Sunny Makes Her Case by Jennifer L. Holm wraps middle-school insecurities and self-discovery into a warm, witty story perfect for readers aged 8–12. The fifth installment in the beloved Sunny series follows the titular character as she navigates seventh grade in the 1970s, feeling adrift without a clear passion like her sports-focused peers. When her friend Arun proposes starting a debate club, Sunny reluctantly agrees, only to discover that effective arguing requires more than loud opinions—it demands research, teamwork, and empathy. As the duo tackles lighthearted topics like “candy corn vs. gummy worms,” Sunny learns to balance confidence with humility, uncovering her voice through humorous missteps and small triumphs. Holm’s nostalgic yet relatable storytelling shines through Sunny’s awkward charm, while occasional black-and-white illustrations of debate notes and facial expressions add playful visual breaks. Educators will appreciate how Holm’s accessible language and structure support diverse learners. Short, direct sentences (“Debate isn’t just yelling—it’s listening”) model clarity, while debate prep scenes naturally introduce terms like “rebuttal” and “evidence” through kid-friendly contexts. The text avoids dense paragraphs, using frequent dialogue and situational humor to maintain momentum—ideal for readers building stamina. While idioms like “throw shade” appear sparingly, they’re rooted in character interactions, allowing teachers to explore figurative language through role-play or writing prompts. Illustrated debate flows and character expressions (e.g., Sunny’s grimace mid-argument) provide visual scaffolding, helping students decode emotional subtext. As a Newbery Honor author, Holm balances readability with depth, making this a smart pick for classrooms exploring identity or civil discourse. Whether used as a book club selection or a gateway to public speaking units, Sunny Makes Her Case turns self-doubt into a springboard for growth—proof that the quietest voices often have the most to say.