Love Is a Revolution

A delightful, joyous coming-of-age tale that features dynamic characters and a sweet romance, and it doesn't shy away from weighty social and political topics, all the while spinning the magic of Black Girl Joy.

Watson's deft ability to write characters that are relatable yet flawed offers readers a nuanced, non-saccharine love story.

Gr 7 Up--Nala Robertson has a three-pronged plan for the summer before her senior year. One--Find a new hairstyle. Two--Spend time with her cousin and best friend, Imani. Three--Find love. When she attends a talent show hosted by the community group that her cousin is involved in and meets the beautiful Tye Brown, it seems like Nala's summer is shaping up the way she intended. Who cares if she tells a few white lies to get the civically minded Tye to think more highly of her? But as the summer progresses and Nala's relationship with Tye deepens, she feels her cousin pulling away from her and starts to wonder how long she can keep up the ruse. This book explores many different forms of love: family, romantic, and self-love. Will Nala find the courage to love herself? The protagonist's subtle humor pulls readers in, and while she occasionally muses on what it might be like to be wanted by others, she never wallows in self-pity. Notably, Nala's self-image issues are not physical. She's big and beautiful and comfortable in her body. Instead, her concern lies with her accomplishments, or what she perceives as a lack thereof. The cast of Black characters shines; each character is well-developed and relatable, even when they're not particularly likable. VERDICT In a time where books about teen activists, including Watson's own Watch Us Rise, are plentiful and teens try to make the world a better place, this title sends the necessary message that sometimes it's okay if the person you save is yourself.--Mimi Powell, Lib. Systs. and Svcs., Kissimmee, FL

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Through the misadventures of Black 17-year-old Nala Robertson, Watson (Ways to Make Sunshine) pens a love letter to community, family, and self-love. Tired of being compared to her overachieving "cousin-sister-friend" Imani, Nala, who is plus-size, just wants to be loved. But when Nala meets Tye at a function for Inspire Harlem--a community service organization where Tye and Imani are members--Nala fears Tye won't like her if she acts like herself. So she lies, getting her close enough to her dream boy that sparks fly. But the more time Nala spends with Tye, the more she wants him to love her for who she really is--just as soon as she figures out what that looks like. Watson excels at creating well-meaning teen characters laboring under peer pressure and parental expectations. Interspersed with Nala's heartfelt lists for living and resonant song lyrics by her favorite fictional musician, the messy complexity of Nala's internal life, including her deception and judgement of others, makes for a read that's simultaneously relatable and frustrating. While Nala's unwillingness to be authentic makes her relationship a hard sell, Nala herself has the makings of an appreciably flawed character blazing her own distinctive path, however many mistakes that takes. Ages 13-up. Agent: Rosemary Stimola, Stimola Literary. (Feb.)

Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

"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

"An absolutely stunning novel. Renée Watson does not miss." - Elizabeth Acevedo, New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of The Poet X

"Reading a Renée 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 girl's 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

"Renée Watson writes timeless fiction; Love Is A Revolution is more evidence of that indisputable fact. Nala's voice speaks to the heart's gentlest desires, and her journey is not just one readers will recognize, but one they've 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

"Teen and tween readers questioning their own identities and places in the world should connect with Watson's meaningful social and environmental themes. . . . [A] warm and hopeful story." - Shelf Awareness, starred review

"Readers who have struggled with identifying who they are or who they're supposed to be, navigating evolving relationships or practicing "radical self-love" will find Love Is a Revolution to be an inspiring guide—not to mention a delightful read." - BookPage

"The ever-gifted Watson skillfully portrays Nala's anxiety about being the odd one out in a social group." - BCCB

"This stunning book is the story I've 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 it's 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 novel. Highly recommended." - John Green, New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of THE FAULT IN OUR STARS on PIECING ME TOGETHER

"An honest look at how girls stitch together their talents to find their voice and power. 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

"Teeming with compassion and insight, Watson's story trumpets the power of artistic expression to re-envision and change the world." - Publishers Weekly, starred review, on PIECING ME TOGETHER

"A timely, nuanced, and unforgettable story about the power of art, community, and friendship." - Kirkus Reviews, starred review, on PIECING ME TOGETHER

"This unique and thought-provoking title offers a nuanced meditation on race, privilege, and intersectionality." - SLJ, starred review, on PIECING ME TOGETHER

"A thoughtful testament to the value of growth and of work, of speaking up and of listening, that will resonate with many readers engaged in 'discovering what we are really capable of.' " - BCCB, starred review, on PIECING ME TOGETHER