Ways to Make Sunshine

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!

I cried at the end of this: not because it's sad but because it's the book I've been waiting for almost my whole career. It's a realistic fiction book written for real-life kids.
There's no:
-Dead parent
-Dead pet
-Deep trauma
-Overly dramatic, moralistic theme

There is:
-Siblings messing with each other
-Friendship that's fun and life-giving
-A mystery
-Yummy food
-A talent show that doesn't take over the whole book and in the end doesn't mean that much
-Good-natured humor
-Kind, responsible parents

It's a wonderful book that wraps itself around your heart. More of this series, please! I need more Ryan Hart in my classroom and library!

Great middle-grade book with an African-American protagonist. The author doesn't shy away from difficult topics (downsizing the family home, the loss of a parents' job) and she doesn't try to make Ryan a complete angel. (I loved how Ryan retaliated against her brother through spicy food.)

First book in a series that I started with my daughter. I love the way the author handles trials in Ryan’s friendships, and frustrations about moving to a new home. She and her brother often pick on each other, but they have each other’s backs when it matters. I love how encouraging her parents are and the ways that the family connects through traditions. We’re definitely reading the next book in the series.

I really, really enjoyed the way Ryan reacts to all of the changes in her life. She has that magical skill to take a second look at an unwelcome challenge and put it in perspective. Ryan is a very believeable character--we've all felt disgruntled when unexpected setbacks appear. She is also an admirable character. She has grace under pressure. Renée Watson has drawn her thoughts and actions in a way that gives you hope that it might be possible for you to be more graceful under pressure too.

Clear prose, warm family relationships--This is destined to be a classic series.

I enjoyed this. Nice to see an ordinary child of color and the problems they face without it being heavy. The comparison to Beverly Cleary seemed apt. I loved the mother's admonition to "be what we named you to be". A quick and delightful read.

Super sweet book about a smart and feisty young lady. Love the centering on an African American family, and the values that the parents are passing down. Love the coping mechanisms they share as well. I think the comparisons with Ramona Quimby's hijinks is exactly spot on -- great readalike for fans of Penderwicks, Ramona, Cleo Edison Oliver, Family Fletcher. Good stuff.

Cute and important. I found the MC to be a little too whiny (really, what is wrong with most generic foods and why do you even have soda cans to be recycled!?) and too likely to bicker with her big brother who is mostly a pretty good 'un. But I'll have to take the author's word on how real & realistic everything is for a working class girl of color in Portland.

Btw, this author clearly prefers Black to African-American.

I will be reading her Newbery book in the club in the Chilren's Books group eventually, but in the meantime I feel no need to read more by her or about Ryan. But it is most likely just me, not the book, so I'm rounding up to four stars.