If you loved
Sunny
Jason Reynolds · Book · 2018
What hooked you in Sunny was the way personal growth unfolds through the lens of dedicated teamwork and friendship.
Films on the same thread
Sonic the Hedgehog 3
Jeff Fowler · Film · 2024
Just as Sunny learns to rely on his teammates to shine, this story forces its characters to look past their differences and embrace teamwork to overcome a powerful new threat.
Cars 3
Brian Fee · Film · 2017
Like the protagonist of Sunny who finds his path through sport, Lightning McQueen must navigate his own adversity and embrace mentorship to redefine his legacy on the track.
mid90s
Jonah Hill · Film · 2018
If the honest, coming-of-age journey of Sunny resonated with you, this film captures a similarly raw look at finding your identity and a sense of belonging within a tight-knit crew.
F1
Joseph Kosinski · Film · 2025
The spirit of personal transformation found in Sunny drives this story, where the pressures of elite sports serve as a catalyst for redemption and finding a new sense of purpose.
Series on the same thread
Gen V
Craig Rosenberg · Series · 2023
Much like the complex social dynamics of Sunny, this series explores the high-stakes environment of an elite institution where gifted peers must navigate moral boundaries and their own personal identities.
Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide
Scott Fellows · Series · 2004
The relatable middle school experience that grounds Sunny is the heart of this show, offering a humorous and practical guide to surviving the social hurdles of being a young student.
Craig of the Creek
Matt Burnett · Series · 2018
The core theme of friendship in Sunny is mirrored here, as a group of kids relies on their unique bond and collective imagination to navigate the challenges of their world.
Recess
Paul Germain · Series · 1997
You will recognize the importance of the friend group dynamic from Sunny, as these characters lean on each other to navigate the social complexities and daily politics of elementary school.
Podcasts on the same thread
Le Batard & Friends - South Beach Sessions
Dan Le Batard, Stugotz · Podcast · 2026
This podcast mirrors the humanizing look at personal evolution found in Sunny, offering intimate conversations that peel back the layers of public figures to reveal their true, complex motivations.
The MeidasTouch Podcast
MeidasTouch Network · Podcast · 2026
While this focuses on broader societal issues, the collaborative spirit and focus on personal background mirror the way Sunny explores the intersection of individual identity and collective team action.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Sunny the first book in the Track series?
No, Sunny is the third novel in the critically acclaimed Track series by Jason Reynolds. The series follows the stories of four kids from different backgrounds who are chosen for an elite middle school track team, with Sunny being the third character to have his story featured.
What is the plot of the book Sunny?
In Sunny, the title character tries to shine despite his troubled past. He is one of four kids from wildly different backgrounds chosen for an elite middle school track team that could potentially take them to the state championship, despite their explosive personalities when they clash together.
Who are the other characters in the book Sunny?
While the book focuses on Sunny, he is part of a group of four kids chosen for the same elite middle school track team. The other three members of this group, who also have their own stories in the Track series, are named Ghost, Patina, and Lu.
Who is the author of Sunny?
Sunny was written by Jason Reynolds, who is a National Book Award finalist. This novel is the third installment in his critically acclaimed Track series, which explores the lives and personal challenges of four young athletes training together on an elite middle school track team.