About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is facing a major life transition, such as the arrival of a new sibling or their first time away at sleepaway camp. It is a gentle, comforting guide for navigating the 'middle' feelings of growing up, where excitement often mixes with anxiety and self-doubt. Through the relatable eyes of Ryan Hart, the story explores how to manage changing friendships and family dynamics with grace and honesty. This second installment in the series follows Ryan through a busy summer filled with church camp adventures and the anticipation of her baby sister's birth. The book emphasizes emotional intelligence, showing how to find courage when things don't go as planned. It is a perfect choice for children who benefit from seeing a warm, supportive family unit navigate everyday challenges. Its accessible prose and short chapters make it an excellent transition for readers moving into longer middle-grade fiction.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
None.
Ideal Reader
An 8 to 10 year old who is a 'worrier' or an overthinker. It is particularly resonant for children about to become older siblings who might fear being displaced or forgotten.
Parent Prep
This book is safe to read cold. Parents might want to have a favorite recipe handy, as Ryan's cooking often inspires kids to head to the kitchen. A child expressing fear that a parent won't have enough time or love for them once a new baby arrives, or a child feeling excluded from a peer group.
Age Experience
Younger readers (ages 7-8) will focus on the fun of the camping trip and the 'coolness' of a new baby. Older readers (ages 10-11) will better appreciate the nuances of Ryan's internal monologues about self-identity and the social friction between her and her peers.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many 'new sibling' books that focus on toddler jealousy, this captures the sophisticated emotional preparation of an older child. It is a beautiful portrait of Black girlhood centered on themes of faith, family, and community.
Read plot summary
Ryan Hart is spending the summer before fifth grade balancing the nerves of going to overnight church camp with the anticipation of a new baby sister. At camp, she faces her fears of the dark and the outdoors while navigating a tricky friendship with a girl named Red. At home, she helps her family prepare for the new arrival, practices her cooking skills, and learns that love isn't something that gets divided when a family grows, it expands.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Ryan feels a mix of 'nervous-cited' about her new sister. Have you ever felt two opposite emotions at the exact same time?
2
At camp, Ryan has to deal with Red, who isn't always kind. How does Ryan stay true to herself while still trying to be a leader?
3
Ryan's mom tells her that love doesn't divide, it multiplies. What do you think that means for their family?
4
When things go wrong during the talent show or at camp, how does Ryan use her 'inner sunshine' to keep going?
