Some readers may question the choice to put a 19-year-old like Sally at the center of a novel for younger readers. Having a cognitive disability doesn't make anyone an eternal child. But Sally's pitch-perfect, brilliantly meandering voice reminded me that I first read (and adored) Flowers for Algernon, the story of an adult man with cognitive and developmental disabilities navigating similarly dark issues, when I was probably too young. Children are captivated by differences in others. In many ways, an overprotected young adult living in a group home faces the same challenges as a child testing the waters of independence…Simon has given young readers a rare chance to celebrate the extraordinary courage of someone like Sally, and a chance to understand where it comes from.
The New York Times Book Review - Cammie McGovern
★ 10/21/2019
NPR broadcaster and author Simon makes his children’s book debut with this novel inspired by his experience, as a young man, working at a group home for adults with developmental disabilities. Ingenuous narrator Sally Miyake (“Sal Pal”), a resident of the Sunnyside Plaza community center, easily draws readers into her story, confiding, “I can’t read, but I see, I hear, and I notice things.” Fixated on numbers, she communicates her age as “8 times 2 plus 3,” and believes that her long-absent mother “will be back when she can take care of me.” The teen and her fellow residents instinctively support one another and provide mutual solace when two tenants die suddenly and another suffers a mysterious fall. Two detectives investigating the deaths bring untold joy into Sal Pal’s life when they take her under their wing, inviting her to her first-ever baseball game and a family seder, and soliciting her help solving the deaths, given her keen perspicacity. In heartbreaking moments, Simon also lays bare the profound humiliation that Sal Pal and her friends feel when marginalized, as when a woman at the park deems “those people... crazy.” A resoundingly poignant novel with an acutely intuitive and empathic protagonist. Ages 8–up. (Jan.)
Praise for Sunnyside Plaza : *"A tender insight into being different and wonderful."—Kirkus, starred review *"A resoundingly poignant novel with an acutely intuitive and empathic protagonist."—Publishers Weekly, starred review "...filled with compassion, determination, intrigue , and the restored faith in the power of community."—School Library Connection "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 ." —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 ."—Stacy McAnulty, bestselling author of The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl "Sunnyside Plaza is a gem of a read! I highly recommend this mystery to anyone who loves to learn about people. Scott Simon got it all right when creating characters with intellectual disabilities and showing the strength that human connections make in one's life."—Kathy Detwiler, Buttonwood Books & Toys (Cohasset, MA) "When the residents of Sunnyside Plaza - a group home for adults with developmental disabilities - start unexpectedly passing away, a young woman must work with the other Sunnysiders to figure out what's happening. Scott Simon's characters are instantly emotionally engaging and their resiliency and determination to help and protect each other will have readers of all ages deeply invested in their story."—Colin Sneed, Flyleaf Books (Chapel Hill, NC) "Sunnyside Plaza is an amazing book. The book is a mystery and it is sure to intrigue anyone who reads it. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars. If you liked Braced, I am certain you will like this book too. It's a great book for kids 9 and older."—Island Bookstore (Kitty Hawk, NC) "Like all animals, humans are hardwired to detect differences. Avoiding, fearing, or making fun of differences, though, is a learned behavior. We're no two alike, so which differences affect our reactions to others? The residents of Sunnyside Plaza are ""different"", but so are the staff, the delivery man, the people on the street. Author and NPR commentator Scott Simon's novel is aimed at middle-grade readers but is important reading for older teens and adults, too, and will be a great book for group discussions. And you'll cheer for Sally and her friends as they help the police solve a mystery!"—Susan Posch, The Book Shoppe (Boone, IA) "An excellent book about the power of the human spirit , even when some of the people are so different from what would be called "normal." A must read for all middle readers as they think about people who may be different from themselves."—Pat Trotter, Bookends On Main (Menomonie, WI) "Simon delivers a unique story ."—BCCB
As Lauren Fortgang narrates the story of 19-year-old Sally Miyake in a clear and kind voice, listeners will get a sense of her curiosity and intuition about the world. Sally lives in Sunnyside Plaza, a Chicago group home for adults with developmental disabilities that emphasizes independence and community. Sally may not know how to read, but she knows how to notice things, especially when several unusual deaths occur, bringing in the police and an investigation. The racially diverse housemates and the people who care for them are voiced with compassion. When discrimination from the outside world takes place, listeners will cheer as a determined Sally and her friends use their voices to advocate for themselves. E.E.C. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine
FEBRUARY 2020 - AudioFile
As Lauren Fortgang narrates the story of 19-year-old Sally Miyake in a clear and kind voice, listeners will get a sense of her curiosity and intuition about the world. Sally lives in Sunnyside Plaza, a Chicago group home for adults with developmental disabilities that emphasizes independence and community. Sally may not know how to read, but she knows how to notice things, especially when several unusual deaths occur, bringing in the police and an investigation. The racially diverse housemates and the people who care for them are voiced with compassion. When discrimination from the outside world takes place, listeners will cheer as a determined Sally and her friends use their voices to advocate for themselves. E.E.C. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine
FEBRUARY 2020 - AudioFile
★ 2019-08-28 Sally Miyake is a 19-year-old woman who tells readers, "I can't read, but I see, I hear, and I notice things."
She lives in Sunnyside Plaza, a group home for developmentally disabled adults of all ages and abilities. The staff members are dedicated to providing physical and emotional care as well as a bit of independence and responsibility. The residents have difficulties understanding concepts such as death or the passage of time. But they accept one another's strengths and weaknesses, valuing kindness above all. Sally proudly works in the kitchen under the direction of Conrad, doing small but necessary chores. When one of her family of friends dies from a stroke, detectives Bridges and Rivas are called to investigate. They soon come to admire Sally's directness and warm heart, and they become part of her life outside the investigation. Sally uses her observational skills to try to understand what has happened, actually cracking the case when she learns that someone who has been trusted is not trustworthy. Supporting characters are presented with love and appreciation for their best qualities. Sally's challenges are part and parcel of her shining humanity, and readers will come to love her. Naming conventions and descriptions indicate wide diversity, but Sally's implied Japanese heritage plays no part in the story.
A tender insight into being different and wonderful. (author's note) (Mystery. 9-14)