OPERATION SISTERHOOD

This second series entry reintroduces readers to the “double-decker” family of two sets of children and parents sharing one household, this time through the eyes of 11-year-old Sunday Saunders, who’s one of four sisters.

Sunday feels like each sister shines at something, except for her. While she excels at writing and comes up with grand ideas, she struggles to execute them and often falls short in planning. Tired of feeling overshadowed, she comes up with her biggest idea yet: hosting a community musical extravaganza where everyone can showcase their talents. Trying to balance everything, Sunday quickly realizes that she may have overpromised; now, she must find a way to achieve the feeling of being special that she desires. Rhuday-Perkovich presents the family structure and their “freeschooling” philosophy in ways that show the benefits and drawbacks, with the girls learning to manage both the things they can control about themselves and the opinions and actions of others, which they can’t. The initial pacing is slow, and the introduction of all the parents, girls, and pets may feel overwhelming to readers who are new to the series. As the characters’ personalities develop, however, differentiating among them becomes easier. Readers see Sunday grow and gain in self-confidence in a Bronx setting that comes to life through vivid imagery. The main characters are Black.

A heartfelt story of family life and learning how to shine.