A Special Note

The Sunshine State program is voluntary and intended to promote reading among students in grades 3-8. These titles are selected for their wide literary appeal, variety in genre, connections to the classroom, and multicultural portrayal. Though these titles include a variety of reading levels that students may understand, they do not necessarily reflect the appropriate chronological age, developmental age, maturity level, or family values for all students and are not necessarily recommended for everyone. We encourage parents to read with their children or to pre-read the books since parents know best what their children are ready to read.

Students, consider your family values and your own comfort level as you make your selections.

To Get Started

1. Select the book you would like to discuss.

2. Read the questions.

3. Click on “comments” to view what others have to say about this book or to write your response.

4. Communicate your thoughts using your best writing.  Your teacher may grade your comment. Be sure to use formal writing conventions rather than ‘chatspeak’ or texting abbreviations on the blog.*

5. Sign your name like this: firstname + last initial + teacher + period + school name.
   Here is an example: SarahTSmith2Delaura

6. You will be asked for an e-mail address in order to comment.  You may use your own e-mail address, or use ssyrabooks@yahoo.com.

*Example:  “My favorite character was Joe Smith.  He always stood up for what he believed in.  For example, he confronted those bullies who were picking on Frank, even when he knew they were bigger and stronger than he was and they’d probably come after him next.  Even when other kids made fun of him, Joe never backed down.”

*Nonexample: idk i guess i liked joe becuz he tried 2 help frank

You may also rate each book you have read!  Underneath the book summary and questions is a row of stars.  Click on the number of stars you think the book earned.

The Seer of Shadows by Avi

Summary:

Horace is an apprentice to Mr. Middleditch, a photographer, in 1872 when this story begins.  Horace reluctantly assists Mr. Middleditch in adding a ghostly image to some portraits.  Horace discovers that he is a “seer” when the ghost in the photograph comes to life.  He seeks answers from the household servant, Pegg, who becomes his friend.  Together, they hope to stop the ghost of Eleanora, a former child of the house, from taking revenge on the owners. 

Questions:

1)      Horace sees ghosts in photographs.  Do you believe that some people can see ghosts?  Explain. 

 2)      Many of the book’s characters treat Pegg as inferior because of her race.  Horace, on the other hand, treats her as an equal.  Why do you think he sees her differently?

 3)      Eleanora was bent on seeking revenge because of her neglect and death at the hands of the Von Machts.  Pegg is not treated well by the Von Machts, but tries to stop Eleanora.  Why do you think some people are able to forgive and others can’t let injustices go?

 4)      In the story, Horace is asked by his employer to take secret pictures in order to swindle the Von Machts.  He does this even though he disagrees with the idea.  What would you do if a person in authority asked you to do something you disagreed with? 

The Boy Who Dared by Susan Campbell Bartoletti

Cover art used with permission from Scholastic, Inc.

Summary:

In World War II Germany, teenager Helmuth Hubener is forced to assimilate into Nazi society in order to survive.  As he uncovers shocking confidential war news, he wages a silent campaign to raise public awareness of the situation, thus putting him in mortal danger.

Questions:

1)       Helmuth’s mother tells him that remaining quiet and ignoring things is the best way for him to deal with the Nazi situation.  Do you agree with her?  Explain.

2)      Helmuth showed his opposition to the Nazi War situation by secretly listening to the radio and distributing pamphlets to the public.  Do you feel this was the right thing to do?  Why or why not?  What would you do if you were in his situation?

3)      Why do you think the German government restricted news/radio access to the people during the war?  How did this sway the public’s perception of the situation?

4)      If you were Helmuth, would you have invited Rudi and Karl to listen to the illegal BBC broadcast?  Explain.

Diamonds in the Shadows by Caroline Cooney

Summary:

Life for the Finch family is about to drastically change when they agree to take in a refugee family from war-torn Sierra Leone.  As the frightened new family begins to adjust to life in the United States, Jared Finch begins to suspect that the Amabo family has dark and dangerous secrets.   

Questions: 

1)       What do you think Kirk Crick of the Refugee Aid Society meant when he said, “There are no good guys in a civil war?”  Do you agree with this? 

2)      Do you feel it was acceptable that the refugees impersonated the Amabo family?   What would you have done if you were in their situation?

3)      Do you think Mattu and Andre did the right thing by mailing the diamonds to the refugee agency?  What would you have done if you were in their situation? 

Football Hero by Tim Green

Summary:

A 12-year-old orphaned, aspiring football player and his brother, who’s playing in the NFL, find themselves targets of a Mafia boss interested in insider information for gambling gains, all due to the plans of their unethical and selfish uncle.

Questions:

1)      Was there a time in the story when you wished you could talk to a character and persuade him or her to make a different decision?  When was it?

2)      Author Tim Green played in the NFL.  If you had the chance to ask him a question, what would it be?  

3)      What character traits did you admire about Thane? About Ty?

4)      What character, if any, surprised you by the end of the story?   How did your view of this character change over the course of the book?

 5)      Have you read any other sports thrillers or sports mysteries written for teens that you’ve enjoyed?

The Great Wide Sea by M. L. Herlong

Cover art used with permission from Viking Juvenile/Penguin Publishers

Summary:

After their mom dies in a car accident, three boys and their father leave their home and sail the Caribbean, despite the boys’ objections.

Questions:

1)      Which do you think would be more difficult:  surviving on a desert island or surviving “on the streets” as an orphaned teenager?

2)      How might the story have played out differently if Dylan had not remembered what he read about distilling water from plants…if Gerry hadn’t learned to spear fish…?

3)      How did the boys’ skills and personalities complement one another to help them deal with their circumstances?

4)      What do you think was the real reason the boys’ father decided to sell the family home and sail through the Caribbean for a year?

Do Not Pass Go by Kirkpatrick Hill

Summary:

Deet’s father is working two jobs to provide for his family.  During a routine traffic stop, Deet’s father is arrested and jailed for drug use.  To provide for the family, his mother returns to work. Deet’s daily routine now consists of  household and childcare responsibilities, as well as daily visits to see his father.

Questions:

1)      Deet’s Dad goes to jail for drug possession. How does this singular event shape the story?

2)      Sheena suggests a support group for kids whose relatives are in jail.  Explain why such a group would or would not be beneficial?

3)      How does order help Deet throughout the story? 

4)      Describe the role reversal between Deet and his Mom.

Lawn Boy by Gary Paulsen

Summary:

A twelve-year-old boy unexpectedly learns the basic principles of economics as his lawn business humorously snowballs into a full-scale enterprise far beyond his or anyone else’s expectations.

Questions:

1)      What was your favorite scene in Lawn Boy? Would you enjoy acting out this scene?  What character would you play?

 2)      Who was your favorite character? Why?     

 3)     How would the story have played out differently if the main character had never met Arnold?  What sequence of events might have taken place, instead? What might have happened if Arnold had been a dishonest person? 

 4)      What might have happened if ‘Joey Pow’ hadn’t entered the story?

Billy Creekmore by Tracey Porter

Summary:

Billy Creekmore grows up in the Guardian Angels Home for Boys.  Billy is about to start a new adventure when his Uncle comes to the home to claim him.  Billy’s perilous journeys at times provide glimpses into his past and lead him to recognize the meaning of family.

Questions:

1)      How does Billy’s knowledge about his past affect his future?  

2)      What do you think was the hardest choice Billy had to make and why?

3)      Do you agree or disagree with the speech made by the representative from the United Mine Workers.  Explain your thinking.

Lost Time by Susan Maupin Schmid

Cover art used with permission from Philomel/Penguin Publishers

Summary:

In the distant future, a 12-year-old girl from another planet, whose archeologist parents have disappeared, finds that all her wits are required to battle various competing forces bent on using her for their own purposes.

Questions:

1)      What elements in Lost Time make it a classic Science Fiction story?

2)      If you could invite one character from Lost Time to visit you in the 21st century, who would it be? Why would you choose this person/creature?

3)      How might the story have played out differently if Violynne had not kept the Croon bead?

4)      Was there a character in the story who fooled you about his or her intent? How did your understanding of that character change over the course of the book?

5)      In Lindos’ political system, what affected the dictator’s power?  Are there parallels on Earth in the 21st century?

The Mailbox by Audrey Shafer

Summary:

Twelve-year-old Gabe goes to great lengths to hide his uncle’s death. When  a mysterious note appears in his uncle’s mailbox, , Gabe begins to communicate with this unknown correspondent. However, he is not prepared for what happens when his secret is discovered.

Questions:

1)      Did Gabe do the right thing by not calling the police when he discovered his Uncle?  What would you have done?

2)      On page 87, Uncle Vernon has started a letter to Mrs. Pickering.  Predict what Uncle Veron would have written had he finished the letter.

3)      Since Uncle Vernon’s death, Gabe’s daily routines have changed.  If  you were living on your own, as Gabe was, what do you think would be the most difficult chore for you to accomplish?

Changeling by Delia Sherman

Cover art used with permission from Viking/Penguin Publishers

Summary:

Neef, a mortal changeling, stolen by fairies and swapped with a fairy replacement, lives in Central Park in “New York-Between”.  Mistakenly, she breaks fairy law and is now being hunted by New York’s wild creatures.  To avoid being eaten, Neef, along with her fairy changeling replacement, embarks on a quest to redeem herself with the Green Lady of Central Park.

Questions:

1)      As Neef set out on her quest with the Changeling, she encountered some extremely unusual characters (Honey, Fleet, Wall Street Dragon, Mermaid, Dow Jones, etc.)  What character do you think was the most unusual?  Why?

2)      Of all the challenges on the quest (scales, tickets, mirror), what do you think was the most difficult for Neef and the Changeling?  Why?  If you were in on the quest, what do you think would be the hardest for you?

3)      If you could create a movie trailer advertisement using one scene from the book, which scene would you select?  Why?

4)      The author incorporated many realistic elements into this extreme fantasy novel.  Why do you think she chose to do this?  Do you think it enhanced or took away from the story?  Why?

I. Q.: Independence Hall by Roland Smith

Summary:

Quest’s life has changed drastically since his mother’s recent marriage and the addition of Angela, his new step sister.  At first, his new life appears normal, until he becomes painfully aware of the dark secrets surrounding Angela and her real mother, former Secret Service Agent Malak.  Quest realizes that his new family is in grave danger, and he and Angela may be the only ones who can help.  

Questions:

1)       Angela and Quest both have extremely unique talents.  How have their talents helped them throughout their covert mission?

2)      Angela and Quest never told their parents about any of the danger they were in.  Do you think this was the right thing to do?  Why or why not?

3)      Do you think Boone did the right thing by involving Angela and Quest in his SOS mission?  What would you have done if you were in his position?

4)      Do you think it was fair for Angela’s mother to allow her to believe she died?  Why or why not?  What would you have done if you were in her situation?

Mercy on These Teenage Chimps by Gary Soto

Summary:

At age thirteen, best friends Ronnie and Joey suddenly feel like chimps.  During a banquet, Joey is humiliated by the coach.  He climbs up a tree and refuses to come down.  Ronnie sets out on a quest to bring Joey down from the tree and encounters a variety of neighborhood characters in his journey.

Questions:

1)      Although Ronnie and Joey have many similarities, what differences exist between them?

2)      Which character do you identify with the most?  Identify 3 character traits from this character and explain how you identify with them.

3)      What was the motive behind Ronnie working to reunite Coach Puddlefield with his wife?

Smiles to Go by Jerry Spinelli

Summary: 

Will Tuppance has always been a scientific thinker.  His no-nonsense, sensible nature has often times put him at odds with his vivacious little sister and eccentric friends.  Alarmed by the new scientific discovery of proton decay, as well as a family emergency, Will begins to reevaluate what is really important in life. 

Questions:

1)      Why do you think Will is so interested in the news about proton decay?  How does this news affect his life and relationships?

2)      Why do you think Tabby, Will’s sister, decided to ride the skateboard down Dead Man’s Hill?  How did this act change Will’s perspective on life?

3)      Do you think Will should have taken his sister to the chess tournament?  If you were in his situation, what would you do?  Why? 

4)      Why do you think the author chose the title, Smiles to Go?  If you were the author, what would you title the book?  Why?