Ways to Grow Love by Renée Watson
A Review By: SS
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 and her family are back in another instalment of stories about a Black girl finding her way and her voice as she grows through change and challenges. In this book, Ryan finds herself waiting on lots of things - like for her new sister to be born healthy, for her new recipes to turn out right, for that summer camp trip to go better than she fears! And of course Ryan is facing these new challenges and new experiences in her classic style - with a bright outlook and plenty of spirit!
Review Notes:
Audio Book Publication Year: 2021
An installment in a Series? Yes
Narrator (s): Sisi Aisha Johnson
Ways to Grow Love is the second story in the Ryan Hart series. Readers will enjoy going along with Ryan on adventures and learning a few lessons with her along the way. Ryan is headed to fifth grade and learning a lot about patience on this summer break. She has to learn how to share her besties with new friends, handle disputes with her big brother, and adjust to the idea of becoming a big sister. Ryan gets a little frustrated at times, like most children her age, but she manages to get through each situation with a little more wisdom under her hat.
Once again, I thoroughly enjoyed how the author weaved African American culture throughout the story. From Ryan getting her hair braided and beaded by her grandmother, to Ryan and her friends singing rhymes and songs that African American little girls reading this story can identify with. I found myself singing along with the narrator because she really brings Ryan to life. Her tone and the voices she gives the characters make readers hear their own mother, brother, father, or grandmother when listening.
Reading Recommendation? Yes!
Rating: NORTH STAR RATING
Content Warnings? None
