49 pages • 1 hour read
Same Sun Here
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Book Brief
304
Novel • Fiction
New York City And Kentucky • 2010s
2012
Middle grade
9-12 years
890L
Super Short Summary
In Same Sun Here by Neela Vaswani and Silas House, two twelve-year-olds, Indian immigrant Meena Joshi from New York City and River Dean Justice from Black Banks, Kentucky, become pen pals and form a deep friendship through their letters. They share their lives, struggles, and differences, learning from each other while facing various personal and community challenges and discovering the value of friendship and true self-expression. The book discusses grief, cultural displacement, and environmental activism.
Heartwarming
Inspirational
Contemplative
Nostalgic
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
3,714 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Same Sun Here by Neela Vaswani and Silas House is lauded for its poignant storytelling and well-drawn characters, capturing cross-cultural friendship through captivating letters. Readers admire its exploration of contemporary issues like environmental activism and immigration. However, some feel the narrative occasionally falters in pacing. Overall, it's an evocative and socially relevant read.
Who Should Read Same Sun Here?
Readers who appreciate Same Sun Here by Neela Vaswani and Silas House likely enjoy heartfelt, character-driven stories exploring themes of friendship, cultural identity, and social justice. Fans of The Truth According to Mason Buttle and Wonder will find a similar emotional resonance and engaging narrative style.
3,714 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
River Dean Justice
River Dean Justice
A 12-year-old boy with red hair and freckles from Black Banks, Kentucky, who enjoys playing basketball and appreciates nature. Throughout the story, he expands his cultural awareness and learns to express his beliefs effectively.
Mawmaw/Nellie Justice
Mawmaw/Nellie Justice
River’s strong-willed grandmother who serves as an activist and mentor for him. She encourages him to stand up for his beliefs with courage and non-violence.
Kiku Joshi
Kiku Joshi
Meena's 17-year-old brother who has been in New York longer and helps her adjust to American culture. He serves as a supportive and mature figure in her life.
Mrs. Lau
Mrs. Lau
Meena's kind, elderly neighbor from Hong Kong, who provides them with affordable housing. She serves as a grandmotherly figure and voice of wisdom for Meena.
304
Novel • Fiction
New York City And Kentucky • 2010s
2012
Middle grade
9-12 years
890L
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