Ways to Make Sunshine

Why do Ryan and Raymond’s parents always remind them to “be who we named you to be”? What does that mean, and how do Raymond and Ryan each live up to their parents’ expectations?

Ryan’s grandmother offers her an important lesson about what it means to be beautiful. What is the lesson, and how does this lesson affect Ryan’s actions throughout the text?

How does Ryan use storytelling and imagination throughout the story? What does her ability to imagine happy scenarios tell readers about who Ryan is as a person?

Ryan loves cooking and hopes to become a professional chef someday. How does Ryan use her talent for cooking to help others, and what does that tell the reader about Ryan’s character?

Ryan is adventurous with her cooking and enjoys experimenting with new recipes. What does her willingness to experiment tell the reader about Ryan? What lesson does recipe experimentation teach Ryan about making mistakes and taking risks?

What lesson does Ryan learn about the meaning of home? How does Ryan’s family help her to learn this lesson?

For much of the text, Ryan fears that she does not have a talent. What is Ryan good at, and how does she use her talents to help others?

What does Ryan do at the end of the text to overcome her fear of public speaking? How is this an example of her growth and talent?