Ways to Make Sunshine (Ryan Hart Story #1)
by Renée Watson (Author) Nina Mata (Illustrator)
From Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King Author Award winner Renée Watson comes the first book in a young middle grade series about Ryan Hart, a girl who is pure spirit, kindness, and sunshine.
Ryan Hart has a lot on her mind--school, self-image, and especially family. Her dad finally has a new job, but money is tight. That means some changes, like selling their second car and moving into a new (old) house. But Ryan is a girl who knows how to make sunshine out of setbacks. As her brother says when he raps about her, she's got the talent that matters most: it's a talent that can't be seen, she's nice, not mean!
Ryan is all about trying to see the best in people, to be a good daughter, a good sister, a good friend. But even if her life isn't everything she would wish for, when her big brother is infuriating, her parents don't quite understand, and the unexpected happens, she always finds a way forward, with grace and wit. And plenty of sunshine.
Acclaimed author Renée Watson writes her own version of Ramona Quimby, one starring a Black girl and her family, in this start to a charming new series.
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Publishers Weekly
In this series opener, a loose reimagining of Ramona Quimby's exploits, Watson (Some Places More Than Others) adroitly captures the uncertainty of growing up amid change through the eyes of an irrepressible black girl. Fourth grader Ryan Hart's name means "king," and her parents encourage her to live up to it ("Dad is always telling me our people come from royalty... their strength is running through my veins"). Ryan tries her best, but it's hard sometimes, as when classmates tease her about having "a boy's name" and when her father loses his job, precipitating the family's move to a smaller, "not new at all" home. Despite the changed circumstances, Ryan brings optimism to everything she does: racing bikes against her "bossy and nosy" big brother, facing her fear of public speaking, and serving as her mother's sous chef. In vignette-style chapters, Watson warmly weaves together slice-of-life moments that capture youthful doubt alongside moments of loss and joy, showing a tight-knit family navigating difficulties with plenty of courage and plenty of love. Occasional illustrations by Mata (She's Got This) emphasize the story's joyful realism. Ages 7-10. Author's agent: Rosemary Stimola, Stimola Literary Studio. (Apr.)
Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.School Library Journal
Gr 3-5--In this first installment in a contemporary realistic African American middle grade series, Ryan Hart's family must relocate to another part of Portland, OR, because her dad isn't making as much money as he once did. Ryan is young girl confident in her gifts; she especially loves to cook. She is also capable of standing up for herself, particularly when she is teased for having a name more commonly given to boys. And she has a lively imagination; Ryan and her best friend, KiKi, get creative indoors when the Grand Floral Parade gets rained out, and prepare for the school talent show together. The theme of loving family and friends even through difficult times will resonate with readers. Cheerful black-and-white illustrations enhance the story and convey Ryan's effervescent personality. Watson deftly weaves the faith of her characters into her work. From Easter speeches to African American hair care, this book will give those whose lives are like Ryan's an opportunity to feel seen. For those whose lives are different, this book provides a clear window into a nuclear family dealing with familiar topics in a unique way. VERDICT A solid addition to realistic middle grade fiction with warm, loving family relationships.--Kristin Lee Anderson, Jackson County Library Services, OR
Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
"Intermittently funny, frustrating, and touching. . . . Allows black readers to see themselves and all readers to find a character they can love. Move over Ramona Quimby, Portland has another neighbor you have to meet!" —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"Adroitly captures the uncertainty of growing up amid change through the eyes of an irrepressible black girl." —Publishers Weekly, starred review "A beautifully rendered series of vignettes à la Beezus and Ramona featuring a Black girl developing into her own personhood, this is a strong start to a new middle-grade series. Ryan Hart is a vivacious child [...] with personality and spirit reminiscent of some of the most well-loved heroines in classic juvenile fiction tales." —Booklist, starred review "A fresh beginning to a new chapter book series featuring a girl who can coax out sunshine from behind the darkest storm." —Shelf Awareness, starred review "This brave new world we're living in sure could use more stories about these bright and imaginative girls who specialize in 'making a way out of no way.'" —The New York Times Book Review "Ryan Hart approaches challenges in her life with bravery, common sense, and humor. . . . a refreshing character." —Horn Book Magazine "Middle graders who like realistic fiction will enjoy getting to know this earnest girl and her supportive family." —School Library Connection "Plenty of charm . . . readers will look forward to Ryan's future adventures." —BCCB "The theme of loving family and friends even through difficult times will resonate with readers. Cheerful black-and-white illustrations enhance the story and convey Ryan's effervescent personality." —School Library Journal online "Timely and timeless." —Jacqueline Woodson, National Book Award winning author of BROWN GIRL DREAMING on PIECING ME TOGETHER "Watson, with rhythm and style, somehow gets at . . . the life-changing power of voice and opportunity, all wrapped up in Jade." —Jason Reynolds, author of ALL AMERICAN BOYS on PIECING ME TOGETHER "An important and deeply moving novel." —John Green, bestselling and award-winning author of THE FAULT IN OUR STARS on PIECING ME TOGETHER "Teeming with compassion and insight." —Publishers Weekly, starred review, on PIECING ME TOGETHER "A timely, nuanced, and unforgettable story." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review, on PIECING ME TOGETHER "A nuanced meditation on race, privilege, and intersectionality." —SLJ, starred review, on PIECING ME TOGETHER "Will resonate with many readers." —BCCB, starred review, on PIECING ME TOGETHERRenée Watson is a New York Times bestselling author. Her novel, Piecing Me Together, received a Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King Award. Her books include Love is a Revolution, Ways to Make Sunshine, Some Places More Than Others, This Side of Home, What Momma Left Me, Betty Before X, co-written with Ilyasah Shabazz, and Watch Us Rise, co-written with Ellen Hagan, as well as two acclaimed picture books: A Place Where Hurricanes Happen and Harlem's Little Blackbird, which was nominated for an NAACP Image Award. Renée grew up in Portland, Oregon, and splits her time between Portland and New York City.
www.reneewatson.net@harlemportland (Instagram)
@reneewauthor (Twitter)
JUV011010 - Juvenile Fiction | People & Places | United States - African-American
JUV013000 - Juvenile Fiction | Family | General
Families
Family life
Schools
Oregon
Portland (Or.)
Portland
