What Momma Left Me

Description

Serenity knows she is good at keeping secrets, and she's got a whole lifetime's worth of them. Her mother is dead, her father is gone, and starting life over at her grandparents' house is strange. Luckily, certain things seem to hold promise: a new friend, a new church, a new school. But when her brother starts making poor choices, and her grandparents believe in a faith that Serenity isn't sure she understands, it is the power of love that will keep her sure of just who she is. Renee Watson's stunning writing shines in this powerful and ultimately uplifting middle grade novel. An ABC New Voices Pick

RENEE WATSON is the acclaimed author of the teen novels Piecing Me Together and This Side of Home, and two picture books: Harlem's Little Blackbird and A Place Where Hurricanes Happen, which was featured on NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams. Her middle grade novel, What Momma Left Me debuted as an ABA New Voices Pick. She lives in New York City. www.reneewatson.net @harlemportland (Instagram)

[Serenity] discovers that individual moments in life, like the ingredients in her favorite red velvet cake, may be unsavory, but combined together they create a delicious experience. Warm, rich, and satisfying. * Kirkus Reviews * The author is a natural storyteller. . . . While the events, setting, and characters of this story are definitely contemporary, the tale is timeless. * VOYA * Serenity Evans is a strong African-American character who will resonate with girls who are facing transitions of their own, large or small. * School Library Journal * Timely and timeless. -- 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 novel. Highly recommended. -- John Green, New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of THE FAULT IN OUR STARS on PIECING ME TOGETHER Renee Watson is a top-rate storyteller about what impacts young women today. -- Meg Medina, award-winning author of BURN BABY BURN on PIECING ME TOGETHER