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Ways to Make Sunshine

Written by: Renée Watson
Narrated by: Sisi Aisha Johnson
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Publisher's Summary

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 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, she’s got the talent that matters most: it’s a talent that can’t be seen, she’s 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 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. And plenty of sunshine.   

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.

©2020 Renée Watson (P)2020 Deyan Audio

What listeners say about Ways to Make Sunshine

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  • Garret & Tricy
  • 2021-07-25

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. ❤️

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  • Beverly Johnson
  • 2023-11-11

Childhood Memories

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

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  • Kirsten G
  • 2023-11-09

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.

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  • Holly
  • 2023-08-04

Thoughtful and engaging

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

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