Ryan, whose name means “king,” is a fourth grader who along with her family is going through a lot of changes and challenges. Dad lost his job when the post office he was working at closed, making money tight. The rental house the family was living in was put up for sale forcing the family to move to another house, one much older and smaller.

Easter Sunday means a very nervous Ryan is expected to give a speech in front of the congregation. Later, one of the guests at her best friend’s swim party repeatably teases her. The mandatory fourth grade talent show makes Ryan wonder if she has any talent at all. Her older brother, Ray, doesn’t want her to tag along with him when he hangs out with his friends.

Through these and other challenges, Ryan finds a way to grow and mature into her best self and find hope in the future.

175 pages

16 reading days