The Mighty Heart of Sunny St. James

For the last few years, Sunny St. James has been held back by her weak heart.  She couldn't even go to school, and she was always tired and out of breath.  A heart transplant offers her a fresh start, and she intends to make the best of it.

Her amazing new life plan has three parts:  have adventures, find a new best friend, and kiss a boy.  It's a great plan in theory, but maybe not so easy in real life.  Her long lost mother who abandoned her when Sunny was four has suddenly reappeared, and Sunny isn't sure she even wants to see her.  She has Kate who has never let her down and took care of her during all those bad years before the new heart.

She wants nothing to do with her former best friend Margot.  Sunny can't get over Margot's betrayal, but she doesn't really have any other friends since she's been out of school and homebound for so long.  When she meets Quinn, a blue-haired girl whose life is all about adventure, it seems like a dream come true.

Quinn's never had a best friend either.  She's constantly moving because of her mom's job, but she and Sunny make an instant connection and decide to embark on a kissing quest together this summer.  But Sunny is coming to the realization it isn't a boy she wants to kiss.

Ashley Herring Blake has written another novel about an LGBTQ living her life, and it's perfect for middle school.  These are so hard to find, and I am thankful for each one.  This is a beautiful story about friendship, belonging, love, and living life to the fullest.  Highly recommended.