Ways to Make Sunshine

By Renée Watson, Nina Mata (Illustrator)

Book #1 in the Ryan Hart series

A young girl navigates the challenges of growing up and finding her place in the world.

4.0/5 Goodreads · 4,988 ratings

177 pages· 27,746 words· Est. 4 hour read

$17.99Save 6%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Ryan Hart is navigating big changes: her dad's new job means moving to an old house and tight finances. With a talent show looming, Ryan must discover her hidden strengths. Can she shine despite life's challenges? Join Ryan as she learns to make sunshine out of setbacks, proving that true talent lies in kindness and perseverance. Will she find her way through family struggles and stage fright, or will the unexpected dim her glow? Dive into Ryan's world where every challenge is a chance to grow.

From the publisher

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.