I loved the first installment of Ryan’s story and have been looking forward to reading more about Ryan and her family. Ways to Grow Love did not disappoint! In this book, Ryan spends the summer anticipating the arrival of her new baby sister. While waiting for her new sibling, Ryan finds that her mom and dad are not able to do all the usual things that they do with her, and Ryan misses those times spent with them. She is also nervous about attending a summer sleep away camp with her friends. Ryan does her best to navigate these new situations, even when they are challenging at times. Middle grade readers will relate to Ryan’s experiences and enjoy reading about how she manages these events with spunk and a positive attitude.

So sweet and well-written (of course - it's by Renee Watson). I love a book that is just a slice of life without tons of dramatic events. There is the climax of the baby sister being born, but even that is a gradual build without any real problems. Instead, I could just relax into the story and enjoy each chapter for what it was. The real standout chapters for me were the ones at camp, but I loved the whole book.

Ryan Hart is excited because she is going to be a big sister except her summer plans have changed. Ryan has to accept the fact that her mom cannot drive her places or do many things with her because the baby makes Ryan's mom feel sick. So Ryan has to learn how to be a "big" girl and help out more around the house; be kind to her brother; and listen to the adults in her life. One of those adults, Ryan's grandmother lets Ryan come to her house and help with household chores. At one point, Ryan learns a valuable lesson about kindness after her best friend invites a girl to camp who wasn't kind to Ryan. Ms. Watson once again writes a great story about young girl and how she learns to be kind and accept change.

I loved this book. The author writes such fabulous stories for both teens and children. This one doesn't disappoint.

The second book in the Ryan Hart series did not disappoint! Ryan Hart is a smart, caring, soon to be 5th grader that takes us along on her first journey to overnight camp, and life in general with her family in a summer when her mother is expecting a baby sister for Ryan. Renee Watson really nails a young middle grade voice with Ryan and I feel that so many kids will be able to relate to Ryan through her books. I can't wait to read the next one. Thank you so much Bloomsbury USA Children's Book and Netgalley for the ARC!

Ways to Grow Love is an absolute gem. It's adorable and full of lessons. Ryan Hart is ready for summer break but something big is happening. She's is going to be a big sister! She's excited at first then she realizes how much her life is going to change. She has to navigate this new normal and find the best way to be a big sister. This story is like a warm hug! I couldn't have loved it more! Perfect for anyone who's a little nervous about becoming a big sister or brother!

Renee Watson is one of my favorite authors and I loved reading Ryan Hart's first book. This one was equally enjoyable. The text is so sweet and the illustrations are adorable. Unfortunately, I don't think I'll be purchasing the "set" for my middle school. One book about a 5th grader I may be able to persuade my kiddos to read, but a series would be more than a challenge. I think it would be wonderful in an elementary school though!

I absolutely adored this companion to Ways to Make Sunshine! Ryan Hart has so much spunk! I love her character and the sweet, real-ness about her! I will absolutely be reading these with my daughter when she is a little older!

I love the character of Ryan Hart and her whole cast of family and friends! This second story is just as endearing and entertaining as the first. The sibling relationships and friendships feel authentic. The grandma is a reminder of how special grandparent relationships can be. The book brings smiles and laughter and exudes heart, sweetness and charm. This series is one not to miss and one that should be added to school, classroom and home libraries.

Ways to Grow Love was a great follow up to Ways to Grow Love. Sweet characters and story. Kids will relate to becoming a big sibling. Can't wait to read more about Ryan Hart.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced read of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Once again, Renee Watson gives us a story about a childhood experience with good friends and family.

Ways to Grow Love by Renée Watson is a very cute about a soon-to-be big sister learning about change thru her mother's pregnancy and learning to adapt to it.

I really enjoyed this book it was very cute! Ways to Grow Love is a really good sequel that continues the story of Ryan and her family. I think this is a positive but realistic representation about what it is like to be a kid. This book also has good representation of a Black girl and her family. I think that my students will enjoy this book and want to read more about Ryan. It would also be great for any kid who is becoming a big sibling and isn't sure how to feel about it

This was a pretty sweet little story. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and going through their little adventures. The author created a beautiful and unique voice that I appreciated. There’s a lot of love in these characters, it made me smile:

I have not read the first book so this made it difficult to follow the characters and story as much as I’m sure I could have had I read it. I would definitely recommend reading the first book before this one!

Ryan is one of my favorite middlegrade characters. In this story, our spirited protagonist heads to church camp with her besties. She is elected the cabin captain, and not everything goes as planned. Amid the skits, pranks, and other adventures of the next 4 days, she has to learn how to love her neighbor, forgive, and ask forgiveness. And by the end, she becomes a big sister.

I hope Renee Watson has more books planned for this series because I can’t keep the first one on the shelf, and I suspect this one will follow suit.

I think I loved Ways to Grow Love by Renee Watson more than I loved it's companion novel Ways to Grow Sunshine! Ryan Hart is a wonderful character that just warms my heart. In this book, Ryan is adjusting to lots of changes. First, her mother's pregnancy and bed rest means she can't do everything she used to like take her to the library or bake with her so her grandmother or her father have to step in. She is excited to go to a religious summer camp, only to find out a not so nice acquaintance is also coming. Trouble happens with this acquaintance and Ryan figures out a way to make things right. I love Ryan's spirit and sense of what's right. All in all a great second book in a great series. Thanks for the digital ARC from NetGalley.

Ryan is back, and it has been worth the wait for her return. Ways to Grow Love picks up right where we left Ryan and her family. Ryan's mom is still pregnant, and the baby is expected to be arriving shortly.

With summer now in session, Ryan and her friends head off to have a summer of fun. Complete with a trip to summer camp. It is Ryan's first time at camp, and she is sure she is ready. But in true Ryan fashion, she takes her new challenge with stride.

Ways to Grow Love was a treasure. I’d read Some Places More Than Others and instantly fell in love with Amara and her family, so I had high expectations for this book. And I was not disappointed. The story follows Ryan and her family as they prepare for the arrival of their new baby girl. Watson beautifully captures Ryan’s excitement and longing for her new sister, the uncertainty of their changing family dynamics and the growing pains of friendship, leadership and doing the right thing. From her close-knit family and her love of cookbooks to her treasured memories and beloved keepsake box, I was struck by just how much I learned about being a good parent, treasuring what truly matters most, something I seem to do whenever I read one of Watson’s books.

And the best news yet? I figured out this was part of the Ryan Hart series and now have Ways to Grow Sunshine on the way to my mailbox.

I could stay in Ryan’s world all of the time. This book is filled with love, I can feel it blooming out of the pages. Such a sweet story!

Ways to Grow Love is the perfect book to add to my 3rd grade classroom. Growing love is exactly what happened when I picked up this book. While I haven't read Ways To Make Sunshine (yet) I quickly fell in love with Ryan and her family. This book tells the stories of how much growth can take place over one summer, especially when you're waiting for a new baby to arrive. Like the title of the first book in the series, Ryan brings sunshine to every situation she faces.