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Renée Watson, author portrait
© Shawnte Sims

Renée Watson

Renée Watson is a #1 New York Times bestselling author, educator, and community activist. Her books have sold over one million copies. Her young adult novel, Piecing Me Together (Bloomsbury, 2017), received a Coretta Scott King Award and a Newbery Honor. Her children's picture books and novels for teens have received several awards and international recognition. She has given readings and lectures at many places, including the United Nations, the Library of Congress, and the U.S. embassies in Japan and New Zealand. Her poetry and fiction center the experiences of Black girls and women, and explore themes of home, identity, and the intersections of race, class, and gender.

Ekua Holmes is a collage-based artist who investigates family histories, relationship dynamics, childhood impressions, and the power of hope, faith, and self-determination in her work. She has created and led workshops, been a visiting artist and lecturer, and held artist residencies throughout New England. For her work in illustrating children’s literature, Holmes is the recipient of a Caldecott Honor, Coretta Scott King’s John Steptoe New Talent Illustrator Award, Robert Siebert and Horn Book awards. She is also currently Commissioner and Vice-Chair of the Boston Art Commission, along with Associate Director at the Center for Art and Community Partnerships at MassArt.
Black Girl You Are Atlas
El Proyecto 1619: Nacieron sobre el agua
She Persisted: Oprah Winfrey
Harlem's Little Blackbird
The 1619 Project: Born on the Water
A Place Where Hurricanes Happen

Books

Black Girl You Are Atlas
El Proyecto 1619: Nacieron sobre el agua
She Persisted: Oprah Winfrey
Harlem's Little Blackbird
The 1619 Project: Born on the Water
A Place Where Hurricanes Happen

On Hulu Now – The 1619 Project

Nikole Hannah-Jones’s groundbreaking book which traces American history from the landing of the first slave ship on its shores, The 1619 Project, has been adapted into a moving Hulu docuseries. With a new episode airing every Thursday, the series aims to reframe American history through the lens of Black Americans’ experiences and explore how the

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Blue A History of the Color as Deep as the Sea and as Wide as the Sky

Discover a world of creativity and tradition in this fascinating picture book that explores the history and cultural significance of the color blue. From a critically acclaimed author and an award-winning illustrator comes a vivid, gorgeous book for readers of all ages. For centuries, blue powders and dyes were some of the most sought-after materials in

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Nina: A Story of Nina Simone on sale Sep 28, 2021

This illuminating and defining picture book biography illustrated by Caldecott Honoree Christian Robinson, tells the story of little Eunice who grew up to become the acclaimed singer Nina Simone and her bold, defiant, and exultant legacy. Check out the book trailer below!         Also Illustrated by Christian Robinson…

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1619 Project: A New Origin Story and Born on the Water to be Published in November

We are looking forward to the publication of THE 1619 PROJECT: A New Origin Story, created by Nikole Hannah-Jones and The New York Times Magazine, and The 1619 Project’s  BORN ON THE WATER by Nikole Hannah-Jones and Renée Watson, illustrated by Nikkolas Smith. The 1619 Project, which was launched in August 2019, has been one of the most

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Book of the Week: The Bench

Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex’s first children’s book, The Bench, beautifully captures the special relationship between father and son, as seen through a mother’s eyes. The book’s storytelling and illustration give us snapshots of shared moments that evoke a deep sense of warmth, connection, and compassion. This is your bench Where you’ll witness great joy.

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