Renée Watson

Renée Watson is a New York Times-bestselling author, educator, and activist. Her young adult novel, Piecing Me Together received a Coretta Scott King Award and Newbery Honor. Her books include Ways to Make Sunshine, Some Places More Than Others, This Side of Home, What Momma Left Me, Betty Before X, cowritten with Ilyasah Shabazz, and Watch Us Rise, cowritten with Ellen Hagan, as well as two acclaimed picture books: A Place Where Hurricanes Happen and Harlem’s Little Blackbird, which was nominated for an NAACP Image Award. Renée grew up in Portland, Oregon, and splits her time between Portland and New York City.

Purchase Ways to Make Sunshine from Green Bean Books, one of our Portland-based, independent bookstore partners HERE.

All books purchased through festival events, from Annie Bloom’s Books, BROADWAY BOOKS, Green Bean Books, or Powell’s Books support the authors and publishers who share their work at the festival and the booksellers who have worked hard to keep their businesses open during these difficult times. Please buy early and often and know that by purchasing books you are supporting the sustainability of the festival.