School Library Journal calls EVERYTHING NEW AGAIN by Renée Watson “a powerful coming-of-age story rooted in nature, history, and self-discovery” in starred review

★ Everything New Again by Renée Watson
Bloomsbury YA. Oct. 2026.

“Gr 8 Up– A poignant novel exploring love, friendship, and loss through the lives of two teens whose growing bond guides them toward their futures. Bliss, 17, lives what others see as an unusual life in Larch Heights, a small town in eastern Oregon surrounded by larch trees. Her family, one of the few Black families in town, owns and lives above the local funeral home. Classmates, unable to understand her world, call her “death’s daughter.” Despite this, Bliss embraces her life, viewing death not with fear but as a natural part of existence. Still, she longs to leave her town and discover more. That desire deepens when she meets Solomon, a 17-year-old newcomer searching for the mother who left him. As a biracial (Black/white) teen, he understands what it means to feel different and misunderstood. Together, Bliss and Solomon find connection, comfort, and the possibility of truly being seen. Nature shapes the novel, especially the larch trees that symbolize rebirth, resilience, and a link between the physical and spiritual worlds. These themes mirror Bliss and Solomon’s journeys as they navigate identity and being Black in predominantly white spaces. Historical elements highlight the resilience of Black settlers who shaped the community, adding depth to the story. As they face questions about identity, family, and the future, Bliss and Solomon support and challenge each other.

VERDICT A powerful coming-of-age story rooted in nature, history, and self-discovery.”

–Margaret Auguste, School Library Journal