Ways to Build Dreams - (Ryan Hart Story) by Renée Watson

About the Book

Book Synopsis

Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King Award winner Renée Watson continues her bestselling young middle grade series starring Ryan Hart, a girl who is pure spirit and sunshine.

Middle school is just around the corner for Ryan Hart, which means it's time to start thinking about the future--and not just how to prank her brother, Ray!

During Black History Month, Ryan learns more about her ancestors and local Black pioneers, and their hopes for the future, for her generation. She wonders who she wants to be and what kind of person her family hopes she becomes. Drawing on the ambitions of those who came before her and her own goals, Ryan is determined to turn her dreams into reality.

Grow and shine and share with Ryan Hart in this series that brings ever more humor, more love, and more fun.

Acclaim for Ways to Make Sunshine
A New York Times Best Children's Book of the Year A Parents Magazine Best Book of the Year A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year A WORLD Magazine Best Book of the Year An Amazon Best Book of the Year

Review Quotes

"Move over Ramona Quimby, Portland has another neighbor you have to meet!" --Kirkus Reviews, starred review, on WAYS TO MAKE SUNSHINE

"Beautifully rendered. . . . A strong start to a new middle-grade series." --Booklist, starred review, on WAYS TO MAKE SUNSHINE

"Watson warmly weaves together slice-of-life moments that capture youthful doubt alongside moments of loss and joy, showing a tight-knit family navigating difficulties with plenty of courage and plenty of love." --Publishers Weekly, starred review, on WAYS TO MAKE SUNSHINE

"A fresh beginning to a new chapter book series featuring a girl who can coax out sunshine from behind the darkest storm." --Shelf Awareness, starred review, on WAYS TO MAKE SUNSHINE

"One can only imagine that Ramona Quimby would have a lot of fun cooking up adventures with this new girl in town." --New York Times Book Review, on WAYS TO MAKE SUNSHINE

"Watson's heroine is smart and courageous, bringing her optimistic attitude to any challenge she faces. . . . The second installment in this spirited series is a hit." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review, on WAYS TO GROW LOVE

"Realistic snapshots of love in action are peppered with funny mishaps and small mistakes, all of which add up to an uplifting, reassuring read." --Booklist, starred review, on WAYS TO GROW LOVE

"Relatable and inspirational. A young optimistic Black girl, Watson's irresistible Ryan models how to navigate a changing world with resilience, kindness, and love, all of which are reflected in Mata's delightful illustrations. A fabulous purchase that celebrates the awesome power of love, kindness, and being true to oneself." --School Library Journal, starred review, on WAYS TO GROW LOVE

About the Author

Renée Watson is a #1 New York Times bestselling author. Her novel, Piecing Me Together, received a Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King Award. Her books include the Ryan Hart series, Some Places More Than Others, This Side of Home, What Momma Left Me, Betty Before X, cowritten with Ilyasah Shabazz, Watch Us Rise, cowritten with Ellen Hagan, and Love Is a Revolution, as well as acclaimed picture books: Maya's Song, The 1619 Project: Born on the Water, written with Nikole Hannah-Jones, A Place Where Hurricanes Happen, and Harlem's Little Blackbird, which was nominated for an NAACP Image Award. Renée splits her time between Portland, Oregon and New York City.
www.reneewatson.net
@reneewauthor