Ways to Make Sunshine by Renée Watson
A Review By: SS
Bloomsbury presents Ways to Make Sunshine by Renée Watson, read by Sisi Aisha Johnson.
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.
Review Notes:
Audio Book Publication Year: 2020
An installment in a Series? Yes
Narrator (s): Sisi Aisha Johnson
I found Ryan Hart to be an absolutely delightful little girl. Ryan’s family had to make many adjustments due to her father taking on a different job making less money than his family was accustomed to, including a move to a smaller home. While adjusting to a new “old” house and having less luxuries than before, Ryan continued to remain spirited and joyful throughout the story with the support of her family and two best friends. Ryan, her family, and friends were very relatable to any young girl who decides to read this book, but especially little Black girls. Little Ryan is growing to become quite the leader, and I am looking forward to reading more stories in the series.
I loved how the author described Ryan’s thick, yarn-like hair and how much Ryan loved that about herself. I also loved how the author described the characters and their different shades of blackness. The narrator did a superb job bringing this little girl and all the other characters to life. She really captured Ryan’s spirit and all the different emotions she experienced throughout this story.
Reading Recommendation? Yes!
Rating: NORTH STAR RATING
Content Warnings? None
