Ways to Make Sunshine (A Ryan Hart Story)

From Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King Author Award winner Rene 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, shes got the talent that matters most: its a talent that cant be seen, shes 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 isnt everything she would wish for, when her big brother is infuriating, her parents dont quite understand, and the unexpected happens, she always finds a way forward, with grace and wit. And plenty of sunshine.

Acclaimed author Rene Watson writes her own version of Ramona Quimby, one starring a Black girl and her family, in this start to a charming new series.