Sunshine

Jarrett J. Krosoczka

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graphic novel memoir

high school volunteering

cancer camp experience

profound emotional connections

transformational journey

resilience and inspiration

heartfelt sincerity and humor

community support

life changing impact

heartwarming and heartbreaking moments

quick and emotionally engaging read

special connections in challenging circumstances

'Sunshine' by Jarrett J. Krosoczka is a graphic novel memoir that follows the author's experience as a high school student volunteering at a camp for youths with severe illnesses. The book portrays the life-changing impact the camp has on both the campers and the staff, highlighting the camaraderie, risk-taking, and bond-building that occur in such a setting. Through the author's narrative, readers witness the transformational power of bringing joy to those in need and the special connections formed in challenging circumstances.

The story delves into the author's personal growth and outlook on life as he recounts his time at the camp, emphasizing the profound effect it had on him and the children he interacted with. Through a blend of heartwarming and heartbreaking moments, 'Sunshine' captures the essence of resilience, inspiration, and the enduring impact of shared experiences in a community dedicated to supporting one another.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, showcasing the resilience of campers and the transformational journey of the volunteers.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is a blend of heartfelt sincerity and humor, presented in an accessible graphic memoir format.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot follows a high school student who spends time volunteering at a cancer camp, illustrating profound emotional connections and personal growth.

Setting:

The setting is a summer camp designed for children with severe illnesses, emphasizing community and support.

Pacing:

The pacing is brisk, allowing for a quick and emotionally engaging read.

Notes:

The book is a true story written by Jarrett J. Krosoczka.

It recounts a year in high school when Jarrett volunteered at a summer camp for kids with cancer.

The author was deeply inspired by the children he worked with at the camp.

The book addresses serious themes but also includes humor and heartwarming moments.

Jarrett was raised by his grandparents, which is explored in the book.

He won a lottery to become a volunteer at the camp, making him one of the lucky few chosen.

Readers get to know the children who changed Jarrett's life through the story.

The narrative reflects on the bonds created at the camp and the impact on both campers and volunteers.

The book is recommended for young audiences considering community involvement or dealing with illness.

It is described as both heartwarming and heartbreaking, capturing the complexities of life.

The artwork combines playful elements with serious topics, making it engaging for readers.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings for Sunshine include themes surrounding illness, cancer, and some depiction of smoking.

From The Publisher:

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 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.

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.

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