Sunnyside Plaza

By: Scott Simon

Narrated by: Lauren Fortgang

Wonder meets Three Times Lucky in a story of empowerment as a young woman decides to help solve the mystery of multiple suspicious deaths in her group home.
Sally Miyake can't read, but she learns lots of things. Like bricks are made of clay and Vitamin D comes from the sun. Sally is happy working in the kitchen at Sunnyside Plaza, the community center she lives in with other adults with developmental disabilities. For Sally and her friends, Sunnyside is the only home they've ever known.

Everything changes the day a resident unexpectedly dies. After a series of tragic events, detectives Esther Rivas and Lon Bridges begin asking questions. Are the incidents accidents? Or is something more disturbing happening?

The suspicious deaths spur the residents into taking the investigation into their own hands. But are people willing to listen?

Sunnyside Plaza is a human story of empowerment, empathy, hope, and generosity that shines a light on this very special world.

Critic reviews

Praise for Sunnyside Plaza:
*"A tender insight into being different and wonderful."—Kirkus, starred review

"Sunnyside Plaza is a light in the shadows that illuminates the humanity in us all. It's a book as special as its characters. A treasure."


—p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Georgia}Jerry Spinelli, Newbery winning author of Maniac Magee and The Warden's Daughter

"A beautiful book that focuses on empathy, not pity, to introduce readers to a new world. I enjoyed every minute I spent with the characters of Sunnyside Plaza."—p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Georgia}Stacy McAnulty, bestselling author of The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl

Good summer "read"

Loved it! Very uplifting! Listened with my daughter who is a mature 10 year old, and it inspired further discussion of the diversity in our world.

Wonderful

I don’t write reviews but this was a wonderful book that was smart, kind, heart felt and insightful. It made me think and feel. A must read for everyone.

All people are equal even if they have a disability

I liked the story line and the mystery, showing that disabilities are capable just like anyone.

Had to read for school

I loved the book a mix of comedy tragedy and mystery over all 5 stars

Sweet, endearing, full of hope.

This isn't our normal listen, but I snagged it on a whim and ended up really enjoying it. The story is short but sweet, with an interesting cast of characters, and a slow-but-still-interesting plot.

It was a present change of pace and the hopeful wrap up was such a delight after so many grim books.