Ways to share joy

More adventures in the life of Ryan Hart. Ryan is in the middle, "stuck" between her baby sister, Rose, who needs her help, and her older brother, Ray, who has more freedom and enjoys telling her what to do. Sometimes being in the middle gets hard, like when she's not so sure about the family's plan to surprise Grandma, who says she just wants to rest, with a birthday party or when she grapples with the difficulties of having two best friends. But with the help of her loving family and time spent on her favorite things, like baking, Ryan manages her child-sized troubles, including being teased about her name and for wearing clearance-sale shoes to school, trading pranks with her brother, and maintaining friendships with care. Inspired by her wise Grandma, she learns life lessons along the way, such as the difference between a "true friend" and a "best friend" and how a person can be full of joy even when they aren't happy ("Joy is something deep, deep down"). Ryan's African American family has fallen on somewhat hard times, but they find ways to share what they have. Watson immerses readers in the world of a girl on the cusp of middle school. Her book features a lovely cast of characters, delightfully relatable dilemmas and solutions, and a character with an authentic voice. A tale of family and friendship that exudes pure joy. (Realistic fiction. 7-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.