Ways to Grow Love

Ryan Hart returns in this sequel to Ways to Make Sunshine, navigating changes in her Portland, Oregon neighborhood and family life. Her passion for baking and cooking remains strong as she enters sixth grade, but new challenges emerge at school and home. Ryan must adjust to her dad's new work schedule and her mom's pregnancy announcement, while also dealing with friendship complications. She puts her creativity and problem-solving skills to work as she participates in a church fundraiser and helps plan a baby shower. The story tracks Ryan's experiences over several months as she encounters both setbacks and opportunities to grow. Her relationships with family members, friends, and her community evolve as she learns to handle disappointment and embrace change. This middle-grade novel explores themes of family bonds, personal growth, and finding ways to maintain optimism during periods of transition. Through Ryan's perspective, the narrative examines how young people can nurture their own strength while learning to accept help from others.

Readers say this middle-grade novel handles complex topics like jealousy, friendship, and family changes with authenticity and care. Parents and teachers note the book helps children process emotions and life transitions. Readers appreciated: - Realistic portrayal of sibling relationships and blended families - Main character Ryan's growth and maturity - Integration of poetry throughout the story - Representation of Black joy and everyday experiences Common critiques: - Some found the pacing slow in the middle sections - A few readers wanted more resolution with certain subplots Ratings: Goodreads: 4.32/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (230+ ratings) From reader reviews: "Perfect for kids dealing with new siblings or family changes" - Amazon reviewer "My students could relate to Ryan's struggles with friendship drama" - Teacher on Goodreads "The poetry segments added depth to Ryan's character development" - School Library Journal reader review

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🌱 Author Renée Watson grew up in Portland, Oregon, just like Ryan Hart, the main character in the book. She draws heavily from her own childhood experiences in writing the series. 📚 Ways to Grow Love is the second book in the Ryan Hart series, following Ways to Make Sunshine. The series has earned multiple starred reviews and was named a Kirkus Best Book. 🎨 The book's illustrator, Nina Mata, has collaborated with Watson on multiple projects and also illustrated the bestselling "I Am" series about notable historical figures. 💝 The story tackles meaningful themes like blended families and economic hardship while maintaining a warm, hopeful tone that resonates with middle-grade readers. 🏆 Renée Watson is a New York Times bestselling author and recipient of the Coretta Scott King Award and Newbery Honor for her young adult novel Piecing Me Together.