As the title of the text suggests, “making sunshine,” or creating positive outcomes from challenges, is an important theme in narrative. This is something Ryan learns as she overcomes obstacles by looking for positives rather than dwelling on negatives. With her family’s help and by reframing her thinking, Ryan shapes an outlook on the world that does not view obstacles as insurmountable and learns to look for the opportunities in challenges.

Creating positive outcomes from challenges is not easy for Ryan at first. When she learns that her family will be leaving their home and moving to a smaller house, she reacts: “I am trying really hard not to cry but I can’t help it. I must look so pitiful sitting here in front of melting vanilla ice cream with tears streaming down my face” (14). Ryan even refuses to eat her favorite dessert as a result. Even though her mother assures her: “we’ll all still be together. This is just a house. We are the ones who make it home. Home is wherever we go” (16), Ryan is still unable to fully embrace the possibilities that this new move presents.

Ryan’s attitude and outlook start to change once they move.