Ways to Make Sunshine

From the winner of the Newbery Medal 2026
From New York Times-bestselling and multi-award-winning author Renée Watson comes the start of a character-driven, young middle grade series starring a black girl and her relatable and lovable family. Perfect for fans of Clarice Bean and the Pea books by Susie Day

From New York Times-bestselling and multi-award-winning author Renée Watson comes the start of a character-driven, young middle grade series starring a black girl and her relatable and lovable family

'Without ever shying away from difficult topics such as racism and financial hardship, this is a positive, optimistic story. For readers who are going through tough or troubling times, this book will be a welcome dose of happiness' BookTrust Great Books Guide 2021

Ryan Hart and her family live in Portland, Oregon, and her dad lost his job a while ago. He finally got a new one, but it pays less, and he’ll have to work nights. And so they’re selling the second car and moving to an (old) new house.

The Harts are an everyfamily – a family with siblings who bicker, parents who don’t always get it right, but a family that loves. A family working hard to make it in tough economic times, a family with traditions and culture, a family that tries new things. This is a black family growing up in middle class America.

And Ryan is a girl who has much on her mind – school, family, friends, self-image – but who knows how to make sunshine out of setbacks.

Packed with humour and heart alongside meaningful and thoughtful moments, Ryan Hart is the character everyone will want to be best friends with.

Contributor: Mechal Roe (Illustrated by)

Illustrator: Mechal Roe

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