Ways to Grow Love
#2 of 4 in Ryan Hart Series
What’s inside...
Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King Author Award winner Renée Watson continues her charming young middle grade series starring Ryan Hart, a girl who is pure spirit and sunshine. Ryan Hart loves her family and friends. She's looking forward to summer vacation, spending time with loved ones, and her first trip to sleepaway camp! But when an unexpected camper shows up, Ryan finds it's hard to share your best friend and harder to be a friend to someone who isn't a good friend to you. She's also waiting for her new sister to be born -- and hoping the baby doesn't ruin everything. The Hart family is experiencing a lot of changes, and Ryan needs to grow her patience in many ways, find ways to share the love, meet new challenges, and grow into the leader her mom and dad named her to be. This summer and the start of fifth grade just might give Ryan the chance to show how she grows and glows!
Discussion points
What are some ways that the main character shows love and care to others in the story?
How does the main character handle new challenges and what can we learn from her?
What did you think about the friendships in the book? How do you make and keep friends?
What are some of your favorite moments from the book and why?
How do you think the main character grew by the end of the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, explore the book’s cover together and predict what the book might be about, discussing themes of love and relationships.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, relating it to their own experiences.
Pause at pivotal moments in the story to ask your child what they think might happen next and why.
After reading, help your child connect the story’s themes to their daily life by discussing similar experiences they’ve had.
Revisit the book after a few days to discuss any new insights or thoughts your child might have about the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Family and Community
Explanation: In 'Ways to Grow Love,' the protagonist, Ryan, experiences various family gatherings and community events that highlight the support and love that family and community provide.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and contribute to their own family and community gatherings, understanding the value of belonging and support.
Example Lesson: Navigating Change
Explanation: Ryan faces new challenges as she enters a different school and deals with her growing family. The story demonstrates how she adapts to these changes with resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that change is a natural part of life and can be managed by staying positive and open to new experiences.
Example Lesson: Building and Maintaining Friendships
Explanation: Throughout the book, Ryan works on building new friendships and resolving conflicts, showing the effort and communication required to maintain healthy relationships.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these insights by actively engaging in communication, sharing, and being considerate to foster their friendships.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Ryan often shows empathy by understanding others' feelings and viewpoints, which helps in resolving conflicts and strengthening relationships.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to practice empathy in real life, helping them to connect with peers and adults more effectively and compassionately.
Example Lesson: Courage to Express Oneself
Explanation: The story exemplifies Ryan expressing her thoughts and feelings in various situations, showing the importance of self-expression.
Real-World Application: Encouraging children to express their own thoughts and feelings openly and respectfully can lead to better self-confidence and communication skills.