Little, Brown to Publish #1 NYT Bestselling Author Renee Watson’s First Adult Novel, SKIN AND BONES!
April 3, 2023 - Bruce Nichols, publisher of Little, Brown and Company, announced today that Tracy Sherrod, VP/Executive Editor at Little, Brown and Company, has acquired North American rights to skin & bones, a debut adult novel by Renee Watson, #1 NYT Bestselling and award-winning author of books for young readers. The novel was sold by Rosemary Stimola of Stimola Literary Studio, in a major best-bid auction and it is scheduled for publication in 2024.
Set in Portland, Oregon, skin & bones is about who society makes space for, exploring themes of sisterhood, motherhood, history, race, faith, love, body image, and ultimately, what one generation passes down to the next.
Watson shares the story of Lena, a plus sized woman at a seemingly steady and stable moment in life--happy in love and in friendship-until her world suddenly shifts. At 40, Lena finds herself grieving a major loss while still responsible for a child and a meaningful work project on Oregon's Black history.
Tracy Sherrod said, "For several years I have been having soft conversations with Rene Watson about when she'd write a book for the adult market. It finally came when I least expected it and I am forever changed by the brilliant contents of skin & bones. I feel it will be an amazing gift to the world, speaking to painful issues that we've been unable to articulate-until now! Renee is a sensitive, thoughtful writer. It is a privilege to work with her.”
Renee Watson added, "For more than a decade, the characters of skin & bones have been tugging at my heart.
When an idea or character grabs hold of me and won't let go, I know I need to write it down, let the story live beyond my imagination. It is a deep honor to work with Tracy Sherrod, who has cultivated so many Black voices. I am delighted to have her guidance in introducing my debut adult novel into the world.”
Renée Watson is a #1 New York Times Bestselling author of books for young readers. Many of her books are inspired by her experiences growing up as a Black girl in the Pacific Northwest. Her poetry and fiction center around the experiences of Black girls and explore themes of home, identity, body image, and the intersections of race, class, and gender. Her young adult novels have received critical acclaim for featuring fat characters who are not trying to change their bodies but who are taking up space as the main character, not the side-kick friend, and living full, nuanced lives. Over the past decade, Rene has authored fifteen books, including award winners, Piecing Me Together and 1619 Project, Born on the Water. Readers have grown up with her, enjoying her picture books, middle grade, and young adult novels. Renée's adult fiction continues the conversation she's been having with readers, including educators, parents, and care givers, and introduces her to new ones. Renée splits her time between New York City and Portland, Oregon.
