Sunnyside Plaza
on Goodreads (628)
What’s inside...
Wonder meets Three Times Lucky in a story of empowerment as a young woman named Sally Miyake, who has a developmental disability and can't read, decides to help solve the mystery of multiple suspicious deaths in her group home, Sunnyside Plaza. Along with other residents, Sally navigates through a series of tragic events, with detectives Esther Rivas and Lon Bridges investigating whether these incidents are accidents or if something more disturbing is happening. As Sally and her friends take the investigation into their own hands, they demonstrate empowerment, empathy, hope, and generosity, shining a light on their very special world.
Age
8-13
Length
208 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Sally Miyake
Detective Esther Rivas
Discussion points
How did the characters in Sunnyside Plaza support each other, and why do you think that's important?
What challenges did the residents of Sunnyside Plaza face and how did they overcome them?
How do the residents of Sunnyside Plaza show courage and resilience?
What did you learn about friendship and community from this book?
How can we, like the characters, help people in our own community?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, relate the characters' experiences to real-life situations your child might encounter, enhancing their empathy and understanding.
Encourage your child to think about how they would act in similar situations as the characters, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Share personal experiences that echo the themes of support and community in the book to deepen the connection and relevance.
Highlight the importance of acceptance and looking out for each other, reinforcing the book’s message of community and empathy.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Sunnyside Plaza', readers learn about characters with developmental disabilities, highlighting their experiences and emotions in a way that fosters empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by being more understanding and compassionate towards classmates or peers who may be different from them.
Example Lesson: Importance of Community
Explanation: The story shows how residents of Sunnyside Plaza support each other, demonstrating the strength and comfort that comes from being part of a caring community.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to value and contribute to their own communities, whether it’s at school, in sports teams, or in neighborhood groups.
Example Lesson: Courage to Face Challenges
Explanation: Characters in the book confront and overcome various challenges, teaching resilience and the importance of facing problems head-on.
Real-World Application: Children learn to tackle their own challenges, whether it’s dealing with a tough school assignment, standing up to a bully, or handling a disagreement with a friend.
Example Lesson: Value of Friendship
Explanation: The friendships between characters in 'Sunnyside Plaza' are central to the story, highlighting how true friends stick together through thick and thin.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to build strong, supportive friendships and to be a loyal friend in their own lives.