Ways to Make Sunshine

Ryan Hart, Book 1

By: Renée Watson

Narrated by: Sisi Aisha Johnson

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, the first book in a young middle grade series about Ryan Hart, a girl who is pure spirit, kindness, and sunshine.

Ryan Hart can be and do anything. Her name means "king", that she is a leader, and she is determined to keep growing into the name her parents gave her. She is all about trying to see the best in people, to be a good daughter, sister, and friend. But Ryan has a lot on her mind. For instance: Dad finally has a new job, but money is still tight. That means some changes, like moving into a new (old) house, and Dad working the night shift. And with the fourth-grad talent show coming up, Ryan wonders what talent she can perform on stage in front of everyone without freezing. As even more changes and challenges come her way, Ryan always finds a way forward and shows she is a girl who knows how to glow.
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.

Acclaim for Ways to Make Sunshine:
A New York Times Best Children’s Book of the Year | A Parents Magazine Best Book of the Year | A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year | A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year | A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year | A WORLD Magazine Best Book of the Year | An Amazon Best Book of the Year©2020 Renée Watson (P)2020 Deyan Audio

Sweet and funny

Me and my 7 year old daughter found this so fun to listen too. The main character Ryan experiences disappointment and hurt. Through the loving relationships around her she learns what it means to be a leader, what really makes a home and who her true friends are. Her competitive nature gets her in trouble and the relationship with her brother is often hilarious. Ways to make sunshine lead to many meaningful conversations for our family. ❤️

Childhood Memories

This book brings back pleasant, childhood memories and brightened my day. It’s such a ray of sunshine.

Thoughtful and engaging

My daughter (age 9) has been listening to this for a couple of years now. We love it!

Ways to make sunshine review

I loved this book! I’ve been reading hunger games (IRL) ,but listening to this when doing study notes in class. I girl at my school read this two years ago, so I listened to it.