Parents' Guide to

Ways to Make Sunshine: Ryan Hart, Book 1

By Barbara Saunders, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Girl meets challenges with pluck in charming family tale.

Book Renée Watson Family Life 2020
Ways to Make Sunshine: Ryan Hart, Book 1 Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

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age 8+

Based on 1 parent review

SSONORAS
SSONORAS Parent of 10-year-old
April 6, 2021
age 8+

Real World Story

I really like this writing. The book was chosen by our librarian for our 10 y.o. child. As soon as I started reading, I wondered how old the main character was. The reading and story seemed too young for our offspring. I was surprised to see that Ryan is 11! I think this is a great book for the early readers who are ready for chapter books but too young for more mature subject matter.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

When WAYS TO MAKE SUNSHINE begins, fourth-grader Ryan and her brother, Raymond, learn they'll be moving. The landlord sold the place where they live and their dad has lost his job as a mail carrier. The family moves into a smaller house and has to live on a budget, but they make themselves at home there. Ryan still gets to cook with her mom, and the extended family still gathers for Easter. Plus, Ryan lives closer to her friend KiKi. On the top shelf of her bedroom closet, Ryan discovers a little canister containing keepsakes including three hairpins and wonders about the person they belonged to. Ryan faces some challenges like getting over her stage fright and bickering with her older brother.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

This is a charming book, but it lacks the kind of tension that would make it exceptional. Readers just beginning to venture into chapter books may enjoy the characters. For older readers, the story may not pack enough excitement. In Ways to Make Sunshine, author Renée Watson presents a spirited hero with a likable family. Ryan faces realistic challenges, both big and small: forgetting her lines in the Easter celebration at church, kids teasing her because of her "boy name," and moving to a new, smaller home. However, there isn't much suspense. Many conflicts are completely solved within the scene where they're introduced. The mystery of the canister in the closet fizzles. The stage fright theme doesn't build; it just comes to a forced resolution. The illustrations by Nina Mata are fun and engaging; they add to the appeal for younger readers.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how the family in Ways to Make Sunshine faces challenges about money. How do the different family members cope? What's one luxury you have saved up for?

  • Fiona's mom is expecting a new baby. If you have siblings, what do you like most about having them? If you are the only child, what do you like most about that?

  • Ryan's mom lets her help out with cooking, and even try recipes of her own. What is your favorite thing an adult in your family has taught you to do?

Book Details

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