What Momma Left Me

Rediscover Newbery Honor- and Coretta Scott King Author Award-winner Renée Watson's heart-rending debut, about one girl's journey to reconnect to joy.

Serenity 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 who makes her feel connected, and a boy who makes her feel seen. But when her brother starts making poor choices, her friend is keeping her own dangerous secret, and her grandparents put all of their trust in a faith that Serenity isn't sure she understands, it is the power of love that will repair her heart and keep her sure of just who she is.

Renée Watson's stunning writing shines in this powerful and ultimately uplifting novel.

“A heartbreaking and intense young adult novel. . . . Deftly conveys raw and accessible emotions. Thoughtful character development turns stereotypes on their head.” —Foreword Reviews, starred review

“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