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Ways to Make Sunshine

A Ryan Hart Story (Book 1)

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What to expect

Bloomsbury presents Ways to Make Sunshine by Renée Watson, read by Sisi Aisha Johnson.

Shine your light! From the #1 New York Times bestselling author and Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Author Award winner Renée Watson, the first book in a young middle grade series about Ryan Hart, a girl who is pure spirit, kindness, and sunshine.

Ryan Hart can be and do anything. Her name means "king", that she is a leader, and she is determined to keep growing into the name her parents gave her. She is all about trying to see the best in people, to be a good daughter, sister, and friend. But Ryan has a lot on her mind. For instance: Dad finally has a new job, but money is still tight. That means some changes, like moving into a new (old) house, and Dad working the night shift. And with the fourth-grad talent show coming up, Ryan wonders what talent she can perform on stage in front of everyone without freezing. As even more changes and challenges come her way, Ryan always finds a way forward and shows she is a girl who knows how to glow.
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.

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

Intermittently funny, frustrating, and touching. . . . 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
Author Renée Watson, illustrated by Nina Mata
Narrator Sisi Aisha Johnson
Series A Ryan Hart Story
Duration 2 hours and 51 minutes
Release Date
ISBN 9781547607082
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 AU, GB, IE, US

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