First-chapter Friday : Ways to Make Sunshine

Each Friday I share the link to a read-aloud preview of a book from our school library, with the SRCSA community. The “First-chapter Friday” selection for Jan. 7, 2022, is Ways to Make Sunshine, by Renee Watson.

Ryan Hart has a lot on her mind — school, self-image, and especially family. Her dad finally has a new job, but money is tight. That means some changes, like selling their second car and moving into a new (old) house. But Ryan is a girl who knows how to make sunshine out of setbacks. As her brother says when he raps about her, she’s got the talent that matters most: it’s a talent that can’t be seen, she’s nice, not mean! Ways to Make Sunshine was the 2021 winner for Best Book, Grades 3 and 4, of the Kids’ Book Choice Awards: a national book award program where the winners are selected only by young people.