Read This Book: Ways to Make Sunshine by Renée Watson

This book was described to me as a modern day Ramona Quimby, and really that’s all it took for me to snatch up a copy, especially knowing that it’s written by powerhouse writer Renée Watson (who has a Coretta Scott King Award and a Newbery Honor under her belt). This book is about Ryan Hart, a curious and kindhearted girl who lives with her older brother and her parents in Portland, OR. At the start of the book, Ryan and her family have to sell one of their cars and move into a different house because her father has been laid off from his job at the post office. Ryan’s facing some big changes, and she’s not sure what the future holds. As she navigates family life, stage fright, and friendships, she also learns that there are always ways to make sunshine, even in moments of uncertainty.

This is a really excellent novel for younger middle grade readers (think 3rd-5th graders), but I also really loved reading it myself. It’s a short novel with episodic chapters (just like Beverly Cleary’s Ramona books) and it touches upon all aspects of Ryan’s life–her school days, her friends, her extended family, her personal hopes and dreams–and focuses on issues that matter to Ryan, both big and small. Although not plot driven, this charming novel succeeds so well because it made me remember details of my own childhood and what it was like to be a kid, and I was rooting for Ryan every step of the way. The story is also accompanied by many black and white illustrations by Nina Mata, who brings Ryan and her world to life in an exciting way. This is a great series starter, with an ending that promises even more big changes for Ryan and her family. I was utterly charmed, and I think you will be, too!