In her latest young adult novel, "Everything New Again," Newbery Award-winning author Renée Watson delves into themes of love, loss, and the complexities of starting over. Set in a small town in eastern Oregon, the story centers around Bliss, who helps run her family’s funeral home while grappling with what it means to truly live and to leave a meaningful legacy.
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Bliss’s journey intersects with that of Solomon, a boy working at his mother’s flower shop. During a winter break flower delivery, Solomon reveals his own struggles, particularly his feelings of abandonment by his mother. As their connection deepens, both characters learn that love can persist even after a relationship ends.
Watson chose to shift the setting from her previous works, which often featured cities like New York and Portland, to the fictional town of Larch Heights, inspired by La Grande, Oregon. This change allows her to highlight the role of small communities, local businesses, and Main Streets as integral parts of life.
The author has recently gained recognition, winning the Newbery Medal for "All the Blues in the Sky" and being named to the inaugural TIME Visionaries list, which acknowledges individuals making a significant impact in children's lives. Watson is noted for her ability to help young readers navigate complex emotions of grief while also encountering joy.
Currently, she is participating in the sold-out Portland Book Festival. On Sunday, November 8, she will hold a discussion with authors Vashti Harrison and Traci N. Todd from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Third Eye Books, located at 2518 SE 33rd Ave. in Portland. Tickets for the free event are still available for registration.