Children's book Author

Renée Watson

Biography

Renée Watson grew up in Portland Oregon, came to New York for her degree in writing, and now teaches poetry in the New York City Schools. Her books include Betty Before X, Harlem’s Little Blackbird: The Story of Florence Mills, A Place Where Hurricanes Happen, and What Momma Left Me which debuted as the New Voice for 2010 in middle grade fiction by The Independent Children’s Booksellers Association.

All the Blues in the Sky
Summer Is Here
Black Girl You Are Atlas
Ways to Build Dreams
Ways to Share Joy
Oprah Winfrey
The 1619 Project: Born on the Water
Ways to Grow Love
The latest

Renée's most recent book

All the Blues in the Sky
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · February 4, 2025

All the Blues in the Sky

By Renée Watson

A girl's thirteenth birthday turns tragic, leading her on a journey through grief and healing.

Newbery Medal (2026)
182 pages· 17,150 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.4/5 Goodreads · 4,365 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Reader favorites

Most Popular Renée Watson Books

All the Blues in the Sky

Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2025

A girl's thirteenth birthday turns tragic, leading her on a journey through grief and healing.

The 1619 Project: Born on the Water

Picture Book · Ages 7–10 · 2021

A student uncovers her family's hidden past, revealing a legacy of resilience and hope from 1619.

Piecing Me Together

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2017

A girl seeks her voice in a world that labels her 'at-risk.'

Ways to Make Sunshine
#1 in Series
Sale price
$1697

Ways to Make Sunshine

Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2020

A young girl navigates the challenges of growing up and finding her place in the world.

Summer Is Here

Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2024

A perfect summer day unfolds with endless joy and wonder.

Black Girl You Are Atlas

Chapter Book · Ages 12–+ · 2024

Explore the journey of Black girlhood through poetry and art.

At a glance

Book Stats

14

Authored

0

Illustrated

10

Collaborators

Picture books

3

Chapter books

11

Publishing timeline

Books published each year, stacked by book type.

Book mix

The share of the catalog represented by each book type.

Complete bibliography

All Renée Watson Books

Every title in the Bookroo library, ordered from newest to oldest.

All the Blues in the Sky
Sale price
$1697

All the Blues in the Sky

Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2025

A girl's thirteenth birthday turns tragic, leading her on a journey through grief and healing.

Summer Is Here
Sale price
$1797

Summer Is Here

Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2024

A perfect summer day unfolds with endless joy and wonder.

Black Girl You Are Atlas
Sale price
$1797

Black Girl You Are Atlas

Chapter Book · Ages 12–+ · 2024

Explore the journey of Black girlhood through poetry and art.

Sale price
$1697

Ways to Build Dreams

Chapter Book · Ages 4–8 · 2023

Ryan Hart explores her roots and dreams of her future during Black History Month.

Ways to Share Joy

Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2022

A young girl navigates the challenges of growing up, friendships, and family relationships.

Oprah Winfrey

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2021

Defy expectations and chase dreams—Oprah Winfrey's journey to media stardom.

The 1619 Project: Born on the Water
Sale price
$1797

The 1619 Project: Born on the Water

Picture Book · Ages 7–10 · 2021

A student uncovers her family's hidden past, revealing a legacy of resilience and hope from 1619.

Sale price
$1597

Ways to Grow Love

Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2021

A young girl navigates the challenges of growing up, including a new baby sister, summer camp, and friendships.

Sale price
$1697

Ways to Make Sunshine

Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2020

A young girl navigates the challenges of growing up and finding her place in the world.

Some Places More Than Others

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

A birthday trip to Harlem reveals family secrets and unexpected connections.

Betty Before X

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2018

A young girl finds her voice amidst civil rights struggles in 1945 Detroit.

Piecing Me Together
Sale price
$1797

Piecing Me Together

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2017

A girl seeks her voice in a world that labels her 'at-risk.'

Harlem's Little Blackbird

Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2012

A singer's voice rises above prejudice, championing equality on Broadway.

What Momma Left Me
Sale price
$1697

What Momma Left Me

Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2010

A girl navigates secrets and family upheaval, seeking love's healing power.

Creative company

Collaborators

The authors and illustrators who share the credits across Renée Watson's books.

01

Nina Mata

Illustrator / 4 shared books

Bookroo

Book Clubs

Follow Bookroo