Ways to Share Joy

Ryan Hart navigates new experiences and changes during her fourth-grade year in Portland, Oregon. When her older brother starts acting differently and her mother announces an upcoming family wedding, Ryan works to make sense of shifting family dynamics. In class, Ryan faces challenges with group projects and friendships as she tries to balance her desire to help others with taking care of herself. She finds opportunities to spread joy through community service and creative projects, but sometimes her plans don't work out as expected. With support from her family, friends, and church community, Ryan learns to adapt to new situations while staying true to herself and her values. The story focuses on managing relationships, setting boundaries, and finding ways to maintain hope during uncertain times. This middle-grade novel explores themes of growth, resilience, and the different ways people can make positive impacts in their communities. Through Ryan's experiences, readers encounter authentic portrayals of family bonds, friendship challenges, and the rewards of serving others.

Readers describe this middle-grade novel as a realistic portrayal of family dynamics and friendship challenges. Parents and teachers highlight how the book helps children understand dealing with change and managing emotions. Readers appreciated: - Natural representation of blended families - Focus on finding joy in small moments - Main character's growth and problem-solving - Discussion of economic differences among friends without stereotypes Common criticisms: - Some found the pacing slow in the middle sections - A few felt certain conflicts resolved too easily Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (600+ ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (150+ ratings) "My students connected with Ryan's struggles to balance friend groups," noted one teacher reviewer. Another parent wrote, "Finally a book that shows kids how to work through jealousy and friendship drama without being preachy." Part of the Ryan Hart series, this installment stands alone according to most readers, though they recommend reading the series in order for character development.

Front Desk by Kelly Yang A young Chinese American girl manages her immigrant family's motel while navigating friendship, identity, and social justice in her community.

Merci Suárez Changes Gears by Meg Medina A middle school student balances family responsibilities, school life, and cultural expectations while her grandfather's health declines.

The First Rule of Punk by Celia C. Pérez A Mexican American seventh-grader creates zines and starts a band as she finds her place in a new school.

Harbor Me by Jacqueline Woodson Six students meet weekly in a classroom to share their stories about family, identity, and the challenges they face.

From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks A twelve-year-old aspiring baker discovers letters from her incarcerated father and works to uncover the truth about his conviction.

🌟 Ways to Share Joy is the third book in the Ryan Hart series, following Ways to Make Sunshine and Ways to Grow Love. 📚 Author Renée Watson grew up in Portland, Oregon, just like her protagonist Ryan Hart, and infuses the story with authentic details from her own childhood experiences. 🏆 The Ryan Hart series has earned multiple accolades, including being named a School Library Journal Best Book of the Year and receiving starred reviews from Kirkus Reviews. 🎨 The book features charming illustrations by Nina Mata, who has illustrated all three books in the series, helping bring Ryan's world to life. 💝 The story explores themes of family traditions, friendship, and finding joy in everyday moments, particularly through Ryan's love of cooking and creating special celebrations for others.