I don't read a lot of middle grade books, but I enjoyed Watson's contribution to the YA title, WATCH US RISE, that I really wanted to see more of her work. Instagram || Twitter || Facebook || Amazon || Pinterest Renée graduated from The New School, where she studied Creative Writing and earned a certificate in Drama Therapy. She has facilitated poetry and theatre workshops with young girls coping with sexual and physical abuse, children who have witnessed violence, children coping with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and children who relocated to New York City after the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. One of Renée’s passions is using the arts to help youth cope with trauma. She also facilitates professional development workshops for teachers and artists. Renée has worked in public schools and community organizations as an artist in residence for several years, teaching poetry, fiction, and theater in Oregon, Louisiana, and New York City. When Renée is not writing and performing, she is teaching. Her poetry and articles have been published in Rethinking Schools, Theatre of the Mind and With Hearts Ablaze. Renée’s one woman show, Roses are Red, Women are Blue, debuted at New York City's Lincoln Center at a showcase for emerging artists. Her middle grade novel, What Momma Left Me debuted as the New Voice for 2010 in middle grade fiction by The Independent Children's Booksellers Association. A textured, warm and positive story, beautifully written and with a poetic feel.Renée Watson is the author of the children’s picture book, A Place Where Hurricanes Happen (Random House, June 2010), which was featured on NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams. Concepts of family history are neatly tied together with the extensive roots of black American history that are revealed to Amara, giving her a true sense of empowerment and identity. Renee Watson is an outstanding storyteller and Amara’s voice is clear and compelling. But it’s one with a powerful history that speaks deeply to Amara and leads to surprising revelations about people she loves and her own sense of self. Harlem, NY is very different from her home in Oregon and, arriving in the city, she’s plunged in a whole new world.
Perhaps she can untangle the web of secrets that’s got her family twisted into this knot, and help her father mend the past. What could make them so mad at each other?įor Amara, this makes the trip even more important. Until she discovers her dad hasn’t spoken to his dad, Grandpa Earl, for twelve years – not since the day she was born.
Amara desperately wants a trip to New York for her birthday, to meet her dad’s family and see where he grew up and she can’t understand why her parents are reticent about the trip.
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