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
“Adroitly captures the uncertainty of growing up amid change through the eyes of an irrepressible black girl.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
“A beautifully rendered series of vignettes à la Beezus and Ramona featuring a Black girl developing into her own personhood, this is a strong start to a new middle-grade series. Ryan Hart is a vivacious child […] with personality and spirit reminiscent of some of the most well-loved heroines in classic juvenile fiction tales.” —Booklist, starred review
“A fresh beginning to a new chapter book series featuring a girl who can coax out sunshine from behind the darkest storm.” —Shelf Awareness, starred review
“This brave new world we're living in sure could use more stories about these bright and imaginative girls who specialize in 'making a way out of no way.'” —The New York Times Book Review
“Ryan Hart approaches challenges in her life with bravery, common sense, and humor. . . . a refreshing character.” —Horn Book Magazine
“Middle graders who like realistic fiction will enjoy getting to know this earnest girl and her supportive family.” —School Library Connection
“Plenty of charm . . . readers will look forward to Ryan's future adventures.” —BCCB
“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
“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
★ 02/10/2020
In this series opener, a loose reimagining of Ramona Quimby’s exploits, Watson (Some Places More Than Others) adroitly captures the uncertainty of growing up amid change through the eyes of an irrepressible black girl. Fourth grader Ryan Hart’s name means “king,” and her parents encourage her to live up to it (“Dad is always telling me our people come from royalty... their strength is running through my veins”). Ryan tries her best, but it’s hard sometimes, as when classmates tease her about having “a boy’s name” and when her father loses his job, precipitating the family’s move to a smaller, “not new at all” home. Despite the changed circumstances, Ryan brings optimism to everything she does: racing bikes against her “bossy and nosy” big brother, facing her fear of public speaking, and serving as her mother’s sous chef. In vignette-style chapters, Watson warmly weaves together slice-of-life moments that capture youthful doubt alongside moments of loss and joy, showing a tight-knit family navigating difficulties with plenty of courage and plenty of love. Occasional illustrations by Mata (She’s Got This) emphasize the story’s joyful realism. Ages 7–10. Author’s agent: Rosemary Stimola, Stimola Literary Studio. (Apr.)
03/20/2020
Gr 3–5—In this first installment in a contemporary realistic African American middle grade series, Ryan Hart's family must relocate to another part of Portland, OR, because her dad isn't making as much money as he once did. Ryan is young girl confident in her gifts; she especially loves to cook. She is also capable of standing up for herself, particularly when she is teased for having a name more commonly given to boys. And she has a lively imagination; Ryan and her best friend, KiKi, get creative indoors when the Grand Floral Parade gets rained out, and prepare for the school talent show together. 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. Watson deftly weaves the faith of her characters into her work. From Easter speeches to African American hair care, this book will give those whose lives are like Ryan's an opportunity to feel seen. For those whose lives are different, this book provides a clear window into a nuclear family dealing with familiar topics in a unique way. VERDICT A solid addition to realistic middle grade fiction with warm, loving family relationships.—Kristin Lee Anderson, Jackson County Library Services, OR
★ 2020-01-21
Ryan Hart is navigating the fourth grade and all its challenges with determination.
Her mom named her Ryan because it means “king,” and she wanted Ryan to feel powerful every time she heard her name; Ryan knows it means she is a leader. So when changes occur or disaster strikes, budding chef Ryan does her best to find the positive and “make sunshine.” When her dad is laid off from the post office, the family must make adjustments that include moving into a smaller house, selling their car, and changing how they shop for groceries. But Ryan gets to stay at Vernon Elementary, and her mom still finds a way to get her the ingredients she needs to practice new recipes. Her older brother, Ray, can be bossy, but he finds little ways to support her, especially when she is down—as does the whole family. Each episodic chapter confronts Ryan with a situation; intermittently funny, frustrating, and touching, they should be familiar and accessible to readers, as when Ryan fumbles her Easter speech despite careful practice. Ryan, her family, and friends are black, and Watson continues to bring visibility to both Portland, Oregon, generally and its black community specifically, making another wonderful contribution that 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! (Fiction. 8-10)
