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. Ryan is all about trying to see the best in people, to be a good daughter, a good sister, a good friend. 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! But Ryan is a girl who knows how to make sunshine out of setbacks. That means some changes, like selling their second car and moving into a new (old) house. A New York Times Best Children’s Book of the Year award-winner, Ways to Make Sunshine follows protagonist Ryan Hart as she navigates the challenges of moving, confidence, and relationships. In book, Ways to Make Sunshine, Renee Watson brings about topics of strong family ties, friendship, tradition, as well as many life lessons that we can all. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Emily Connelly talk about the start of this new series from Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King Award-winning author Renée Watson.

Her dad finally has a new job, but money is tight. Ways to Make Sunshine is a 2020 book for children written by Rene Watson and illustrated by Nina Mata. Narrator Sisi Aisha Johnson embodies all of the joy and light of fourth grader Ryan Hart in Ways to Make Sunshine. Ryan Hart has a lot on her mind-school, self-image, and especially family. “Ryan, her family, and friends are black, and Watson continues to bring visibility to both Portland, Oregon, generally and its black community specifically, making another wonderful contribution that allows black readers to see themselves and all readers to find a character they can love.” - Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Ways to make sunshine by renée watson