New Release: Ways to Make Sunshine by Renee Watson

Shelly's Book Corner received a review copy from Amazon Vine, Bloomsbury Children's Books and voluntarily provided an honest review. This does not affect the opinion of the book or the content of the review.

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 

After reading and loving Some Places More Than Others by Renee Watson, I am making it my business to read more of her books. I watched the television show Ramona when I was younger so this is a nice and refreshing spin on the character.

This book doesn’t have a traditional plot but the general consensus is how to be a positive person. Taking risks. Believing in yourself. How to overcome adversity. It also has some nice life lessons along the way.

This book was well written and I really liked the illustrations as well. This book/series is sure to be a hit with it’s target audience.