Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

This is such a cute young middle grade book featuring a strong, caring black main character named Ryan. I love that she has very realistic (and sometimes negative) thoughts for her age. Her relationship with her sibling are problems that kids can relate to. Despite the changes and difficulties she's dealing with, Ryan has a good heart and learns that there are many 'ways to make sunshine' out of different situations.

This book tackles many issues that kids from all backgrounds could learn from and empathize with. From moving, to her dad's new job, a new sibling, and new schedules. She navigates these situations learns many small life lessons that readers can learn from, too.

Lastly, the illustrations are super cute and a great added touch! I would definitely recommend this book!

Have been a fan of Watson’s since Piecing Me Together, and continue to read what she writes as she doesn’t disappoint. Love the illustrations that add to the story by Nina Mata. Here’s hoping we’ll see more of Ryan and the rest of the Hart family.

This was a very cute story and I love that it featured a positive, Black family! 4th-grader Ryan has to deal with her dad losing his job and the family moving to a new house, and while she makes mistakes and complains, she ultimately realizes she wants to try and create sunshine no matter what. Children will be able to relate to the things that Ryan goes through, as her actions are very realistic. The illustrations are great, and I would definitely recommend this as an early reader book.

There is a lot to love about this cute young middle grade book featuring a strong, caring black main character named Ryan. Her voice comes through very clearly throughout the book and draws you in. I love that she's not 100% perfectly behaved and has very realistic (and sometimes negative) thoughts for her age. She has normal sibling problems that kids can relate to, and moments of frustration with her big brother Ray are balanced with very sweet moments between them. Despite the changes and difficulties she's dealing with, Ryan has a good heart and learns that there are many ways to make sunshine out of different situations.

This book tackles many issues that kids from all backgrounds could learn from and empathize with. Ryan is dealing with moving to a different house, her dad's new job and work schedule on the night shift, noticing that they have less money for groceries and the fun cooking she likes to do, and the news that their family is growing with a new baby sister. She navigates these situations realistically and learns many small life lessons that readers will learn from, too. Hopefully, kids who don't normally see themselves represented in books will see themselves here - which is part of what makes it so great.

Last, the illustrations are super cute and a great added touch! I would definitely recommend this book to elementary teachers I know and my friends with children.

What a charming series opener! Ryan is a fun and loving character. Her relationship with her older brother is so relatable; Their bickering and pranks will surely resonate with readers with siblings. There's also some good information about Black hair that will be informative for those who have not had their hair hot combed and those who have will be able to relate to Ryan's experience. The sporadic pictures make this a perfect choice for elementary kids who are fans of realistic fiction. I can't wait to see what's next for Ryan Hart.