From Oregon Live July 10, 2021
Portland-raised author Renée Watson is the inspiration for a campaign that Portland bookstore Green Bean Books is running on behalf of Vernon Elementary School this summer.
The campaign’s goal: To sell 275 copies of Watson’s delightful chapter book Ways to Make Sunshine, which follows a Black girl growing up in Northeast Portland as she faces everyday challenges. The copies will go to students at Vernon, which Watson attended. Her book’s protagonist also attends Vernon.
“Please join us in this perfect opportunity to bring a book to neighborhood kids that they can connect with on a really personal and local level,” Green Bean Books wrote in its July newsletter.
The campaign runs from July 15 to Aug. 15. Books can be purchased at the store, 1600 N.E. Alberta St., or online at bit.ly/makesunshine.