Ways to Build Dreams

Written by Renée Watson & illustrated by Nina Mata

Part of the Ryan Hart Book Series

Hardcover

$17.99

$16.97

4 - 8

Reading age

208

Page count

Oct 17, 2023

Publication date

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What's This Book About

Publisher Summary

Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King Award winner Renée Watson continues her bestselling young middle grade series starring Ryan Hart, a girl who is pure spirit and sunshine. Middle school is just around the corner for Ryan Hart, which means it’s time to start thinking about the future–and not just how to prank her brother, Ray! During Black History Month, Ryan learns more about her ancestors and local Black pioneers, and their hopes for the future, for her generation. She wonders who she wants to be and what kind of person her family hopes she becomes. Drawing on the ambitions of those who came before her and her own goals, Ryan is determined to turn her dreams into reality. Grow and shine and share with Ryan Hart in this series that brings ever more humor, more love, and more fun. Acclaim for Ways to Make SunshineA New York Times Best Children’s Book of the Year A Parents Magazine Best Book of the Year A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year A WORLD Magazine Best Book of the Year An Amazon Best Book of the Year

What Kind of Book is Ways to Build Dreams

Reviews

Book Lists That Include This Book

Books about African Americans

Books about school

Books about family

The Creatives Behind the Book

Author

Renée Watson

Renée Watson grew up in Portland Oregon, came to New York for her degree in writing, and now teaches poetry in the New York City Schools. Her books include Betty Before X, Harlem’s Little Blackbird: The Story of Florence Mills, A Place Where Hurricanes Happen, and What Momma Left Me which debuted as the New Voice for 2010 in middle grade fiction by The Independent Children’s Booksellers Association.

Illustrator

Nina Mata

Nina Mata is a New York Times bestselling illustrator and received her degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. She has illustrated many books, including American gymnast Laurie Hernandez’s She’s Got This and the Ty’s Travels I Can Read series, and she previously worked for Sesame Street. She currently lives in New Jersey with her husband, their daughter, and Tabitha, their cat. Visit Nina online at www.beautifique.org.