What Momma Left Me

Ways to Grow Love: Ryan Hart

The 1619 Project: Born on the Water

X: A Novel

Maya's Song

The Exact Location of Home

The Illustrated Mum

More to the Story

A timely and powerful story about a teen girl from a poor neighborhood striving for success, from acclaimed author Renée Watson.

Jade believes she must get out of her neighborhood if she’s ever going to succeed. Her mother says she has to take every opportunity. She has. She accepted a scholarship to a mostly-white private school and even Saturday morning test prep opportunities. But some opportunities feel more demeaning than helpful. Like an invitation to join Women to Women, a mentorship program for “at-risk” girls. Except really, it’s for black girls. From “bad” neighborhoods.

But Jade doesn’t need support. And just because her mentor is black doesn’t mean she understands Jade. And maybe there are some things Jade could show these successful women about the real world and finding ways to make a real difference.

Friendships, race, privilege, identity—this compelling and thoughtful story explores the issues young women face.

Discover Your Child's Next Read

What Momma Left Me

Renée Watson, 2010

Ways to Grow Love: Ryan Hart

Renée Watson, Niña Mata, 2021

The 1619 Project: Born on the Water

Nikkolas Smith, Renée Watson, Nikole Hannah-Jones, 2021

X: A Novel

Ilyasah Shabazz, Renée Watson, 2018

Maya's Song

Bryan Collier, Renée Watson, Vicki B. Williamson, 2022

The Exact Location of Home

Kate Messner, 2014

The Illustrated Mum

Jacqueline Wilson, 1999

More to the Story

Hena Khan, 2019