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In the summer before fifth grade, Ryan Hart continues to grow through changes and challenges, such as waiting for a new baby sister to be born, a summer camp trip, and more.
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LibraryThing member sweeks1980
"Ways to Grow Love," Renee Watson's second book in the Ryan Hart series, is a fun and lively story about a young girl coming of age and coming into her own. Picking up where "Ways to Make Sunshine" leaves off, Ryan is starting the summer before fifth grade, but while she's excited, she's also
The book tackles some age-appropriate issues, such as how to respond to bullying and "mean girl" behavior and how to handle the disruptions that come when a child is expecting a new sibling. Watson does this without resorting to lecturing or being overly didactic. The advice that Ryan's grandmother gives about the importance of standing up for yourself and telling people what you need and want, is especially thoughtful and important. Too often, girls get advice to be polite or to handle issues on their own without involving adults. Instead, Ryan's grandmother gives some amazing counsel that all young people (and many adults) need to hear: "You don't need to shrink to make anyone else feel important Sometimes you're going to have to stand up for yourself - and others might think you're being a little prickly. But it's okay to let people know what you need and want. It's okay to tell Red to respect you. And if you need support, ask an adult at camp." She goes on to say that "Sometimes people are mean because they are jealous or intimidated or because they just haven't learned how to be nice. And you don't deserve that."
Finally, the book provides an excellent example of showing Black joy and life that does not involve racial trauma. While trauma is sadly a part of African American history and current events, it is also valuable for readers to recognize that it isn't the only part. Watson depicts different aspects of growing up that revolve around small but telling events, such as going to church camp with friends or trying to smooth over parental discord in ill-advised (but hilarious to read about) ways.
All in all, "Ways to Grow Love" is a wonderful children's/early middle grade book. I can't wait to see if Watson continues Ryan's story so that readers can grow up with her.
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realizes that this summer will be different. Her mother is pregnant, which means that Ryan's typical summer activities, such as carefully choosing library books on the first day of summer and going to Oaks Park amusement park with her family, will have to change. Fortunately, Ryan's spirit and zeal help her overcome any challenges that stand in her way. In this book, she learns how to stand up for herself, help others, and live up to her name. The book tackles some age-appropriate issues, such as how to respond to bullying and "mean girl" behavior and how to handle the disruptions that come when a child is expecting a new sibling. Watson does this without resorting to lecturing or being overly didactic. The advice that Ryan's grandmother gives about the importance of standing up for yourself and telling people what you need and want, is especially thoughtful and important. Too often, girls get advice to be polite or to handle issues on their own without involving adults. Instead, Ryan's grandmother gives some amazing counsel that all young people (and many adults) need to hear: "You don't need to shrink to make anyone else feel important Sometimes you're going to have to stand up for yourself - and others might think you're being a little prickly. But it's okay to let people know what you need and want. It's okay to tell Red to respect you. And if you need support, ask an adult at camp." She goes on to say that "Sometimes people are mean because they are jealous or intimidated or because they just haven't learned how to be nice. And you don't deserve that."
Finally, the book provides an excellent example of showing Black joy and life that does not involve racial trauma. While trauma is sadly a part of African American history and current events, it is also valuable for readers to recognize that it isn't the only part. Watson depicts different aspects of growing up that revolve around small but telling events, such as going to church camp with friends or trying to smooth over parental discord in ill-advised (but hilarious to read about) ways.
All in all, "Ways to Grow Love" is a wonderful children's/early middle grade book. I can't wait to see if Watson continues Ryan's story so that readers can grow up with her.
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LibraryThing member jennybeast
Even better than the first book -- Ryan continues to be an endearing kid having solid kid adventures while growing up in Portland. She's about to become a big sister, she's got friend dynamics to sort out, and her summer is different than she thought it would be. Love the mischief she gets into,
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her continued cooking triumphs, and her sweet family life. Christian church is a significant part of the family's life and Ryan goes to church camp with friends. Show Less
Awards
Three Stars Book Award (Nominee — 2022)
CCBC Choices (2022)
Chicago Public Library Best of the Best: Kids (Fiction for Younger Readers — 2021)
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| 813.00 |