#Review: The Sunshine Project by Uma Krishnaswami

The Sunshine Project
Author: Uma Krishnaswami
Publisher: Penguinsters

At its heart, this book is an exploration of voice—both in the literal sense of speaking up and in the broader sense of agency. Anil, the protagonist, is shy, avoids confrontation, and would much rather blend into the background of his classroom than lock horns with anyone—least of all Mohan, his persistent bully. Yet it is precisely this ordinariness that makes his journey compelling.

The central conflict—supporting solar energy while opposing a factory site that threatens mangroves and fisherfolk livelihoods—injects nuance into what could otherwise have been a one-note “save the planet” tale. The author avoids peddling a simple good-versus-evil narrative. Instead, readers are nudged to think critically: Can progress be sustainable if it erases communities? Is every green initiative inherently good? For a middle-grade audience, those are bold, necessary questions.

The black-and-white illustrations by Chetan Sharma deserve a special mention. They are not decorative add-ons but seamlessly woven into the text, breaking up dense sections while amplifying mood and emotion. The monochrome palette works beautifully here; rather than overwhelming the text, it strikes a balance, allowing imagination to fill in the colours while still grounding the story visually.

That said, the book is not without flaws. At times, the pacing falters, lingering too long on Anil’s everyday routines before the central conflict fully crystallizes. Similarly, some dialogues, especially between adults, can feel didactic—more like lessons than conversations. For a young audience, the message occasionally risks becoming too heavy-handed.

Verdict: A thoughtful, visually enriched story that treats its readers with respect. While it sometimes trips over its own earnestness, it ultimately delivers a resonant message: even the quietest voice can echo powerfully when it speaks for what matters.

Find this book here.