Scan barcode
mdevlin923's review
4.0
Ryan Hart is navigating fourth grade as an optimistic, friendly, and food-loving Black girl. When her father is laid off from his job; the whole family must come together to adjust to the change in income. But Ryan, always optimistic, finds the best even in this situation.
Tackles many issues: job loss, moving into a small house, stage fright; making new friends. But throughout it all, Ryan continues to try her hardest to remain optimistic. Loved the supportive family and friends, as well as the realness of Ryan...she made mistakes, but reflected afterwards and tried to make things right.
Tackles many issues: job loss, moving into a small house, stage fright; making new friends. But throughout it all, Ryan continues to try her hardest to remain optimistic. Loved the supportive family and friends, as well as the realness of Ryan...she made mistakes, but reflected afterwards and tried to make things right.
allicatca's review
5.0
I enjoyed the writing and the pace of this book. I really got to know and enjoy the characters, especially Ryan who is definitely relatable and yet a girl to look up to. I like that Ryan says she has talents that just aren’t great for “the stage” (a talent show) because that also describes me.
I think my 7-year-old daughter will really like this book.
I think my 7-year-old daughter will really like this book.
silodear's review
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
ava_xoxo4's review
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
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
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
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
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
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.