The biography highlights the life of Cicely Tyson, an iconic actress known for her powerful roles in films like The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman and Roots. Born in New York City to Caribbean parents, Tyson's journey of self-discovery led her to shine brightly in the film industry, where she made a lasting impact. Through lyrical prose and the rich history of Black America, Renée Watson introduces young readers to Tyson's inspiring legacy, making it a meaningful read for both children and adults, especially during Women's and Black History Months.
Renée Watson Book order






- 2024
- 2024
Follows a young girl enjoying fun and exciting activities on a perfect summer day.
- 2024
A thoughtful celebration of Black girlhood by award-winning author and poet Renée Watson.
- 2022
Maya's Song
- 48 pages
- 2 hours of reading
From bestselling, award-winning creators Ren�e Watson and Bryan Collier comes a stunningly crafted picture book chronicling the life of poet and activist Maya Angelou.This unforgettable picture book introduces young readers to the life and work of Maya Angelou, whose words have uplifted and inspired generations of readers. The author of the celebrated autobiography I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Maya was the first Black person and first woman to recite a poem at a presidential inauguration, and her influence echoes through culture and history. She was also the first Black woman to appear on the United States quarter.Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King Author Award winner Ren�e Watson uses Angelou's beloved medium of poetry to lyrically chronicle her rich life in a deeply moving narrative. Vivid and striking collage art by Caldecott Honor recipient and Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award winner Bryan Collier completes this unforgettable portrait of one of the most important American artists in history.Maya's momma was right.Maya was a preacher, a teacher.A Black girl whose voicechased away darkness, ushered in light.
- 2021
Inspired by the #1 New York Times bestseller She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger, a chapter book series about women who stood up, spoke up and rose up against the odds--including Oprah Winfrey! In this chapter book biography by Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King Award-winning author Renée Watson, readers learn about the amazing life of Oprah Winfrey--and how she persisted. When Oprah Winfrey was growing up, her family expected her to become a maid like her grandmother. But she had different dreams. She went after them and turned her dreams into reality, becoming a media superstar and inspiring countless other people along the way. Complete with an introduction from Chelsea Clinton, black-and-white illustrations throughout, and a list of ways that readers can follow in Oprah Winfrey's footsteps and make a difference! A perfect choice for kids who love learning and teachers who want to bring inspiring women into their curriculum. And don’t miss out on the rest of the books in the She Persisted series, featuring so many more women who persisted, including Harriet Tubman, Ruby Bridges, Coretta Scott King, and more! Praise for She Persisted: Oprah Winfrey: * "This is a lively introduction to the life of a woman who beat many odds to become successful. . . . A highly recommended addition to this stellar series." --Kirkus Reviews, *STARRED REVIEW* "A must purchase for all libraries." --School Library Journal
- 2021
Ways to Grow Love
- 240 pages
- 9 hours of reading
In the summer before fifth grade, Ryan Hart continues to grow through changes and challenges, such as waiting for a new baby sister to be born, a summer camp trip, and more.--
- 2021
A powerful YA account of Malcolm X's adolescent years in jail written by his daughter along with a winner of the 2019 Coretta Scott King-John Steptoe Award. No one can be at peace until he has his freedom.
- 2021
From New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Renée Watson comes a new YA novel - a love story about not only a romantic relationship but how a girl finds herself and falls in love with who she really is. 'Reading a Renée Watson novel is like having an intimate conversation with a friend' Brandy Colbert 'deftly crafted, big-hearted, beautiful, funny, honest, and inspiring' Nicola Yoon When Nala Robertson reluctantly agrees to attend an open mic night for her cousin-sister-friend Imani's birthday, she finds herself falling in instant love with Tye Brown, the MC. He's perfect, except . . . Tye is an activist and is spending the summer putting on events for the community when Nala would rather watch movies and try out the new seasonal flavors at the local creamery. In order to impress Tye, Nala tells a few tiny lies to have enough in common with him. As they spend more time together, sharing more of themselves, some of those lies get harder to keep up. As Nala falls deeper into keeping up her lies and into love, she'll learn all the ways love is hard, and how self-love is revolutionary. In Love Is a Revolution, plus size girls are beautiful and get the attention of the hot guys, the popular girl clique is not shallow but has strong convictions and substance, and the ultimate love story is not only about romance but about how to show radical love to the people in your life, including to yourself.
- 2019
From New York Times bestselling and multi award-winning author Renée Watson comes a heartwarming and inspiring middle grade novel about finding deep roots and exploring the past, the present, and the places that make us who we are. 'Some of the places I am still getting to know, some of these places I have known all my life. All of these places made me, are making me.' All Amara wants for her birthday is to visit her father's family in New York City - Harlem. She can't wait to finally meet her Grandpa Earl and cousins in person, and to stay in the brownstone where her father grew up. Maybe this will help her understand her family - and herself - in a new way. But New York City is not exactly what Amara thought it would be. It's noisy, crowded, confusing, and her cousins can be mean. Plus her father is too busy working to spend time with her and too angry to fix his relationship with Grandpa Earl. Amara can't help wondering, even if she does discover more about where she came from, will it help her know where she belongs?
- 2019
After the death of their mother, thirteen-year-old Serenity Evans and her younger brother go to live with their grandparents, who try to keep them safe from bad influences and help them come to terms with what has happened to their family. Includes recipe for red velvet cake.