Ways to Make Sunshine

First title in the series. Ryan Hart and her family live in Portland. Her parents exhort her and brother Ray to live up to the names they were given (Ryan means "king," Raymond means "protector), but it's not always easy to do what's right. Ryan occasionally gives in to her lesser impulses

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(pranking Ray with super spicy chicken; trying to best a mean girl's taunts), but she does come back to center and the better nature her parents try to instill. An everyday kid having everyday exploits that newly fluent readers will enjoy.

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I really, really enjoyed the way Ryan reacts to all of the changes in her life. She has that magical skill to take a second look at an unwelcome challenge and put it in perspective. Ryan is a very believeable character--we've all felt disgruntled when unexpected setbacks appear. She is also an

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admirable character. She has grace under pressure. Renée Watson has drawn her thoughts and actions in a way that gives you hope that it might be possible for you to be more graceful under pressure too.

Clear prose, warm family relationships--This is destined to be a classic series.

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Super sweet book about a smart and feisty young lady. Love the centering on an African American family, and the values that the parents are passing down. Love the coping mechanisms they share as well. I think the comparisons with Ramona Quimby's hijinks is exactly spot on -- great readalike for

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fans of Penderwicks, Ramona, Cleo Edison Oliver, Family Fletcher. Good stuff.

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RGG: Loveable fourth-grader Ryan Hart is the star of a wonderful, age-appropriate realistic story, perfect for young elementary school readers.