The Birthday Storm — Sharon M. Draper

The time is summer vacation. Sassy and her family head to Florida by airplane to visit Grammy. It's Grammy's birthday and a huge celebration is planned at her beach house.

Weather reports have indicated that a possible hurricane is swirling in the Atlantic, but it is not supposed to be a threat. The family lands during beautiful, sunny weather and the summer vacation begins with no problem. But the weather soon takes a turn, and the hurricane changes course, heading right toward Grammy's town. Houses are boarded up and local people stock up on food, water, and ice.

The day of the party dawns seemingly terrible--and the local sea turtles' lives are threatened. No electricity. No cake. No caterers. No ice cream. No stores are open. But the party goes on without any of that, and Sassy learns that family is more important than decorations, and love is the best gift of all.