Ways to Make Sunshine

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Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King Author Award-winning author Renée Watson grew up in Portland and brings to life the story of Ryan Hart, a young girl living in the Rose City facing issues in Portland today. Money is tight, her family has to sell their second car, move out of their rented house since it’s been sold, and her dad has to work the night shift, but Ryan faces each day with optimism, a positive attitude, and a warm and open heart. Beautifully written and perfect for ages 7 and up! Recommended By Kim T., Powells.com

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.

“An important and deeply moving novel.” John Green, bestselling and award-winning author of The Fault in Our Stars

“Watson, with rhythm and style, somehow gets at...the life-changing power of voice and opportunity, all wrapped up in Jade.” Jason Reynolds, author of All American Boys

“Timely and timeless.” Jacqueline Woodson, National Book Award winning author of Brown Girl Dreaming

Renée Watson is the New York Times bestselling, Newbery Honor, and Coretta Scott King Award-winning author of Piecing Me Together, This Side of Home, What Momma Left Me, and Betty Before X, cowritten with Ilyasah Shabazz, as well as two acclaimed picture books: A Place Where Hurricanes Happen and Harlem's Little Blackbird, which was nominated for an NAACP Image Award. She is the founder of I, Too, Arts Collective, a nonprofit committed to nurturing underrepresented voices in the creative arts, and currently lives in New York City.
www.reneewatson.net; @reneewauthor