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ENCHANTED STORIES: Ways to Make Sunshine

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Ways to Make Sunshine
Renee Watson
New York: Bloomsbury Children's Books, 2020. Fiction.

Ryan Hart's name means king and her parents are always encouraging her to live up to it. Ryan knows she is supposed to be a leader, but sometimes it can feel hard to lead. Still, she tries to make the best of bad situations - like her father losing his job and the family having to move to a new, smaller house - by making sunshine for her family.

Like Ramona Quimby for a contemporary audience, this episodic novel introduces us to a new, sure to be beloved character. The stories that make up this quick read are funny, touching, heartwarming, and frustrating. The "slice of life" type tales offer a refreshing and long overdue look at a close-knit Black family living in Portland, Oregon. The love and support that Ryan receives from her dad, mom, and even her bossy older brother Ray are palpable. For someone who grew up loving Ramona Quimby, I'm excited to share Ryan Hart and this new series with a new generation.

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