“When I learned the Spanish word for succeed, I thought it was kind of ironic that the word exit is embedded in it. Like the universe was telling me that in order for me to make something of this life,… — Renée Watson Copy Share Image
“The aroma from Mom’s chopped herbs and sprinkled spices swims through the house. The pots are shaking to a boil; the oven is warming.… — Renée Watson Copy Share Image
“I wonder if any of these boys ever sit in a room for boys' talk night and discuss how to treat women. Who teaches… — Renée Watson Copy Share Image
Picture books are more difficult for me because it is telling a huge story in the least amount of words. — Renee Watson Copy Share Image
One important thing I take away daily is that for all the talk about what youth are not doing - especially young people of… — Renee Watson Copy Share Image
“But when I leave? It happens again. The shattering. And this makes me wonder if a black girl's life is only about being stitched… — Renee Watson Copy Share Image
“I wonder how he felt at night. When the star-filled sky blanketed him, did he ever think about what his life was like before… — Renée Watson Copy Share Image
Post-publication I have been surprised at the limited resources publishers have to promote books. I certainly knew that being a new author, I would… — Renee Watson Copy Share Image
“Those girls are not the opposite of me. We are perpendicular. We may be on different paths, yes. But there’s a place where we… — Renée Watson Copy Share Image
I have always known that I wanted to work with youth through the arts and I believe the arts can help young people cope… — Renee Watson Copy Share Image
I have learned patience, for sure. Pre-publication is a long waiting game, especially for authors of picture books. We write the manuscript, sign the… — Renee Watson Copy Share Image
Once I became an adult and started to pursue writing as a professional career, I realized my main characters were always young people. My… — Renee Watson Copy Share Image
“Makes me feel like no matter how dressed up we are, no matter how respectful we are, some people will only see what they… — Renée Watson Copy Share Image
