Saving Sunshine

Written by Saadia Faruqi, Illustrated by Shazleen Khan

Saving Sunshine is a graphic novel that touches on some difficult subjects, but presents them in a such a way that children will understand. A Muslim family is going to a conference where the mother, Dr. Rasheeda Aziz, is being honored. The book talks about some of the prejudices that they face since they are Muslim Americans and the mother and daughter wear hijabs. But the story itself is a wonderful telling of teenage twins learning to get along when they have grown up constantly fighting and bickering. The fighting and bickering has led to the twins having their phones taken away and they have to learn to get along in order to earn them back.

Reviewed by Nanette Warr, Librarian, Monroe Elementary
Review shared in March 2026
Rating: ★★★★★ (5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 3-6

Saving Sunshine
Written by Saadia Faruqi, Illustrated by Shazleen Khan
First Second
216 pages
Release Date: September 5, 2023
ISBN: 978-1-25079-380-5