Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I feel like it has been a while since I shared a middle grade book. I am behind on my reading. Today however I am sharing a new (out today) middle grade graphic novel. This book delves into the differences of people and cultures as well as a bit about a loggerhead turtle. To go with this book, I am providing a round-up of over 30 turtle crafts, activities, and more. The book is Saving Sunshine by Saadia Faruqi and illustrated by Shazleen Khan. It is recommended for ages 8 to 12.

From the Publisher:

From Saadia Faruqi and Shazleen Khan comes a relatable, funny, and heart-wrenchingly honest graphic novel about Muslim American siblings who must learn how to stop fighting and support each other in a world that is often unkind.

It's hard enough being a kid without being teased for a funny sounding name or wearing a hijab.

It's even harder when you're constantly fighting your sibling—and Zara and Zeeshan really can't stand each other. During a family trip to Florida, when the bickering, shoving, and insults reach new heights of chaos, their parents sentence them to the worst possible fate— each other’s company! But when the twins find an ailing turtle, it presents a rare opportunity for teamwork—if the two can put their differences aside at last.

From Me:

This book has so many things to talk about. There is the part of the twins fighting and wanting to do different things. Zeeshan is into everything NASA, and Zara is into animals and in particular animal activism. They are both addicted to their cell phones. Zeeshan wants to watch NASA videos and Zara wants to take photographs of all the nature she sees. They fight nonstop and their parents are pediatricians that are going to a conference where their mom is receiving an award. When their parents take away their phones, they are miserable. Yup this story has the sibling squabbles and differences as well as the tween/teen addiction to technology, but there is more.

Each of the twins express their feelings about how people treat them because of their skin color and Muslim manners. Zara has made the decision to wear a hijab and feels Zeeshan does not support her when others say things about it. Zeeshan doesn't like how people imply they are not American or from the United States. Through the story we see both of them react and even discuss it with their family and each other.

Throughout the story we see the siblings' relationship grow and them come back together as friends. The book also shares some memories from when they were younger to help explain their feelings. Honestly this book is wonderful. It has so much put into it with life of siblings to diversity issues and then the fact that Zara finds a sick turtle and wants to help it. She does some research and eventually gets Zeeshan to help her save the turtle. It is a great book to add to any middle grades library or classroom. I hope you will check it out!

Craft Round-Up

To go with the book I thought a turtle craft would be fun. This craft round-up has crafts for many different ages. Some may be youngish for the range this book is for, but I always think it is interesting to see what the older kids can do with the craft to make it their own. The third collage has crafts that are definitely meant for older kids.