Renée Watson's Ways to Make Sunshine has been praised for its heartwarming portrayal of a resilient young girl navigating life's challenges. Critics appreciate its relatable and diverse characters, though some note the plot is somewhat predictable. Watson's writing effectively balances serious themes with a light, engaging tone, making it a compelling read for middle graders.

Readers who would enjoy Ways to Make Sunshine by Renée Watson are typically young readers, ages 7-10, who appreciate heartfelt, family-centered stories. The book appeals to fans of Jacqueline Woodson’s Brown Girl Dreaming and Megan McDonald’s Judy Moody series, aiming to inspire resilience and optimism in everyday challenges.

Renée Watson's Ways to Make Sunshine is a 2020 children's book that chronicles the adventures of Ryan Hart, a young girl who faces the challenges of moving to a new home, building self-confidence, and navigating friendships. Through various experiences, including a school talent show, Ryan learns the importance of resilience, perspective, and inner beauty. Features themes of financial instability and running away.

Renée Watson

Middle grade

Novel

Ryan Hart

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Ways to Make Sunshine reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Ways to Make Sunshine | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Ways to Make Sunshine and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Ways to Make Sunshine Summary and Study Guide

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-3

Ways to Make Sunshine Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 4-7

Ways to Make Sunshine Chapters 4-7 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 8-11

Ways to Make Sunshine Chapters 8-11 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 12-15

Ways to Make Sunshine Chapters 12-15 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 16-19

Ways to Make Sunshine Chapters 16-19 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 20-23

Ways to Make Sunshine Chapters 20-23 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Ways to Make Sunshine Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Ways to Make Sunshine Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Ways to Make Sunshine Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

Ways to Make Sunshine Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Ways to Make Sunshine Essay Topics

Ways to Make Sunshine

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Ways to Make Sunshine?

Reading Age

Book Details