December's Book of the Month--Ways to Make Sunshine

December’s Book Talk book is the uplifting middle grade novel, WAYS TO MAKE SUNSHINE, by the Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King Award-winning author Renée Watson. This story stars a plucky, force-of-nature heroine named Ryan Hart, a fourth grader who rarely lets anything get her down for long. Ryan means “king,” and her mother wants her to “feel powerful”--like a leader--every time she hears it.

Even though most people assume it's a boy’s name, Ryan knows that it’s her name and she tries to live up to it. But life can be so complicated. Her parents say the family must move to a smaller, more affordable house in a new neighborhood, where they will "have to make some adjustments." And fourth grade is tough, no matter how you look at it. Luckily, having a loving family in your corner, a creative mind, and a boatload of confidence all help. Throw in a little mystery surrounding some hairpins found in Ryan’s new closet and the fourth grade talent show and you get this well-crafted young middle grade that kids are sure to gobble up. It's the first in a series.

--Lynn