Why We Write

Renée Watson is a New York Times bestselling author, educator, and activist whose latest novel for teens is Watch Us Rise, co-written with Ellen Hagan. A native of Portland, Oregon, Renée writes books for kids and teens that reflect the diversity she often found missing in books when she was a child. She recently won the Coretta Scott King Award and a Newbury Honor for Piecing Me Together. Renée is also a community advocate and the founder of the I, Too, Arts Collective, based in the home of Langston Hughes. Renée is joined by fellow author and Lesley University faculty Tracey Baptiste. Read more about Renée at our podcast episode page.