Ways to Grow Love

Author Renée Watson, illustrated by Nina Mata
Narrator Sisi Aisha Johnson
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing
Publish Date 27 April 2021
Run Time 2 hours and 57 minutes
Format Audio
Genre Children’s / Teenage fiction: Family and home stories, Children’s / Teenage fiction: General fiction, Children’s / Teenage general interest: Places and peoples, Children’s / Teenage personal and social topics: Families and family members, Children’s / Teenage: Personal and social topics.

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What to expect

Bloomsbury presents Ways to Grow Love by Renée Watson, read by Sisi Aisha Johnson.

Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King Author Award winner Renée Watson continues her charming young middle grade series starring Ryan Hart, a girl who is pure spirit and sunshine.

Ryan Hart loves her family and friends. She's looking forward to summer vacation, spending time with loved ones, and her first trip to sleepaway camp! But when an unexpected camper shows up, Ryan finds it's hard to share your best friend and harder to be a friend to someone who isn't a good friend to you. She's also waiting for her new sister to be born — and hoping the baby doesn't ruin everything. The Hart family is experiencing a lot of changes, and Ryan needs to grow her patience in many ways, find ways to share the love, meet new challenges, and grow into the leader her mom and dad named her to be. This summer and the start of fifth grade just might give Ryan the chance to show how she grows and glows!

Acclaim for Ways to Make Sunshine:
A 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

Critics Review

Watson’s heroine is smart and courageous, bringing her optimistic attitude to any challenge she faces. . . . The second installment in this spirited series is a hit.

Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Realistic snapshots of love in action are peppered with funny mishaps and small mistakes, all of which add up to an uplifting, reassuring read.

Booklist, starred review

Relatable and inspirational. A young optimistic Black girl, Watson’s irresistible Ryan models how to navigate a changing world with resilience, kindness, and love, all of which are reflected in Mata’s delightful illustrations. A fabulous purchase that celebrates the awesome power of love, kindness, and being true to oneself.

School Library Journal, starred review

Rising fifth-grader Ryan is an engaging heroine, with a creative streak and a take-charge attitude. While new readers will find pleasure here, it’ll be Ryan’s existing fans who will understand the backstory and revel in watching their girl find her feet in new situations.

BCCB

An expert at creating complex characters, Watson ensures that no one will be two dimensional. With each chapter serving as its own short story, this second installment about Ryan is every bit as enjoyable as the first.

Horn Book Magazine

Intermittently funny, frustrating, and touching. . . . Move over Ramona Quimby, Portland has another neighbor you have to meet!

Kirkus Reviews, starred review, on WAYS TO MAKE SUNSHINE

Adroitly captures the uncertainty of growing up amid change through the eyes of an irrepressible black girl.

Publishers Weekly, starred review, on WAYS TO MAKE SUNSHINE

Ryan Hart approaches challenges in her life with bravery, common sense, and humor. . . . a refreshing character.

Horn Book Magazine on WAYS TO MAKE SUNSHINE

Middle graders who like realistic fiction will enjoy getting to know this earnest girl and her supportive family.

School Library Connection on WAYS TO MAKE SUNSHINE

Plenty of charm . . . readers will look forward to Ryan’s future adventures.

BCCB on WAYS TO MAKE SUNSHINE

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 on WAYS TO MAKE SUNSHINE

Author	Renée Watson, illustrated by Nina Mata
Narrator	Sisi Aisha Johnson
Duration	2 hours and 57 minutes
Release Date	27 April 2021
ISBN	9781547607655
Format	Audiobook
Publisher	Bloomsbury Publishing
Genre	Children’s / Teenage fiction: Family and home stories, Children’s / Teenage fiction: General fiction, Children’s / Teenage general interest: Places and peoples, Children’s / Teenage personal and social topics: Families and family members, Children’s / Teenage: Personal and social topics
Availability	US

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