Sunshine State Young Reader’s Award Books
2015-2016 List for Grades 3-5
Athlete vs. Mathlete by W.C. Mack
The Evans twins each have a way to shine - Owen is a basketball star and Russell is
captain of the Brain Bowl team. When they find themselves in competition with
each other, they must work out what their talents mean to them as individuals and as
brothers.
Blast Off! by Nate Ball
After a pocket-sized alien crash lands in his bedroom, Zach finds himself navigating
humorous mishaps in an attempt to repair the spaceship and protect the alien from
Earthly terrors such as the family cat.
Eight Keys by Suzanne LaFleur
Middle school brings many changes for Elise and nothing in her life feels right. A
mysterious key with her name on it leads her on an adventure of self-discovery as
she unlocks the eight doors in the barn, learning more about herself as she completes
the quest her father set up for her before he passed away.
Fortunately, the Milk by Neil Gaiman
Mom’s away. There is no milk for breakfast. So Dad heads out on a mission. When
he finally returns, Dad explains that his trip included a time-traveling hot-air balloon
ride with a stegosaurus, pirates, ponies, aliens, wumpires, and a volcano god...but he
never lost possession of the milk! The illustrations add to the fun. You’ll enjoy this
one, with or without milk!
The Fourteenth Goldfish by Jennifer L. Holm
Ellie was not big on change...and lots of things have changed. Her school has
changed. Her friends have changed. Then one day a strange boy entered the picture.
He looked - and acted - a lot like Ellie’s grandfather, a scientist on a quest for eternal
youth. Could this boy really be Grandpa Melvin? This is a humorous story about
life, family, and imagining the possible.
Freaky Fast Frankie Joe by Lutricia Clifton
Frankie Joe's mother is sent to jail. His life is turned upside-down when he must
leave his home in Texas to live with his father - and his father’s family - in Illinois.
Frankie Joe decides to ride his bike back home to Texas, but he needs money. So
Frankie Joe starts a delivery service. His business is a success but his escape is not.
Through his heartbreak Frankie Joe realizes things aren’t always as they initially
seem.
The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom by Christopher Healy
Many people have read the stories of Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Snow White,
and Rapunzel, but few readers have thought about the princes involved in each
story. There wasn’t one “Prince Charming,” there were four men with very
distinct personalities. This book tells the story of how each couple met and the
challenges each of them faced. This new twist to traditional fairy tales provides a
different point of view for every event. Be prepared to laugh and wonder how
each of them became the main character in timeless tales.
The Hypnotists by Gordon Korman
Having the ability to hypnotize others sounds like it could be a lot of fun and Jax
Opus doesn’t even know he has the power until it finds out accidently. Once he
realizes he can affect other people’s behavior, he finds out it causes lots of
problems for him. He also learns that not everyone is as they first appear. An
adventure book sure to entertain young readers.
Kizzy Ann Stamps by Jeri Watts
This story, starts in July, 1963 and ends in July, 1964, tells the story of school
integration from the view point of a young black girl, Kizzy Ann, as she writes
letters. It opens with correspondence to her new teacher, telling her she doesn’t
want to go the integrated school. The teacher writes back, though we don’t see her
letters until the last chapter of the book, only Kizzy Ann’s responses to them.
Readers see life through Kizzy Ann’s eyes as she meets new people and enjoys her
dog, Shag. A thoughtful look at a time gone by, but with current meaning because stories about
growing up never grow old.
Nerd Camp by Elissa Brent Weissman
Ten-year-old Gabe feels excited to go to the Summer Center for Gifted
Enrichment for six weeks. However, after he meets his cool soon to be stepbrother ten-year-old, Zack, he frames his letters so Zack won’t think it is a camp
for nerds. Gabe loves camp, but he really wants Zack to like him and Gabe thinks
Zack won’t appreciate the experience if he knows about all of it. By the end of the
book, everyone comes to understand that nerds and non-nerds can like each other.
Olivia Bean, Trivia Queen by Donna Gephart
Olivia Bean and her dad shared a love of trivia. When she gets an opportunity to
audition for kid’s Jeopardy, Olivia is thrilled to show off her knowledge and see
her dad who moved to California two years ago. To get to the final round, she
receives help from the most unexpected places including a frenemy and almoststepdad.
Pie by Sarah Weeks
Alice’s Aunt Polly was known for her award-winning pie. When she passes away
and leaves the secret piecrust recipe to her cat, the whole town is outraged and
determined to become the next pie-contest winner. With help from her friend
Charlie, Alice sets off to discover the recipe for happiness.
A Snicker of Magic by Natalie Lloyd
Felicity Pickle, a word collector, and her little sister, Frannie Jo, have moved
around a lot. Their mother has a wandering heart. Midnight Gulch feels like it just
might be home, and not just because it's where her mama grew up. The town is
cursed, or so some believe. The quirky characters, including her new best friend
Jonah, make this book magical.
Three Times Lucky by Sheila Turnage
Found washed ashore during a hurricane by the Colonel (a cafe owner with a
mysterious past of his own), Mo lives in the small Southern town of Tupelo
Landing, NC. Colorful characters bring this humorous mystery to life and Mo and
her best friend, Dale Earnhardt Johnson III, are right in the middle of it all. As she
searches for her "upstream mother," Mo learns the true meaning of family.
White Fur Flying by Patricia Maclachlan
Zoe lives happily with her story telling/writer sister Alice, their parents, and Great
Pyrennes dogs that they rescue. Then a couple with a small nine year old boy
named Philip moves into the neighborhood for the summer and all their lives
change. Zoe and her family have lived together very happily and reach out to
include Philip in some of their activities. To start with, Philip doesn’t talk to
anyone, but then he speaks to one of the dogs, Kodi. During a night summer storm Philip and
one of the rescue dogs disappear. Their rescue brings a happy ending to a great book.