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Ways to Make Sunshine
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Ryan Hart loves to spend time with her friends, loves to invent recipies, and has a lot on her mindschool, self-image, and family. Her dad finally has a new job, but money is tight. That means 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. Because Ryan is all about trying to see
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Hardcover, 192 pages
Expected publication:
April 28th 2020
by Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
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I don't normally read middle grade novels but I've fallen in love with Renee Watson's writing and want to support her in whatever she writes. WAYS TO MAKE SUNSHINE is about a young girl named Ryan. The blurb on the back says it's like if you were reading a book about Ramona Quimby, only black-- but Ramona was always annoying and kind of bratty, in my opinion. Ryan is such a strong, sweet girl who loves her family and is constantly pushing ...more
The whole time I was reading I kept thinking this was written to be the next great series that kids can relate to, and then I read that its Renees version of Ramona Quimby series and I couldnt be more excited. It ended where I have so many questions, but I know that Ryana stories are just beginning.
There were so many amazing themes intertwined, the most of all being to love who you were born to be.
My favorite quote from the ARC: How you wear your hair is your choice and no matter what you ...more
There were so many amazing themes intertwined, the most of all being to love who you were born to be.
My favorite quote from the ARC: How you wear your hair is your choice and no matter what you ...more
Ways to make sunshine follows the story of Ryan Hart , who loves to cook , has an annoying brother and hates it because she has to move to a new home .
Ways to make sunshine will be a perfect read for middle grade fans .
Why ?
🌟Best friend drama
🌟Moving out
🌟Finding a talent
🌟Socially awkward & Lovable MC
🌟 Gorgeous artworks of the family.
I thank Edelweiss and Bloomsbury Children's books for granting me with an e-ARC for reviewing. This has not affected my opinions
Ways to make sunshine will be a perfect read for middle grade fans .
Why ?
🌟Best friend drama
🌟Moving out
🌟Finding a talent
🌟Socially awkward & Lovable MC
🌟 Gorgeous artworks of the family.
I thank Edelweiss and Bloomsbury Children's books for granting me with an e-ARC for reviewing. This has not affected my opinions
Welcome Back!
My Goodreads currently-reading shelf is overflowing with finished books that I need to get a review up for and yet here I am reading more! So when my currently-reading shelf actually turns to a crazy high number like 100 its all my own fault and I will have actually read like 75 or more of those and just never wrote the review. This week alone I have finished like four books or graphic novels and then started like three others. So here I am finally sitting down and writing the ...more
My Goodreads currently-reading shelf is overflowing with finished books that I need to get a review up for and yet here I am reading more! So when my currently-reading shelf actually turns to a crazy high number like 100 its all my own fault and I will have actually read like 75 or more of those and just never wrote the review. This week alone I have finished like four books or graphic novels and then started like three others. So here I am finally sitting down and writing the ...more
"If we can't go to the parade,
let's have one here."
I saw this quote from Ways to Make Sunshine today, and I had to read this book.
Ryan Hart is the perfect character in the perfect story for these unsettling times. Ryan's family is moving to a smaller house. Ryan's dad, who had lost his job, has just accepted a new job, but the new job is for less money. Ryan and her brother, Ray, have frequent, petty squabbles. Sometimes Ryan and her friends have difficulties. Should Ryan obey her mother and ...more
let's have one here."
I saw this quote from Ways to Make Sunshine today, and I had to read this book.
Ryan Hart is the perfect character in the perfect story for these unsettling times. Ryan's family is moving to a smaller house. Ryan's dad, who had lost his job, has just accepted a new job, but the new job is for less money. Ryan and her brother, Ray, have frequent, petty squabbles. Sometimes Ryan and her friends have difficulties. Should Ryan obey her mother and ...more
Please see my review on Amazon.com under C. Wong. That you!
I really enjoyed the narrative pacing and tone of this book a lot. The ways in which Watson is able to grapple with themes of economic insecurity, religious identity, the politics of hair, and gender bias all through the strong and whimsical character of Ryan is delightful. With a hint of mystery, this realistic fiction is perfect for eight year old readers and up. The scenes in which Watson explores Ryan's love of food and her exploration of cooking are especially memorable. When Ryan, her
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A great early reader book that celebrates the journeys of childhood and also picking oneself back up after making mistakes. Gives Black girls another space to shine.
True #ownvoices middle grade novels while becoming more prevalent are still a minority. Renee Watson does a remarkable job of these books and this book is no different.
The characters have depth and clarity and the plot is interesting and keeps the reader engaged. Ryan is a character that middle grade readers will relate to and her circumstances are relatable. This is a series that I know will capture my students. It will be a great addition to our school library collection.
The publisher ...more
The characters have depth and clarity and the plot is interesting and keeps the reader engaged. Ryan is a character that middle grade readers will relate to and her circumstances are relatable. This is a series that I know will capture my students. It will be a great addition to our school library collection.
The publisher ...more
Very well written book. It gives the reader a peek into the life of Ryan, whos in fourth grade. As with anyone, life is full of ups and downs. Difference is how Ryan handles all the changes. Her parents often remind her of the meaning of her name and to live up to it. She challenges herself to be brave and step out of her comfort zone. Love the ways Ryan finds to make the sun shine wherever she goes. The book is a good example for young kids to see that they are not alone when unwanted things
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E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Ryan Hart lives with her parents and brother Ray in Portland, Oregon. Her parents are struggling financially, and when their landlord sells their house, they have to move. Luckily, Ryan gets her own room, and can now walk to school. She misses being dropped off by her dad, who now works a different shift and earns less money. Still, she tries to find the bright side to things and is glad to be closer to her friends. Throughout the year, she is involved in a ...more
Ryan Hart lives with her parents and brother Ray in Portland, Oregon. Her parents are struggling financially, and when their landlord sells their house, they have to move. Luckily, Ryan gets her own room, and can now walk to school. She misses being dropped off by her dad, who now works a different shift and earns less money. Still, she tries to find the bright side to things and is glad to be closer to her friends. Throughout the year, she is involved in a ...more
A delightful, uplifting read for third and fourth grade readers. Ryan Hart is in fourth grade and it is a year of many changes for her and her family. While not always happy about the changes that occur in her life, she adjusts, always trying to find the positive. While mostly known for her contributions to young adult literature, Renee Watson is fast becoming a new voice for young and middle grade chapter books.
I really enjoyed this chapter book. The characters were well-developed and the writing was really good. Ryan is spunky, funny, and loving. I liked the family dynamics as well as the friendships. This is a great transition book from early chapter books to longer ones. I liked the illustrations sprinkled throughout. Great start to a new series! #ARC #Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley & Bloomsbury for an eARC of this sweet story. As someone who LOVED Ramona Quimby as a kid, I absolutely LOVE Ryan Hart & her family. I loved seeing Ryan conquering her fears and her love for cooking. I want so many more stories about this sweet little family and I cant wait to pick up a finished copy when this book comes out!! ❤
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Super sweet book about a smart and feisty young lady. Love the centering on an African American family, and the values that the parents are passing down. Love the coping mechanisms they share as well. I think the comparisons with Ramona Quimby's hijinks is exactly spot on -- great readalike for fans of Penderwicks, Ramona, Cleo Edison Oliver, Family Fletcher. Good stuff.
Thanks to BloomsburyKids for sharing a copy of Ways to Make Sunshine with our #bookexpedition group.
Ryan Hart is a fourth grader who is going through many life changes- her dad loses his job, they have to move, and friendships can be tough at this age. Ryan is always told to Be who we named you to be by her parents- a leader. Can Ryan make the most of all these major life changes? ...more
Ryan Hart is a fourth grader who is going through many life changes- her dad loses his job, they have to move, and friendships can be tough at this age. Ryan is always told to Be who we named you to be by her parents- a leader. Can Ryan make the most of all these major life changes? ...more
Have been a fan of Watsons since Piecing Me Together, and continue to read what she writes as she doesnt disappoint. Love the illustrations that add to the story by Nina Mata. Heres hoping well see more of Ryan and the rest of the Hart family.
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I really enjoyed this one! Super cute and Ill be giving this to my 9 year old niece!
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Thank you to @Edelweiss Plus and Bloomsbury for a digital ARC copy of this book.
Ryan Hart lives with her family in Portland, Oregon with her annoying brother and her parents. She loves to cook, hang out with friends and looks to make sunshine no matter what the situation. In the first of what is to be a series, Ryan does need to make adjustments. When her father loses his job and the family needs to relocate to a smaller home and sell the family car, Ryan looks to find the positives. In addition ...more
Ryan Hart lives with her family in Portland, Oregon with her annoying brother and her parents. She loves to cook, hang out with friends and looks to make sunshine no matter what the situation. In the first of what is to be a series, Ryan does need to make adjustments. When her father loses his job and the family needs to relocate to a smaller home and sell the family car, Ryan looks to find the positives. In addition ...more
My daughter & I both adored this book. So excited for the series! LOVE!
A nice enough story about a girl whose family is going through financial difficulty. There are a few sub-plots, but nothing in the book grabbed me. At all. To be blunt, it was a very forgettable read.
Sweet story about a kind, positive 4th grader. Although her family faces some touch changes, their message is one of gratitude and love for one another.
So happy I was able to read this ARC by Renee Watson before it hits the shelves!
So happy I was able to read this ARC by Renee Watson before it hits the shelves!
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Renée Watson is the author of the childrens picture book, A Place Where Hurricanes Happen (Random House, June 2010), which was featured on NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams. Her middle grade novel, What Momma Left Me debuted as the New Voice for 2010 in middle grade fiction by The Independent Children's Booksellers Association.
Renées one woman show, Roses are Red, Women are Blue, debuted at New ...more
Renées one woman show, Roses are Red, Women are Blue, debuted at New ...more
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