I only wish the whole book were colored like the cover. Instead, the interior is awash in murky gray gloom that contradicts the tone the book otherwise tries to project. Krosoczka's writing has improved since his first memoir, Hey, Kiddo: How I Lost My Mother, Found My Father, and Dealt with Family Addiction, but someone needs to pry that gray brush out of his hand before the next go round.
(Best of 2023 Project: I'm reading all the graphic novels that made it onto NPR's Books We Love 2023: Favorite Comics and Graphic Novels list.)
I only wish the whole book were colored like the cover. Instead, the interior is awash in murky gray gloom that contradicts the tone the book otherwise tries to project. Krosoczka's writing has improved since his first memoir, Hey, Kiddo: How I Lost My Mother, Found My Father, and Dealt with Family Addiction, but someone needs to pry that gray brush out of his hand before the next go round.
(Best of 2023 Project: I'm reading all the graphic novels that made it onto NPR's Books We Love 2023: Favorite Comics and Graphic Novels list.)
September 19, 2023
When author Jarrett Krosoczka was in high school he had the opportunity to volunteer for a week at a camp for kids with cancer, their siblings, and parents. Jarrett had no idea what to expect, but he packed his sketchbook and an open mind. The experience changed his outlook forever. He had his own problems back home: a family affected by addiction and absent parents which lead to him being raised by his grandparents. But in the company of children facing life-threatening illnesses his own concerns fell away. He built relationships with some families that lasted for decades after his time at the camp. Painted in soft gray with hints of yellow and orange, this book offers an honest look at families facing the very worst circumstances and still heading out into woods to find community, friendship, and a breath of peace at a nature camp.
April 23, 2023
Another beautiful, painful chapter in the life of author and illustrator Jarrett J. Krosoczka that is every bit as wonderful as its predecessor Hey, Kiddo: How I Lost My Mother, Found My Father, and Dealt with Family Addiction.
In this memoir we're treated to the first summer Jarrett volunteers at Camp Sunshine, a camp for children dealing with severe illnesses and their families. He's a senior in high school still the same quiet, considerate kid who'd rather draw than play baseball and he's not sure he's got what it takes to handle working with kids who might not have a future beyond their week at camp. He deals with so much in his own life he's honestly not sure he can handle the level of grief and hopelessness that's sure to permeate everything.
To his surprise Camp Sunshine is far from a place of sadness. Instead the camp is full of children and families who can, for at least a week, stop feeling like pitiable outcasts everyone is staring at and feeling sorry for. They get to just be kids and they seize the chance fiercely. Jarrett has a real gift with the kids and spends an incredible week getting to know them.
This is another sterling example of Krosoczka's ability to take an overused trope "teen changed for the better by experience with sick kids" and show it to the reader in an entirely new way. The endings in stories, as in life, aren't always going to be happy ever after but that doesn't mean they aren't filled with joy, fulfillment, and genuine love.
If Krosoczka wants to keep writing these for the rest of his life I would be a very happy reader indeed.
In this memoir we're treated to the first summer Jarrett volunteers at Camp Sunshine, a camp for children dealing with severe illnesses and their families. He's a senior in high school still the same quiet, considerate kid who'd rather draw than play baseball and he's not sure he's got what it takes to handle working with kids who might not have a future beyond their week at camp. He deals with so much in his own life he's honestly not sure he can handle the level of grief and hopelessness that's sure to permeate everything.
To his surprise Camp Sunshine is far from a place of sadness. Instead the camp is full of children and families who can, for at least a week, stop feeling like pitiable outcasts everyone is staring at and feeling sorry for. They get to just be kids and they seize the chance fiercely. Jarrett has a real gift with the kids and spends an incredible week getting to know them.
This is another sterling example of Krosoczka's ability to take an overused trope "teen changed for the better by experience with sick kids" and show it to the reader in an entirely new way. The endings in stories, as in life, aren't always going to be happy ever after but that doesn't mean they aren't filled with joy, fulfillment, and genuine love.
If Krosoczka wants to keep writing these for the rest of his life I would be a very happy reader indeed.
August 26, 2023
Picked this up at the recommendation of a friend. I wanted to read it to decide if my kiddos could handle it. I would definitely recommend to middle graders and up and even better if you buddy read it with them.
Such important messaging about giving your time. I often remind friends that letting people in to help them in a time of need is a blessing for all.
Illustrations were fantastic and now I need to go back and read the authors memoir, Hey Kiddo.
Grab the tissues!
Such important messaging about giving your time. I often remind friends that letting people in to help them in a time of need is a blessing for all.
Illustrations were fantastic and now I need to go back and read the authors memoir, Hey Kiddo.
Grab the tissues!
April 24, 2023
a PERFECT followup to Hey, Kiddo: How I Lost My Mother, Found My Father, and Dealt with Family Addiction (which I think is also an incredible book). moving and hopeful--I love that he addresses right away how his grandparents were worried that working at a camp for kids with cancer would be depressing but actually it was meaningful and fun for him, and it shows in the book. (Tho OFC there are sad moments) And it really captures a lot of the ~magic~ of the summer camp experience--I didn't work at a camp specifically for children with illnesses but a lot of the joys of camp Jarrett describes here still really resonated with me. Also I think the way he incorporates his own art education and career will be really interesting for young artists reading.
August 13, 2022
If you read any graphic novels this year, let it be Sunshine by @studiojjk
☀️
When Jarrett was in high school he volunteered work at a summer camp for seriously I’ll kids with cancer and their families. His grandparents urged him not to go, saying it would be too emotional and difficult, but Jarrett was determined. While being a camp counselor in the wilderness he taught kids to have fun in the face of adversity and struggle. His connection with them forever changed his life.
🏕
I’ve been a fan of Jarrett’s since forever, but Hey, Kiddo cemented his place in my heart as an auto-buy, auto-read and now Sunshine just further proved what a master artist, author and storyteller he is. I bawled while reading this YA book. It will teach kids about resiliency, empathy and love for your fellow humans. What a privilege it was to get to read this early. Everyone buy this graphic novel on April 18.
CW: cancer, death, parental drug use (mentioned)
☀️
When Jarrett was in high school he volunteered work at a summer camp for seriously I’ll kids with cancer and their families. His grandparents urged him not to go, saying it would be too emotional and difficult, but Jarrett was determined. While being a camp counselor in the wilderness he taught kids to have fun in the face of adversity and struggle. His connection with them forever changed his life.
🏕
I’ve been a fan of Jarrett’s since forever, but Hey, Kiddo cemented his place in my heart as an auto-buy, auto-read and now Sunshine just further proved what a master artist, author and storyteller he is. I bawled while reading this YA book. It will teach kids about resiliency, empathy and love for your fellow humans. What a privilege it was to get to read this early. Everyone buy this graphic novel on April 18.
CW: cancer, death, parental drug use (mentioned)
September 5, 2023
Format Read: Paperback (My Son’s 10th grade summer reading pick)
Review: This was the largest graphic novel I ever read and the story was meant to be told in this fomat. This is sort of memoir sinceit tells of the authors time spend as a counselor at a camp for children with cancer.
Recommended For: Grapgic novel or memoir readers
Book-opoly #27
August 24, 2023
This is a follow-up to Krosoczka's awesome Hey, Kiddo. This one focuses on a window of time briefly mentioned in that book, when Krosoczka worked for a camp for terminally ill kids and their families.
Heartwarming and sad, uplifting and tragic, he combines stories from several years working for the camp, but includes real photos, sketches, and other ephemera from that experience. It does a great job of depicting places in life where you can get close to people you might never encounter otherwise.
Krosoczka works in his signature art style - watercolory, with a limited color palette.
Recommended, especially if you like graphic novel memoirs and/or camp stories.
Heartwarming and sad, uplifting and tragic, he combines stories from several years working for the camp, but includes real photos, sketches, and other ephemera from that experience. It does a great job of depicting places in life where you can get close to people you might never encounter otherwise.
Krosoczka works in his signature art style - watercolory, with a limited color palette.
Recommended, especially if you like graphic novel memoirs and/or camp stories.
October 17, 2023
For how heavy “Hey, Kiddo” was, this was so much lighter. It was refreshing to see Krosoczka’s life move towards a peaceful place, even if filled with terminally ill children. I really love how this book balanced the seriousness of the children’s situation with the impact the week has on the families and campers. You have really important light being brought to the isolation of “othered” kids. You also have teens sharing stories about their unconventional families and their troubles, regardless of their clique or background.
Aside from the camp content, it was nice to continue Krosoczka’s story. Seeing the growth in him, his grandparents, and his view of his childhood. I hope he continues to share his stories through graphic memoirs. His style is growing on me, even if I’m still not the biggest fan of his muted colors.
Aside from the camp content, it was nice to continue Krosoczka’s story. Seeing the growth in him, his grandparents, and his view of his childhood. I hope he continues to share his stories through graphic memoirs. His style is growing on me, even if I’m still not the biggest fan of his muted colors.
January 21, 2024
4.5 stars!
July 11, 2023
If you could use some uplifting today, check out Jarrett Krosoczka's Ted Talk:
https://www.ted.com/talks/jarrett_j_k...
If you've never read a book in graphic format, check out his memoir Hey, Kiddo. I promise it won't disappoint, and studies show graphic novels stimulate our brains in ways different from ordinary reading. I consider it good brain exercise to mix up my reading format now and then.
Hey, Kiddo knocked my socks off, so when I saw that JK had created a follow-up memoir (Sunshine), I requested it immediately.
I didn't see the subtitle until I got home from the library: How One Camp Taught Me About Life, Death, and Hope.
This was my cue to have tissues handy.
Two of my dad's younger brothers were diagnosed with leukemia and brain cancer within months of each other as teens. The painful years that followed had a significant and lasting effect on my parents, grandparents, and my whole extended family. I grew up highly sensitive to cancer stuff, especially kids with cancer stuff.
This book is about kids with cancer, as well as the effect on their siblings and parents, so tears sprung to my eyes frequently.
"I'd sit back and take in all of the pain that these families must have lived with. The fear the parents must have felt, the attention the siblings were starving for ... the loneliness that the hospitals must have brought."
Despite the emotionally triggering topic, I didn't react to the book overall like I did to Hey, Kiddo.
I didn't care for the early potty humor, and the flow of the narrative felt choppy. The course wasn't always clear.
But in the end, the messages are good, and overall, it's a moving read.
"I realized that most everything that worried me before was small stuff."
"Volunteerism taught me that while my difficulties were real and should be acknowledged, I was far from alone in walking a challenging path."
"Time here with one another is a gift that should be acknowledged and appreciated. As I age and each new birthday rolls around, I think how fortunate I am to be here, with my collective experience of everything I've seen, felt, and shared this far." (Jarrett Krosoczka)
I'm reluctant to give it less than 5 stars because the content is meaningful. As a whole: a solid 4+ stars for me.
"Creating a graphic memoir can be a very fraught and challenging emotional journey, and Sunshine certainly was all of these things."
I have no doubt that this work was a challenge, and I have nothing but the deepest respect for the efforts.
https://www.ted.com/talks/jarrett_j_k...
If you've never read a book in graphic format, check out his memoir Hey, Kiddo. I promise it won't disappoint, and studies show graphic novels stimulate our brains in ways different from ordinary reading. I consider it good brain exercise to mix up my reading format now and then.
Hey, Kiddo knocked my socks off, so when I saw that JK had created a follow-up memoir (Sunshine), I requested it immediately.
I didn't see the subtitle until I got home from the library: How One Camp Taught Me About Life, Death, and Hope.
This was my cue to have tissues handy.
Two of my dad's younger brothers were diagnosed with leukemia and brain cancer within months of each other as teens. The painful years that followed had a significant and lasting effect on my parents, grandparents, and my whole extended family. I grew up highly sensitive to cancer stuff, especially kids with cancer stuff.
This book is about kids with cancer, as well as the effect on their siblings and parents, so tears sprung to my eyes frequently.
"I'd sit back and take in all of the pain that these families must have lived with. The fear the parents must have felt, the attention the siblings were starving for ... the loneliness that the hospitals must have brought."
Despite the emotionally triggering topic, I didn't react to the book overall like I did to Hey, Kiddo.
I didn't care for the early potty humor, and the flow of the narrative felt choppy. The course wasn't always clear.
But in the end, the messages are good, and overall, it's a moving read.
"I realized that most everything that worried me before was small stuff."
"Volunteerism taught me that while my difficulties were real and should be acknowledged, I was far from alone in walking a challenging path."
"Time here with one another is a gift that should be acknowledged and appreciated. As I age and each new birthday rolls around, I think how fortunate I am to be here, with my collective experience of everything I've seen, felt, and shared this far." (Jarrett Krosoczka)
I'm reluctant to give it less than 5 stars because the content is meaningful. As a whole: a solid 4+ stars for me.
"Creating a graphic memoir can be a very fraught and challenging emotional journey, and Sunshine certainly was all of these things."
I have no doubt that this work was a challenge, and I have nothing but the deepest respect for the efforts.
August 12, 2022
How do you put your fear/discomfort aside and embrace children who may or may not live into adulthood because of cancer or some other life threatening disease? Jarrett does that and so much more, discovering that the children that he cares for the first summer at Camp Sunshine will make a long lasting impact on their lives. Most of these kids have come to terms with the hand they have been dealt and teach Jarrett and the other camp counselors to live life to the fullest. I have never cried reading a graphic novel, but this one did me in. Not because I know that some of the kids he wrote about wouldn’t make it, but that it’s ok to let go of the little things. That if these kids, who know they are going to die some day and are living their best lives, that I and everyone else can do it. My own sister was born with a heart defect but that never stopped her. She travelled, went to college, lived life to the fullest, never worrying that life would be over before she knew it. If people have the chance, they should take the opportunity to work at these camps and see how these kids can even the grumpiest person smile and learn to not sweat the small stuff. Wonderfully drawn once again, this graphic memoir will stay with me for a very long time.
From the publisher: When Jarrett J. Krosoczka was in high school, he was part of a program that sent students to be counselors at a camp for seriously ill kids and their families. Going into it, Jarrett was worried: Wouldn't it be depressing, to be around kids facing such a serious struggle? Wouldn't it be grim?
But instead of the shadow of death, Jarrett found something else at Camp Sunshine: the hope and determination that gets people through the most troubled of times. Not only was he subject to some of the usual rituals that come with being a camp counselor (wilderness challenges, spooky campfire stories, an extremely stinky mascot costume), but he also got a chance to meet some extraordinary kids facing extraordinary circumstances. He learned about the captivity of illness, for sure but he also learned about the freedom a safe space can bring.
From the publisher: When Jarrett J. Krosoczka was in high school, he was part of a program that sent students to be counselors at a camp for seriously ill kids and their families. Going into it, Jarrett was worried: Wouldn't it be depressing, to be around kids facing such a serious struggle? Wouldn't it be grim?
But instead of the shadow of death, Jarrett found something else at Camp Sunshine: the hope and determination that gets people through the most troubled of times. Not only was he subject to some of the usual rituals that come with being a camp counselor (wilderness challenges, spooky campfire stories, an extremely stinky mascot costume), but he also got a chance to meet some extraordinary kids facing extraordinary circumstances. He learned about the captivity of illness, for sure but he also learned about the freedom a safe space can bring.
April 30, 2023
I read Hey, Kiddo and absolutely loved it. Sunshine is a different tone but I still enjoyed it. Jarrett is excited to get the opportunity to be a camp counselor for one week. Camp Sunshine is place where families go to be normal even though someone is very ill. The week long camp changes Jarrett forever and it makes a lasting impression on him. It will definitely make you cry so bring out the tissues.
February 25, 2023
A graphic memoir about kids with cancer going to camp? Yeh I cried.
September 18, 2023
We once again see the ability of the graphic novel format to tell a powerful story in this touching memoir of the author's experience volunteering at a camp for seriously ill children as a teenager in the 1990s.
The presentation is perfect, with each section introduced in a scrapbook-like fashion with photos and drawings from the author's collection. While the storyline will deeply affect all readers, there are period-specific details that readers of the author's generation will appreciate. (There's a scene in which the teenage volunteers are all riding together, with snatches of lyrics from disparate genres of music from their Walkmans, and I could vividly "hear" each song. I thought, yep, that checks out.)
I'll admit to being rather surprised to learn how enthusiastic high school students--from all social strata--were to be chosen to volunteer to be camp counselors. But after pondering it, I realized that teenagers most often reflect the values of their peers and the culture surrounding them--and that can just as easily be one of kindness as one of bullying and apathy. (Yes, even in the "whatever" '90s.) There's a lesson in this story for both today's teenagers and the adults who teach, raise, and interact with them.
The presentation is perfect, with each section introduced in a scrapbook-like fashion with photos and drawings from the author's collection. While the storyline will deeply affect all readers, there are period-specific details that readers of the author's generation will appreciate. (There's a scene in which the teenage volunteers are all riding together, with snatches of lyrics from disparate genres of music from their Walkmans, and I could vividly "hear" each song. I thought, yep, that checks out.)
I'll admit to being rather surprised to learn how enthusiastic high school students--from all social strata--were to be chosen to volunteer to be camp counselors. But after pondering it, I realized that teenagers most often reflect the values of their peers and the culture surrounding them--and that can just as easily be one of kindness as one of bullying and apathy. (Yes, even in the "whatever" '90s.) There's a lesson in this story for both today's teenagers and the adults who teach, raise, and interact with them.
August 7, 2023
Heartwarming true story how the author at age 16 attended a camp as a volunteer for his high school. He did not know how much this week with kids with cancer would change him. This was an easy book to read in one sitting, with well done graphics and easy text to follow. Students thinking of helping at summer camps should be required to read this.
Nothing really seemed to matter after camp. And by that I mean, the small stuff didn't phase me. And I realized that most everything that worried me before was small stuff.
Like who was going to sit where at lunch. Or stressing about tests. What in the hell did any of that even matter?
This is aimed at middle grade readers, but YA and adult will greatly benefit from the empathy shown here. I highly recommend this as a 'recovery' book if you've had a tough book you recently finished.
Solid 5*
Nothing really seemed to matter after camp. And by that I mean, the small stuff didn't phase me. And I realized that most everything that worried me before was small stuff.
Like who was going to sit where at lunch. Or stressing about tests. What in the hell did any of that even matter?
This is aimed at middle grade readers, but YA and adult will greatly benefit from the empathy shown here. I highly recommend this as a 'recovery' book if you've had a tough book you recently finished.
Solid 5*
December 23, 2023
Hey, Kiddo, the first volume of the series (although Sunshine is more an addendum, I guess), is a moving, powerful memoir of Krosoczka's difficult adolescence. In that text he references his time at Camp Sunshine, which becomes the focal point of his latest volume. It's a wonderful story in its own right - I don't want to take anything away from its standalone beauty - I just loved Hey, Kiddo so much that Sunshine paled in comparison. Still absolutely worth the read, however. What I liked most about it was 1) the setting, the time period especially, early-90s, before phones and all the nonsense and 2) the power of kindness and positivity when it's all too easy to be cynical. The book was a good reminder of that fact, a necessary shot in the arm for me.
November 17, 2023
This book was really impactful. It took me awhile to read because of unfortunate timing. I read it when one of my kids was sick (one of my anxiety triggers). Anywho, this is a memoir of a teen named Jarrett who goes to camp Sunshine-- a camp for terminally ill children and their families. The whole point is to give them a carefree week of fun. He's nervous but what he finds there is so much more than he expected. He founds his lifetime passion and calling and the impact all lives have on others.
March 10, 2024
The mid-quel to Krosoczka’s powerful memoir “Hey, Kiddo” takes us to his time spent at Camp Sunshine, where he and other high school students volunteer to help severely ill children. There, he’ll form a very special bond with a child with cancer while making friendships with others and creating great memories. Like its predecessor, it’s another touching life story that really gives you so much emotional feels. A (100%/Outstanding)
August 21, 2023
Do you want to be happy and sad? Read this. It’s an amazing story but I did definitely cry at some points. I would 100% recommend it to everyone though.
April 5, 2024
Sunshine is full of hope and love, not despair, in spite of dealing with grief and loss.
It’s a beautiful work of art: the graphics, the words, and the emotions are all poignant.
Highly recommend, whether you are a fan of graphic novels or not.
It’s a beautiful work of art: the graphics, the words, and the emotions are all poignant.
Highly recommend, whether you are a fan of graphic novels or not.
December 19, 2023
A sweet memoir about the author's first summer volunteering at Camp Sunshine. I've raised money for this camp through polar plunges, so it was interesting to finally read an account of what camp is actually like. Even made me a bit teary eyed near the end.
December 20, 2023
Jarrett Krosoczka tells the story of being chosen to work at a camp for kids with serious illnesses, and what he learned through those experiences. It is a beautiful story full of hope, connection, and understanding. I was so moved that I stayed up late finishing this one.
October 5, 2023
I loved this graphic novel about Camp Sunshine! As an eight year volunteer there myself, I enjoyed all the camp references (Chippy the mascot and “Hands up”! ). It really captured the experience of a volunteer at this very special place !
May 17, 2023
Jarrett is back to share an experience he had as a teen; he was offered a spot as a counselor at Camp Sunshine. There, seriously ill children and their families had the opportunity to spend a week living, not worrying about their illnesses. There, Jarrett is assigned to Diego, a 13-year-old with brain cancer who doesn’t speak much and is confined to a wheelchair. He also spends a lot of time with Eric and his family, who is a young boy, and true warrior, who’s fighting acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Jarrett doesn’t know what to expect at Camp Sunshine, but he soon learns that no matter how much effort he put into his time there, he’s getting so much more out of it than he ever could have imagined.
Another fabulous graphic novel memoir by the author of Hey, Kiddo and the Lunch Lady series. Knowing what Jarrett went through himself, I have even more respect for him and his love for helping others.
Another fabulous graphic novel memoir by the author of Hey, Kiddo and the Lunch Lady series. Knowing what Jarrett went through himself, I have even more respect for him and his love for helping others.
April 29, 2023
My heart is so full. For 5 years, I was fortunate enough to nanny for a family with a special needs daughter. This book gives to voice to what I experienced in those years. The amount of awareness this book will bring to those who read it... Thank you for expressing what I've never see others properly convey.
If I'm being 100% honest, the art wasn't quite peak for me. I love water colors but colors were too muddy. However, I understand the intent behind their use.
If I'm being 100% honest, the art wasn't quite peak for me. I love water colors but colors were too muddy. However, I understand the intent behind their use.
June 5, 2023
My favorite part of every year since my cancer diagnosis in 2015 has been getting to be a part of a camp for kids and teens with cancer. Camp Quality. I loved volunteering even more than I loved being a teen camper. Reading a graphic novel of the amazing experience you gain from volunteering and the family you gain from attending a camp that impacts kids and teens affected by cancer, this novel is so wonderful and so TRUE.
April 29, 2023
This story, again based on his own experiences, was very moving. It relates the summer Jarrett worked as a counselor at a camp for children battling life-threatening illnesses, and the long-term impact it had on him. Lots of good moments, but also bought tears to my eyes and a good book to make you appreciate what you have.
May 1, 2023
Although I was on the edge of tears for most of this book, I found it to be incredibly positive and uplifting. Krosoczka's experiences, with both campers, counselors, and his classmates. were beautifully portrayed. I will happily add this to our middle school collection as a great read which also quietly teaches empathy.
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