When Renée Watson steps into a book reading at Vernon Elementary in Northeast Portland, the students sit a little taller. Their eyes brighten.

Vernon is where it all began for Watson–the winner of the 2026 Newbery Medal, the nation’s top prize in children’s literature. She’s also a #1 New York Times bestselling writer whose books have sold more than one million copies.

In the 2nd grade, Watson remembers writing a 21-page story at home and bringing it to her teacher, Ms. Tupper.

“Ms. Tupper was like, wow, I think you’re gonna be a writer one day,” Watson told the students.

“I think it is such an honor to write for young people. I don’t take it lightly,” she said.

Her first novels began as short stories that she wrote as a student at Jefferson High School.

In her late 20s, as a college student at The New School in New York City, a door opened on her dream to write. One day, a professor asked to speak with her after class. A classmate lingered nearby — someone Watson assumed was simply being nosy. The classmate turned out to be an editor at Random House, who happened to be taking the class. She said she admired Watson’s work and connected her to the people who helped her begin her journey as a writer.

Early in her career, she was told that books with dark-skinned Black girls on the cover “don’t sell.”

“I’ve had to advocate — not just for the stories, but for the images,” she said. “I want girls to see a reflection of themselves.”

The Joys and Struggles of Growing Up in Portland

Watson speaks often about the community that raised her and the women who kept watch over the neighborhood.

*****

a black girl gives thanks

for the aunties by blood & by choice

who knew how to give warning

by look or clearing throat

or sitting forward just enough

to get the point across

*****

a black girl gives thanks

by Renée Watson

“I love Portland, but there were times when Portland broke my heart,” she said.

“In some ways I was hyper-visible, my Blackness, my bigness, and then I was invisible because they didn’t want to hear the girl from Northeast Portland speak.”

In her book Black Girl You Are Atlas, she refers to a science teacher who “is blind to my brilliance.”

*****

can’t believe i pass the test with an A

when all the white kids fail

and when she says to the white students,

“you ought to be ashamed of yourselves…”

what she really wants to say is, “i can’t believe this Black girl

is smarter than you.”

*****

Black Like Me

by Renée Watson

Inspiring Bravery

Watson’s stories inspire young girls to step into their power and to be their best selves, whether it’s using their gifts to the fullest or speaking out against gossip or injustice.

Her writing teacher from Jefferson High School, Linda Christensen, says she later enjoyed teaching Watson’s books because they’re uplifting.

Watson’s empowering messages are sinking in.

“I used to think I wasn’t pretty,” said 7th grader Kamiyah Goggans. “But then she taught me how we are beautiful and we need to, you know, stand up for ourselves.”

8th grader Sydnee Littleton left Watson’s visit with one piece of advice ringing in her head: “Be comfortable in your skin.”

Watson’s next book Everything New Again appears on bookshelves in October. It’s a young adult novel about first love and finding yourself.

News Source : https://www.opb.org/article/2026/04/02/renee-watson-newbery-medal-portland-oregon-author/