Ways to Make Sunshine

Reach for this book when your family is navigating a major life transition, particularly one involving financial stress, a move to a smaller home, or the need to find joy in simpler things. It is a perfect choice for children who are feeling the weight of grown-up problems and need to see a protagonist who handles change with grace, creativity, and a touch of humor. Following Ryan Hart, a young girl in Portland whose family must downsize after her father's job loss, the story focuses on the power of perspective. Rather than focusing on what is lost, Ryan learns to 'make sunshine' through her cooking, her friendships, and her role within her loving Black family. It is a gentle, optimistic read for ages 7 to 10 that validates the stress of change while providing a roadmap for emotional resilience.