"Uplifting story of community, recovery and pride"
April 2022 Book of the Month
Bea, her big sister Riley and their mum have moved from London to stay with their gran in a small country town. All three are looking for escape after the sudden death of the girls’ father. Just before he died, the family attended London Pride – Riley had just come out as gay – and memories of a colourful, joyful day have taken on a special significance. As she starts to make friends, Bea is ever more conscious of her sister’s sadness, until she suddenly realises there is a way to bring Riley out of herself. Now the only obstacle is the town’s resident busy-body and general ‘do-badder’. It’s surprising what you can achieve though when everyone accepts one another and works as a team.
As sunny and cheering as the rainbow design on its sprayed edges, this is a story that recognises the importance of standing up for what you know is right, and for others. In its depiction of grief and depression, it strikes just the right note and delivers a message of inclusivity and tolerance with the lightest touch.
| Suitable For: | |
| Other Genres: | |
| Recommendations: |
This book touched me on so many levels. It made me laugh and cry and I read it almost non stop. It was really really hard to put down.
This is a story with LGBTQ+ themes. It's the sequel to another one which I haven't read, but the first chapter gives you a recap and gets you up to speed so it doesn't matter if you haven't read the first one, I haven't.
The story is told by Bea, a 12 year old girl whose sister Riley, 16, has come out as gay. Last year the family went to London Pride, but this year after losing their dad, they have to move out of their house in the city and go to stay with their gran in the middle of nowhere. It's a story about grief, change, being different, making friends, being accepted and making a change.
It really is a wonderful wonderful story and it made me laugh and cry.
The writing is really good and I love the characters.... Read Full Review
An exciting story about being yourself!
At the start of the book, even from the first page, this is an exciting story! There is an element of mystery because of the phrase "I've been to the end of the rainbow". This makes you want to turn the page because you want to know why and how this has happened! It's the same at the end of each chapter - each one ends on a cliffhanger so you just want to keep reading and before you know it you've read ten chapters! I like how the book is told from the perspective of Bex so you can read how a kid thinks instead of it being an adult's opinion. Even though The Secret Sunshine Project is written in a way that has fun and humour, it gets across it's message.... Read Full Review
A spectacular story full of sunshine and rainbows!
'The Secret Sunshine Project' was an amazing book full of exciting tales and adventures! When Bea and her sister, Riley visit The London Pride with their parents, everyone is all smiles, sunshine and colour. But next year, when London Pride is hosted again, everything has changed, nothing feels like it used to! Riley, her joyful sister, has gone inside a shell and it is now Bea's job to make everyone happy again. Reading this book, made me feel positive because I saw Bea make everyone joyful and colourful. I really enjoyed and loved reading this book as Bea and Riley went through a hard but productive adventure. There are few illustrated detailed drawings, my favourite is the one Rita Ruckus and her dog!... Read Full Review
