MS Sunshine State 2017-2018 Bk 2

Framed by James Ponti

This book is a perfect mystery novel for a kid that adored Gertrude Chandler Warner's "Boxcar Children" series and wants a good book now that they're older, or for someone who is new to the mystery genre and wants an easy to keep track of "first mystery book." Having been to Washington D.C., I can see the detail and can imagine the time (well) spent on making the city realistic.

What the Book's All About

Framed is a fictitious novel about Florian Bates, his Theory of All Small Things, or T.O.A.S.T., and his new best friend, Margaret. When a painting is stolen from the National Gallery, Florian Bates uses T.O.A.S.T to help the FBI solve the case. Will the thief be caught? Will Florian be off the case when it might mean that he could get hurt? Will his mom stop his working for the FBI so he can do his homework?

Florian

• Clever
• Resourceful
• Inventor of T.O.A.S.T.
• Lived all over the world
• Moved to D.C. from Rome, Italy

Margaret

• Florian's best friend
• Good people skills
• Adopted
• Doesn't know who real parents are

Note: This was voted the 2nd most popular SSRYA book this year in Florida

MS Sunshine State 2017-2018 Bk 1

The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

The War that Saved My Life is a book for ages eleven-and-up that has won a Newberry Honor. This is a novel for anyone that loves World War II stories, stories of triumph over disabilities, or for anyone who loves a touching story of love-overcomes-all.

What the Book's All About

This book is about ten-year-old Ada who is never allowed outside due to her mother's embarrassment over Ada's twisted foot. She and her brother (Jamie) are shipped away from London into to the country home of Susan Smith during WWII. Will Susan ever grow to love Ada and Jamie? Will their cruel mother take them back to London? Will Ada ever be able to learn to ride a pony?

Ada

• Loves Susan's pony, Butter
• Stubborn
• Short temper

Jamie

• Ada's little brother
• Loves planes

Note: This was the most popular SSRYA book this year

  

Stowaway

Stowaway by Karen Hesse

Stowaway is a book for those interested in historical fiction -especially books written like a diary. This is NOT a book for someone who gets confused when there are many characters in play, nor for someone that can't handle a smidgen of gore/death. 

What the Book's All About

Nicholas Young is escaping from London. Sick of being apprenticed to the Butcher and being abused by his father, Nick stows away on the good ship, Endeavor, with the help of three of its crew. Through rough sailing and sickness, Nicholas remains calm and collected, as well as making new friends- and enemies- throughout the two-year journey around the world. Will Nick ever become a valued part of the crew, or will he be isolated due to the fact he boarded as a stowaway? Can Nick ever go back to London after he's run away?

Nicholas Young

• Adventurous
• Sneaky
• Ginger
• Resilliant

Tarheto

• Nick's best friend
• Kind to all
• We meet him in OTahiti

Mr. Bootie

• Dislikes Nick
• Unfair
• Midshipman

Note: This is a fictional account from a real person on the Endeavor's journey. These events are compounded from the journals of crew members such as Captain Cook and Mr. John Bootie. 

Tuesdays at the Castle

Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George

Tuesdays at the Castle is a delightful first book in the Castle Trilogy. This 225 page/ 24 chapter book is a great book for all ages and I can't stop turning the pages. I'm not joking! When I'm reading it, this book goes with me everywhere!

  What the Book's All About

Tuesdays at the Castle highlights Princess Celie and her siblings, Rolf and Lilah (She also has a brother at the College of Wizardry - Bran) ,and their new friend- Prince Lulath of Grath (who loves his many, many dogs), as they try to save the living and ever-changing Castle Glower from the evil Prince Khelsh. Will the royal family save Castle Glower? Will Khelsh ever leave? Will Celie ever be able to finish mapping the Castle? Will Lulath's dogs quit licking Celie?

Celie

• Making a map of the Castle
•  Adventurous
• Nimble
• Caring
• Daredevil

Rolf

• Sleyne's crown prince
• Protective
• Teases Lilah

Khelsh

• Arrogant
• Antagonist
• Vhervish