Love Is a Revolution

One of the most radical things a Black girl can do is know that she is both worthy of love and deserving of joy. In Love Is a Revolution, Watson takes us on Nala's journey to claim her right to decide who she wants to be in a world that so often tries to fit Black girls into metaphorical boxes. It is deftly crafted, big-hearted, beautiful, funny, honest, and inspiring. * Nicola Yoon, award-winning and #1 New York Times bestselling author of EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING and THE SUN IS ALSO A STAR * Reading a Rene Watson novel is like having an intimate conversation with a friend (or, in this case, a cousin-sister-friend). Love Is a Revolution is a powerful look at a young Black girls journey to self-acceptance in all facets of her life, and a beautiful example of how communities become family. * Brandy Colbert, award-winning author of THE VOTING BOOTH * Rene Watson writes timeless fiction; Love Is A Revolution is more evidence of that indisputable fact. Nalas voice speaks to the hearts gentlest desires, and her journey is not just one readers will recognize, but one theyve likely lived, or are currently living. Either way, Watson is a deft navigator who never loses her way. * Lamar Giles, author of NOT SO PURE AND SIMPLE * This stunning book is the story Ive been waiting for my whole life; where girls rise up to claim their space with joy and power. I resolve to give a copy to every teenager I know! * Laurie Halse Anderson, New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of SPEAK and SHOUT on WATCH US RISE * An extraordinary story of two indomitable spirits, the power of friendship, and what leadership looks like in the hands of young people today, Watch Us Rise is the novel we all need right now. * Brendan Kiely, New York Times bestselling co-author of ALL AMERICAN BOYS and TRADITION on WATCH US RISE * Timely, thought-provoking, and powerful. Watch Us Rise is an immediate young adult classic. * Julie Murphy, New York Times bestselling author of DUMPLIN on WATCH US RISE * Watch Us Rise is a source of inspiration on every page and a remarkable story of the power of young people to make a difference. And its a great read. * Caroline Kennedy, bestselling author and editor of SHE WALKS IN BEAUTY on WATCH US RISE * Read this today. Give it to the young person in your life. It is an instruction manual to freedom and love and voice. It is a triumphant example of how literary arts and poetry intersect in our everyday lives and fortify the marrow of our survival. * Mahogany L. Browne, author of BLACK GIRL MAGIC and WOKE BABY on WATCH US RISE * A highly needed work for the #MeToo movement. . . . Watson and Hagan do not disappoint in this powerful story of two girls who take a stand against injustice while learning how to navigate a world that seeks to silence them. * SLJ, starred review, on WATCH US RISE * A manifesto for budding feminists . . . An inspiring look at two strong-willed teens growing into even stronger young women ready to use their voices and take on the world * Kirkus Reviews, starred review, on WATCH US RISE * This intersectional, layered novel . . . covers a wide breadth of topics--institutionalized racism, how we undermine young women, feminism in the modern age--with a clear message: Girls are going to come out on top. * Marie Claire on WATCH US RISE * Timely and timeless, Piecing Me Together is a book about the ways young people deal with the hardships and heartbreak of everyday living while remaining whole and true to themselves. * Jacqueline Woodson, National Book Award-winning author of BROWN GIRL DREAMING on PIECING ME TOGETHER * Watson, with rhythm and style, somehow gets at the toxicity of sympathy, the unquenchable thirst of fear, and the life-changing power of voice and opportunity, all wrapped up in Jade * Jason Reynolds, New York Times bestselling and award-winning coauthor of ALL AMERICAN BOYS on PIECING ME TOGETHER * An important and deeply moving no

Rene Watson is a New York Times bestselling author. Her novel, Piecing Me Together, received a Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King Award. Her books include Love is a Revolution, Ways to Make Sunshine, Some Places More Than Others, This Side of Home, What Momma Left Me, Betty Before X, co-written with Ilyasah Shabazz, and Watch Us Rise, co-written with Ellen Hagan, as well as two acclaimed picture books: A Place Where Hurricanes Happen and Harlems Little Blackbird, which was nominated for an NAACP Image Award. Rene grew up in Portland, Oregon, and splits her time between Portland and New York City. www.reneewatson.net @harlemportland (Instagram) @reneewauthor (Twitter)