Watson's heroine is smart and courageous, bringing her optimistic attitude to any challenge she faces. . . . The second installment in this spirited series is a hit.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“Realistic snapshots of love in action are peppered with funny mishaps and small mistakes, all of which add up to an uplifting, reassuring read.” —Booklist, starred review
“Relatable and inspirational. A young optimistic Black girl, Watson's irresistible Ryan models how to navigate a changing world with resilience, kindness, and love, all of which are reflected in Mata's delightful illustrations. A fabulous purchase that celebrates the awesome power of love, kindness, and being true to oneself.” —School Library Journal, starred review
“Rising fifth-grader Ryan is an engaging heroine, with a creative streak and a take-charge attitude. While new readers will find pleasure here, it'll be Ryan's existing fans who will understand the backstory and revel in watching their girl find her feet in new situations.” —BCCB
"An expert at creating complex characters, Watson ensures that no one will be two dimensional. With each chapter serving as its own short story, this second installment about Ryan is every bit as enjoyable as the first." - Horn Book Magazine
“Intermittently funny, frustrating, and touching. . . . Allows black readers to see themselves and all readers to find a character they can love. Move over Ramona Quimby, Portland has another neighbor you have to meet!” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review, on WAYS TO MAKE SUNSHINE
“Adroitly captures the uncertainty of growing up amid change through the eyes of an irrepressible black girl.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review, on WAYS TO MAKE SUNSHINE
“Ryan Hart approaches challenges in her life with bravery, common sense, and humor. . . . a refreshing character.” —Horn Book Magazine on WAYS TO MAKE SUNSHINE
“Middle graders who like realistic fiction will enjoy getting to know this earnest girl and her supportive family.” —School Library Connection on WAYS TO MAKE SUNSHINE
“Plenty of charm . . . readers will look forward to Ryan's future adventures.” —BCCB on WAYS TO MAKE SUNSHINE
“The theme of loving family and friends even through difficult times will resonate with readers. Cheerful black-and-white illustrations enhance the story and convey Ryan's effervescent personality.” —School Library Journal online on WAYS TO MAKE SUNSHINE
“Renée Watson is a gifted storyteller who brings vibrant new meaning to time and place. In this beautiful blend of family, history, and culture, Watson lets us discover that one's true home is rooted in the heart and soul.” —Andrea Davis Pinkney, New York Times bestselling author of THE RED PENCIL on SOME PLACES MORE THAN OTHERS
“Renée Watson's storytelling mastery is on full display in Some Places More Than Others, which is so thematically vibrant and emotionally rich as to defy description. A magnificent book.” —Mike Jung, author of UNIDENTIFIED SUBURBAN OBJECT on SOME PLACES MORE THAN OTHERS
“A beautiful novel about family and forgiveness, about the memories we carry with us wherever we go, and the places our hearts call home.” —Kate Messner, award-winning author of BREAKOUT on SOME PLACES MORE THAN OTHERS
“A meaningful opportunity for students—particularly those in underrepresented communities—to celebrate themselves and their identities.” —School Library Connection, starred review, on SOME PLACES MORE THAN OTHERS
“Watson is a master of structure and character development. . . . Amara's search for her roots is tender and empowering.” —School Library Journal, starred review, on SOME PLACES MORE THAN OTHERS
“A much-needed novel about the importance of roots and family connections.” —Foreword Reviews, starred review, on SOME PLACES MORE THAN OTHERS
“Captures a young person's growing enlightenment as she experiences one of the world's most culturally rich neighborhoods. . . . Very relatable. . . . Quietly powerful.
” —The New York Times Book Review on SOME PLACES MORE THAN OTHERS
“Timely and timeless.” —Jacqueline Woodson, National Book Award winning author of BROWN GIRL DREAMING on PIECING ME TOGETHER
“Watson, with rhythm and style, somehow gets at . . . the life-changing power of voice and opportunity, all wrapped up in Jade.” —Jason Reynolds, author of ALL AMERICAN BOYS on PIECING ME TOGETHER
“An important and deeply moving novel.” —John Green, bestselling and award-winning author of THE FAULT IN OUR STARS on PIECING ME TOGETHER
“Teeming with compassion and insight.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review, on PIECING ME TOGETHER
“A timely, nuanced, and unforgettable story.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review, on PIECING ME TOGETHER
“A nuanced meditation on race, privilege, and intersectionality.” —SLJ, starred review, on PIECING ME TOGETHER
“Will resonate with many readers.” —BCCB, starred review, on PIECING ME TOGETHER
★ 04/01/2021
Gr 3–5—This summer is shaping up to be different than any other summer, and Ryan Hart isn't sure how she feels about that. She always looks forward to her summer traditions, like checking out an armful of books from the library with her mom, and her family's annual trip to the Oaks Park amusement park—but nothing is quite the same now that Ryan's mom is expecting a new baby and has to take things easy. Still, there are some exciting things for Ryan to look forward to, like her first chance to go to sleepaway church camp with her two best friends, KiKi and Amanda. And of course Ryan can't wait to meet her new baby sister. Not everything goes as planned, but nevertheless Ryan finds that she is bursting with summer memories by the time school begins in September. This second installment in the "Ryan Hart" series is both relatable and inspirational. A young optimistic Black girl, Watson's irresistible Ryan models how to navigate a changing world with resilience, kindness, and love, all of which are reflected in Mata's delightful illustrations. Readers who are likewise awaiting a new sibling, or who are simply learning to adjust to an ever-changing world, will be heartened by Ryan's openness to making new memories and creating new traditions. VERDICT A fabulous first purchase that celebrates the awesome power of love, kindness, and being true to oneself.—Dana West, Nathan Hale H.S., Seattle
★ 2021-03-17
A new baby coming means Ryan has lots of opportunities to grow love.
Ryan has so much to look forward to this summer—she is going to be a big sister, and she finally gets to go to church camp! But new adventures bring challenges, too. Ryan feels like the baby is taking forever to arrive, and with Mom on bed rest, she isn’t able to participate in the family’s typical summer activities. Ryan’s Dad is still working the late shift, which means he gets home and goes to bed when she and her older brother, Ray, are waking up, so their quality daddy-daughter time is limited to one day a week. When the time for camp finally arrives, Ryan is so worried about bugs, ghosts, and sharing a cabin that she wonders if she should go at all. Watson’s heroine is smart and courageous, bringing her optimistic attitude to any challenge she faces. Hard topics like family finances and complex relationships with friends are discussed in an age-appropriate way. Watson continues to excel at crafting a sense of place; she transports readers to Portland, Oregon, with an attention to detail that can only come from someone who has loved that city. Ryan, her family, and friends are Black, and occasional illustrations by Mata spotlight their joy and make this book shine.
The second installment in this spirited series is a hit. (Fiction. 8-10)
