Author Profile
Renée Watson
19 Books
Renée Watson is a New York Times bestselling author known for her captivating children's and young adult novels. Her work often explores themes of identity, community, and social justice, resonating with readers through authentic characters and compelling narratives. She is celebrated for award-winning titles like "Ways to Make Sunshine" (a Newbery Honor book) and "Love Is a Revolution," which contribute to her impactful body of work.
Piecing Me Together
Renée Watson
Courage
Diverse Voices
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/5
Harlem's Little Blackbird: The Story of Florence Mills
Renée Watson
Biography
Diverse Voices
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/5
Love Is a Revolution: From the winner of the Newbery Medal 2026
Renée Watson
Family
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/5
Piecing Me Together
Renée Watson
Courage
Diverse Voices
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/5
Some Places More Than Others
Renée Watson
Cities
Family
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/5
What Momma Left Me
Renée Watson
Emotions
Family
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/5
All The Blues In The Sky: Winner of the Newbery Medal
Renée Watson
Emotions
Empathy
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/5
This Side of Home
Renée Watson
Family
Friendship
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/5
Summer Is Here
Renée Watson, Bea Jackson
Family
Fiction
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/5
Ways to Share Joy
Renée Watson, Nina Mata
Empathy
Family
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/5
Ways to Make Sunshine
Renée Watson, Nina Mata
Courage
Family
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/5
Ways to Grow Love
Renée Watson, Nina Mata
Emotions
Family
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/5
Ways to Build Dreams
Renée Watson, Nina Mata
Courage
Dreams
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/5
A Place where Hurricanes Happen
Renée Watson, Shadra Strickland
Courage
Friendship
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/5
Black Girl You Are Atlas
Renée Watson, Ekua Holmes
Diverse Voices
Emotions
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/5
Betty Before X
Ilyasah Shabazz, Renée Watson
Biography
Diverse Voices
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/5
Watch Us Rise
Renée Watson, Ellen Hagan
Diverse Voices
Fiction
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/5
The 1619 Project: Born On The Water
Nikkolas Smith, Nikole Hannah-Jones, Renée Watson
Diverse Voices
Family
-
/5
Black Enough: Stories of Being Young & Black in America
Ibi Zoboi, Dhonielle Clayton, Jason Reynolds, Nic Stone, Kekla Magoon, Rita Williams-Garcia, Renée Watson, Tracey Baptiste, Coe Booth, Brandy Colbert, Jay Coles, Lamar Giles, Justina Ireland, Leah Henderson, Varian Johnson, Tochi Onyebuchi, Liara Tamani
Anthologies
Diverse Voices
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/5
Navigating a world that constantly tries to define you is never easy. In this powerful story, you will meet a young woman striving for success while carrying the weight of society's expectations and limitations. She is determined to break out of the boxes others try to force her into, fighting for a future that is entirely her own. Every day feels like a careful balancing act between holding onto her roots and reaching for new opportunities that might just change her life. As she pieces together her identity, she learns how to find her voice and use it to challenge the very systems that threaten to hold her back. This compelling novel dives deep into the realities of growing up, facing adversity, and realizing that your perspective is your greatest strength. It is a striking exploration of resilience and the fierce determination required to thrive in a world that often feels like it wants to break you.
13-18 Years
292 Pages
N/A
/5
Born to parents who were formerly enslaved, Florence Mills discovered early on that she possessed a sweet, bird-like singing voice that captivated everyone who heard it. Her undeniable talent propelled her all the way to the vibrant stages of 1920s Broadway, where her performances inspired legendary songwriters and playwrights alike. But despite her immense success and soaring fame, Florence could not ignore the harsh prejudice that shaped her world and restricted the lives of those around her. Instead of turning a blind eye, she courageously used her platform to champion her fellow Black performers and demand essential civil rights. In this deeply moving true story, you will follow Florence's incredible journey from a young girl with a song in her heart to a trailblazing icon. It is a powerful exploration of justice, equality, and the incredible impact you can make when you refuse to silence your voice.
13-18 Years
40 Pages
N/A
/5
Nala Robertson would much rather spend her summer watching movies and sampling seasonal flavors at the local creamery than trying to change the world. But when she attends an open mic night for her cousin's birthday, she instantly falls for Tye Brown. Tye is the charismatic MC and a dedicated activist who spends his days organizing community events. Wanting to impress him, Nala tells a few tiny lies to make it seem like they share the same passions. As they grow closer and share more of their true selves, those little lies become increasingly difficult to maintain. Navigating this new romance forces Nala to confront who she really is versus who she pretends to be. In this beautiful and honest story, you will explore the complexities of teenage relationships, the power of strong friendships, and the profound realization that learning to love yourself is the most revolutionary act of all.
13-18 Years
400 Pages
N/A
/5
Jade is convinced that escaping her poor neighborhood is the only way she will ever truly succeed. Following her mother's advice to seize every chance she gets, Jade takes a scholarship to a predominantly white private school and spends her Saturday mornings in rigorous test prep. But not all opportunities feel like a step forward. When she is invited to join a mentorship program for at-risk youth, Jade realizes it is exclusively targeting Black girls from disadvantaged backgrounds. Even though her mentor, Maxine, is a successful Black college graduate, the two struggle to connect on any meaningful level. As you follow Jade's journey, you will watch her reject the narrative that she needs to be fixed or saved. Instead, she discovers her own powerful voice and realizes that she might be the one who can teach these successful women a thing or two about making a genuine difference in the real world.
13-18 Years
277 Pages
N/A
/5
All Amara wants for her birthday is a trip to New York City to finally meet her father's side of the family in Harlem. She has spent years dreaming of walking the streets where her dad grew up, hoping the journey will help her understand her family history and her own identity. But the reality of the city is overwhelming. The subways are confusing, the sidewalks are suffocating, and her father is far too distracted by work and lingering anger toward Grandpa Earl to spend any meaningful time with her. Left to explore on her own, Amara begins asking the tough questions that no one else will touch. As you follow her journey through the bustling city, you will see her uncover deep roots and hidden family truths. It is a heartwarming exploration of the past and present, revealing how the places we come from ultimately shape exactly who we become.
13-18 Years
304 Pages
N/A
/5
Serenity knows how to keep a secret, and she has a whole lifetime of them tucked away. With her mother gone and her father absent, moving into her grandparents' house feels like stepping into a completely different world. Fortunately, a few things bring a spark of hope into her life, including a new friend, a new school, and a new church community to explore. But navigating these changes is anything but simple. When her younger brother begins making dangerous choices, Serenity finds herself struggling to hold everything together. On top of that, her grandparents lean heavily on a faith that she is not entirely sure she understands or agrees with. As you follow Serenity's journey, you will discover a profound story about resilience and identity. It is the enduring power of love, both from her family and herself, that will ultimately help her figure out exactly who she is meant to be.
13-18 Years
224 Pages
N/A
/5
Step into the heart of a deeply moving story about finding light when your world goes completely dark. Sage was supposed to spend her thirteenth birthday eating treats, watching movies, and staying up late to see the sunrise with her absolute best friend. Instead, it becomes the day her best friend passes away. Suddenly, Sage is left entirely alone, without the one person who held all her secrets and shared her biggest dreams. Struggling with heavy guilt and overwhelming sadness, she feels completely lost. But when Sage joins a counseling group with other girls who have also lost someone close to them, she begins to realize that healing does not look the same for everyone. As you follow Sage through her journey told in beautiful poetry and prose, you will see how she navigates loneliness, anxiety, and love. Slowly, new and wonderful things start to enter her life again. This powerful and tender story shows you that it is okay to feel every single emotion, and that even after the hardest goodbyes, you can learn to grow, forgive yourself, and find joy once more.
9-12 Years
13-18 Years
194 Pages
N/A
/5
Identical twins Maya and Nikki have always been on the exact same page regarding their friends, the boys they like, and their plans for college. But as they enter their senior year, their beloved neighborhood begins to rapidly gentrify, transforming familiar streets into trendy cafes and boutiques. While Nikki is thrilled by the upgrades, Maya feels like her home and community are being stolen away. The tension escalates when a white family moves into the house their best friend used to rent, leading Nikki to form a new friendship while Maya navigates an unexpected romance. At school, a new principal prioritizes the comfort of white students over the school's rich Black identity, forcing the sisters to confront their conflicting feelings. In this poignant coming-of-age novel, you will experience Maya's struggle to hold onto her cultural roots and discover where she truly belongs as she and her sister begin to grow apart.
13-18 Years
326 Pages
N/A
/5
When the dark clouds finally clear the sky, the absolute perfect day for play begins. From the moment the sun rises until it dips below the horizon, there is an endless world of joy waiting to be discovered. You can almost taste the sweet and tangy fresh fruit and feel the rhythm of jump ropes hitting the pavement as friends gather to leap and dance. The afternoon brings the cool relief of the swimming pool and the mouthwatering smells of a family cookout gathered beneath the shade of a large tree. And nothing quite compares to the distant, familiar chime of the neighborhood ice cream truck. In this beautiful exploration of a single summer day, you will be transported to a place of pure sunshine, wonder, and deep connection. It is a heartfelt reminder of the simple joys of friendship, family, and those fleeting magical moments you wish could last forever.
13-18 Years
32 Pages
N/A
/5
Ryan Hart finds herself caught right in the middle of everything. Between an older brother who loves to pull the ultimate pranks and a brand new baby sister demanding everyone's attention, finding her place in the family is getting complicated. Outside of home, things are not much easier. She is stuck in a fierce friendship tug-of-war between two friends who both demand to be her absolute best friend. And how are you supposed to stay kind when a classmate refuses to stop teasing you? Even when it feels like the entire universe is throwing obstacles in her path, Ryan refuses to let anyone steal her sunshine. In this heartfelt and humorous story, you will see how she tackles the challenges of growing up, balancing shifting relationships, and finding her own voice. Ryan shows that no matter what goes wrong, you can always find a way to share a little joy with the people around you.
13-18 Years
163 Pages
N/A
/5
Ryan Hart has a name that means king, and she is determined to live up to it by being a true leader in every part of her life. She always tries to see the absolute best in people and strives to be the perfect daughter, sister, and friend. But lately, Ryan has a lot weighing on her mind. Her father finally landed a new job, but money remains incredibly tight, forcing her family to sell their second car and move into an older house. With her dad working the night shift and a terrifying fourth-grade talent show looming on the horizon, the pressure is building. As you dive into her world, you will watch Ryan navigate these unexpected setbacks with grace, wit, and plenty of resilience. Even when her older brother is completely infuriating or her parents do not quite understand her, she always discovers a way to move forward and create her own sunshine.
13-18 Years
240 Pages
N/A
/5
Ryan Hart is thrilled for summer vacation, looking forward to spending time with her loved ones and heading off to her very first sleepaway camp. But the summer brings unexpected challenges that test her signature sunny spirit. When a surprise camper arrives, Ryan quickly realizes how difficult it can be to share your best friend, especially with someone who is not treating you well. Back at home, she is anxiously waiting for her new baby sister to be born, secretly terrified that the new arrival will ruin the family dynamic. With so many shifts happening around her, Ryan must learn to stretch her patience and adapt to her evolving world. As you follow her journey, you will see how she tackles these hurdles head-on. This heartwarming story explores what it means to grow into a true leader, showing how you can cultivate love and maintain your brightness even when everything around you is changing.
13-18 Years
240 Pages
N/A
/5
With middle school rapidly approaching, Ryan Hart knows it is time to start looking toward her future instead of just plotting the next prank on her brother. During Black History Month, she dives deep into the lives of her ancestors and local Black pioneers, discovering the immense hopes they carried for her generation. This journey into the past forces Ryan to ask herself tough questions about who she wants to be and the legacy her family expects her to uphold. Drawing inspiration from the fierce ambitions of those who came before her, she sets out to turn her own dreams into reality. As you explore Ryan's evolving world, you will be inspired by her determination to grow up boldly and embrace her potential. This uplifting story beautifully captures the transition from childhood to young adulthood, reminding you that with enough courage and support, you can build the future you have always imagined.
13-18 Years
208 Pages
N/A
/5
Adrienne, Keesha, Michael, and Tommy have been best friends for as long as they can remember. Growing up on the same vibrant street in New Orleans, they spend every possible moment playing together in a community where everyone knows your name. But their carefree lives are abruptly shattered when news breaks of a massive storm heading straight for their city. As Hurricane Katrina strikes, the four friends are unexpectedly separated, each of their families forced to face the disaster in completely different ways. Suddenly, the only home they have ever known is swept away. Told through their alternating voices, you will experience the harrowing reality of the storm and its chaotic aftermath. This poignant story captures the fierce resilience of a fractured community, showing how the bonds of friendship can offer profound comfort and unyielding hope even in the darkest and most uncertain hours.
13-18 Years
40 Pages
N/A
/5
Step into a powerful celebration of Black girlhood where the intersections of race, class, and gender take center stage. Through a beautifully crafted collection of semi-autobiographical poems ranging from delicate haikus to sweeping free verse, you will explore the complex reality of growing up as a young Black woman. The verses offer intimate recollections of childhood in Portland, alongside tender and deeply moving odes to the resilient Black women who shape our lives. More than just a reflection on the past, this collection serves as an urgent and inspiring call to action, urging you to step boldly into your own power. As you read, you will find a guiding light that encourages a fierce sense of sisterhood, deep self-acceptance, and unshakeable confidence. It is a profound literary gift designed to help you embrace your future and carry the weight of your world with undeniable grace.
13-18 Years
96 Pages
N/A
/5
In the heart of 1945 Detroit, eleven-year-old Betty struggles to find a true sense of belonging in a house that rarely feels like a real home. Though she knows her mother loves her, an unshakable feeling of being unwanted constantly weighs her down. She finds her only solace in the local church, where powerful singing and fiery speeches from guest activists like Thurgood Marshall ignite a spark within her. Inspired by the passionate calls for African American rights, Betty steps up to volunteer for the Housewives League, throwing her energy into supporting Black-owned businesses. In this captivating story inspired by real events, you will witness the formative years of the girl who would eventually become the iconic Dr. Betty Shabazz. It is an incredibly moving portrait of a young woman overcoming deep personal challenges to discover her confidence, self-acceptance, and a fierce dedication to the civil rights movement.
13-18 Years
242 Pages
N/A
/5
Jump in:
Meet Jasmine and Chelsea, two best friends who go to school in a big city! They notice some things at school aren't fair, especially for girls, and they decide to do something about it. They start a special club where they can share their thoughts and feelings.
Why it pulls you in:
Jasmine and Chelsea love to write poems, stories, and make videos to show everyone what they believe. Many people online are excited about their club and ideas! But not everyone is happy, and some people start saying mean things. Soon, the grown-ups at school tell them they can't have their club anymore.
What to expect:
Will Jasmine and Chelsea give up when things get tough? No way! These brave friends know their voices are important. Join them as they learn to stand up for what's right, work together, and make sure everyone feels heard, even when it's hard. This story is about friendship, courage, and speaking up for fairness.
13-18 Years
400 Pages
N/A
/5
When a young student receives a family tree assignment in school, she feels stuck because she can only trace her history back three generations. But when Grandma gathers the whole family together, the student learns a powerful truth. Four hundred years ago, in 1619, their ancestors were stolen and brought to America. Before that, they had a beautiful home, a rich land, and their own language. Jump into a lyrical and deeply moving story that chronicles the history of Black resistance and survival in the United States. You will discover how the people said to be born on the water planted dreams, willed themselves to keep living, and learned new words for joy and family. This striking book provides a thoughtful pathway to reflect on the true origins of American identity.
6-8 Years
13-18 Years
49 Pages
N/A
/5
Stories of Being Young & Black in America
There is no single right way to be yourself, and this amazing collection of stories proves exactly that. You are invited to explore the lives of different kids from all across America, each experiencing their own unique journey of growing up Black. From sisters trying to get along at a summer camp in the woods to best friends hanging out and laughing on their walk home from the local pool, every story feels real and close to home.
You will meet characters living in big bustling cities and quiet country towns. Some are navigating the confusing feelings of a first crush, while others are discovering what it means to stand up for their own identities. These brilliant tales capture the everyday joys, tough moments, and strong family bonds that make each character's life so special.
Written by an all-star lineup of incredible authors, this book is a celebration of friendship, courage, and being exactly who you are. It is a wonderful reminder that your story is important, powerful, and more than enough.
9-12 Years
416 Pages
N/A
/5
