Renee Watson Press Reviews
One of the most radical things a Black girl can do is know that she is both worthy of love and deserving of joy. In Love Is a Revolution, Watson takes us on Nala's journey to claim her right to decide who she wants to be in a world that so often tries to fit Black girls into metaphorical boxes. It is deftly crafted, big-hearted, beautiful, funny, honest, and inspiring. - Nicola Yoon, award-winning and #1 New York Times bestselling author of EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING and THE SUN IS ALSO A STAR
Reading a Renee Watson novel is like having an intimate conversation with a friend (or, in this case, a cousin-sister-friend). Love Is a Revolution is a powerful look at a young Black girl's journey to self-acceptance in all facets of her life, and a beautiful example of how communities become family. - Brandy Colbert, award-winning author of THE VOTING BOOTH
Renee Watson writes timeless fiction; Love Is A Revolution is more evidence of that indisputable fact. Nala's voice speaks to the heart's gentlest desires, and her journey is not just one readers will recognize, but one they've likely lived, or are currently living. Either way, Watson is a deft navigator who never loses her way. - Lamar Giles, author of NOT SO PURE AND SIMPLE
This stunning book is the story I've been waiting for my whole life; where girls rise up to claim their space with joy and power. I resolve to give a copy to every teenager I know! - Laurie Halse Anderson, New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of SPEAK and SHOUT on WATCH US RISE
An extraordinary story of two indomitable spirits, the power of friendship, and what leadership looks like in the hands of young people today, Watch Us Rise is the novel we all need right now. - Brendan Kiely, New York Times bestselling co-author of ALL AMERICAN BOYS and TRADITION on WATCH US RISE
Timely, thought-provoking, and powerful. Watch Us Rise is an immediate young adult classic. - Julie Murphy, New York Times bestselling author of DUMPLIN' on WATCH US RISE
Watch Us Rise is a source of inspiration on every page and a remarkable story of the power of young people to make a difference. And it's a great read. - Caroline Kennedy, bestselling author and editor of SHE WALKS IN BEAUTY on WATCH US RISE
Read this today. Give it to the young person in your life. It is an instruction manual to freedom and love and voice. It is a triumphant example of how literary arts and poetry intersect in our everyday lives and fortify the marrow of our survival. - Mahogany L. Browne, author of BLACK GIRL MAGIC and WOKE BABY on WATCH US RISE
A highly needed work for the #MeToo movement. . . . Watson and Hagan do not disappoint in this powerful story of two girls who take a stand against injustice while learning how to navigate a world that seeks to silence them. - SLJ, starred review, on WATCH US RISE
A manifesto for budding feminists . . . An inspiring look at two strong-willed teens growing into even stronger young women ready to use their voices and take on the world - Kirkus Reviews, starred review, on WATCH US RISE
This intersectional, layered novel . . . covers a wide breadth of topics--institutionalized racism, how we undermine young women, feminism in the modern age--with a clear message: Girls are going to come out on top. - Marie Claire on WATCH US RISE
Timely and timeless, Piecing Me Together is a book about the ways young people deal with the hardships and heartbreak of everyday living while remaining whole and true to themselves. - Jacqueline Woodson, National Book Award-winning author of BROWN GIRL DREAMING on PIECING ME TOGETHER
Watson, with rhythm and style, somehow gets at the toxicity of sympathy, the unquenchable thirst of fear, and the life-changing power of voice and opportunity, all wrapped up in Jade - Jason Reynolds, New York Times bestselling and award-winning coauthor of ALL AMERICAN BOYS on PIECING ME TOGETHER
An important and deeply moving novel. Highly recommended. - John Green, New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of THE FAULT IN OUR STARS on PIECING ME TOGETHER
An honest look at how girls stitch together their talents to find their voice and power. Renee Watson is a top-rate storyteller about what impacts young women today. - Meg Medina, award-winning author of BURN BABY BURN on PIECING ME TOGETHER
Teeming with compassion and insight, Watson's story trumpets the power of artistic expression to re-envision and change the world. - Publishers Weekly, starred review, on PIECING ME TOGETHER
A timely, nuanced, and unforgettable story about the power of art, community, and friendship. - Kirkus Reviews, starred review, on PIECING ME TOGETHER
This unique and thought-provoking title offers a nuanced meditation on race, privilege, and intersectionality. - SLJ, starred review, on PIECING ME TOGETHER
A thoughtful testament to the value of growth and of work, of speaking up and of listening, that will resonate with many readers engaged in 'discovering what we are really capable of.' - BCCB, starred review, on PIECING ME TOGETHER
A fantastic book that shows self-love is just as important as love for another. Nala's family is delightfully unconventional but no less loving. Watson has not only created a relatable and inspiring protagonist, but a whole community of wonderful characters with something to unique to say. - Muhammed Khan, author of I Am Thunder
A warm, engaging story that feels steeped in authenticity. It depicts the ups and downs of friendships, family and the sweet flushes of first love. Yet, above all, Love is a Revolution shows the importance of truly settling into your own identity. Nala's journey is fun, relatable and wonderfully empowering. - Sareeta Domingo
This is a story that subverts tired stereotypes - both in fiction and real life - surrounding body image, self-worth and the ways teenagers are pigeonholed as they grow up ... A lovely, relatable read for fans of contemporary YA - Culturefly
This loving family of Jamaican origin comes across strongly, and the food and clothes are important, but hair and how to style it is even more so: braiding or straightening take a long time, with opportunity for chatting - Books For Keeps
