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ava_xoxo4's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
readmoreyall's review against another edition
4.0
Sweet book about finding where you fit, how to be brave, how to deal with family and change. Great upper elementary or lower middle grades book.
klsriley's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
greenlivingaudioworm's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
larryanton22's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
ellenpederson's review against another edition
5.0
(5 stars from a middle grade/early reader lens, since that's the target audience...)
Ryan and her brother have possibly the most realistic and relatable relationship/sibling rivalry I've ever read in a book for young people. Loved that Ryan was independent, capable, and self-reliant in ways that would actually be attainable for a real-life 10yo. (Too often I read about young characters who end up calling the shots in pie-in-the-sky ways which is fun to read, but can send the message that young people with their own power and agency only exist in fiction.) All the little Portland Easter eggs were a great bonus.
Ryan and her brother have possibly the most realistic and relatable relationship/sibling rivalry I've ever read in a book for young people. Loved that Ryan was independent, capable, and self-reliant in ways that would actually be attainable for a real-life 10yo. (Too often I read about young characters who end up calling the shots in pie-in-the-sky ways which is fun to read, but can send the message that young people with their own power and agency only exist in fiction.) All the little Portland Easter eggs were a great bonus.
judyapneeb's review against another edition
This title is now on the top of my “always recommend to patrons” list. These characters feel real and this story is very relatable. I loved it.
blogginboutbooks's review against another edition
4.0
This is a cute little book that I really wish had been around when my youngest, who's adopted and mixed-race, was younger. She definitely would have related to Ryan's struggles, especially with her hair! Speaking of, Ryan is a great heroine - she's kind, adventurous, and fun as well as realistically mischievous and easily provoked (at least by her brother). I love that she's a Black girl living in a predominantly Black community dealing with ordinary, everyday struggles that kids of all races and backgrounds can relate to. Children's lit needs more of these kinds of main characters. Watson also suffuses this series opener with some great lessons about making your own sunshine even when things look dim, not judging people, trying to be a better person every day, and learning how to overcome fears. Uplifting and empowering, this little story is full of sunshine. I can't wait to see what Ryan Hart gets up to next!
smo13's review against another edition
5.0
What a start to a new series! Everything Renee Watson writes is amazing! I love the Portland setting as a reminder of some of my roots and all the ways to be a kid there. Ryan Hart as a protagonist shares the struggles of being a kid and gaining the courage to find her place in the world.