The Trouble with Sunshine

By Yamile Saied Méndez

Grief-stricken Dori finds her voice and courage in a new town, challenging unfair rules.

4.1/5 Goodreads · 157 ratings

272 pages· 45,427 words· Est. 5 hour read

$19.99Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

After losing her mother, Dorani moves to Wyoming, burdened by grief and guilt. She bonds with a troubled horse, Sunshine, and discovers her mother's spirit within her. As she confronts unfair school rules, Dorani must decide if she can stand up for justice, just as her mother would have. Can she find her voice and bring change, or will fear hold her back?

From the publisher

A heartwarming story about grief and new beginnings, by Pura Belpré Award-winning author Yamile Saied Méndez.THE TROUBLE WITH SUNSHINE IS IT COMES EVEN IF YOU THINK YOU DON’T DESERVE IT.Dorani’s mom, Isa, taught her to be bold and challenge the rules if they don’t seem fair. People are more important than rules. But she never taught Dorani how to do it all without her. So, when Isa dies on the way to speak with the principal about Dori’s latest revolution, Dori loses her voice. Her grief and guilt become the loudest parts of her.Moving from vibrant Miami to quiet, middle-of-nowhere Wyoming with her aunt feels like the punishment she deserves. She spends most of her time with their newest horse, Sunshine. Sunshine was involved in an accident that’s left her skittish and hard to care for. Tia Ivette knows her behavior comes from fear, and she is trying everything to make Sunshine brave again. But Dori knows grief can feel like fear… and grief is just love with no place to go.Speaking up for Sunshine reminds Dori that the very best parts of her mother live on through her, and so when she starts to notice that the rules at her new school unfairly target specific students, she knows just what her mother would do…

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