Patina & Sunny

Since I read both of these Jason Reynolds middle grades reads in the same weekend, they are getting reviewed together.  Patina is book two in the Jason Reynolds’ track series, and Sunny is the third book.

Patina starts where Ghost (book one in the series…read the review here) leaves off.  We find out the outcome of Ghost’s first track meet (since it was left as a cliffhanger) and learn about Patty’s life.  Her and her younger sister live with her aunt and uncle because her mother had to have her legs amputated because of her diabetes.  She’s at a new private school, on a new track team, and generally doesn’t feel like she belongs. 

This book had a lot going on, and my one major critique is that it’s written like a stream of consciousness.  This can add authenticity to the story, but at some point it does need to structure itself into a story.  This one does pick up about halfway in, but it’s a slow start.  My one other hang-up was how Patty’s story—mother is sick and must go stay with a family member and go to a private school where she feels like she doesn’t belong—is exactly like her aunt’s story.  I get that Reynolds is trying to show Patina she’s not as different from her aunt as she originally thought, but it almost seems like overkill to have their stories match up so perfectly.  I did like how it shows her growing friendships.  Yes, she’s slow to open up, but the idea that you need to open up and let other people know you even if it frightens you is a good lesson for middle grade kids to learn.

Sunny starts where Patina leaves off with yet another cliff hanger (you’re killing me, Reynolds!).  Sunny is the best long distance runner on the track team, but we find out that his real passion is dance.  The only reason he runs is because his father makes him, since his mother was a runner and she died in childbirth.  This new realization leads to conflict with his grieving father but leads Sunny to a pastime he actually enjoys.

I love Sunny.  I was so excited to get to hear his story and see his home life.  But again, my biggest negative about this book is that the writing is very fluid, like anything the character things about (off topic or on topic) is included.  Sunny also has lots of onomatopoeias since he thinks in beats and sounds.  This is very on point for his character, but it does lead to some confusion when reading.  I really liked Sunny’s change throughout the book and his strength to open up to his father about what he really wants.  Overall, a solid book that most upper elementary and middle grade kids will enjoy.