Portland Author Renée Watson Wins Newbery Medal for 'All the Blues in the Sky'

Watson's book in verse is about a girl learning to hold her grief and joys at the same time.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Renée Watson, a Portland-based author, has won the prestigious John Newbery Medal for her 2025 middle-grade novel 'All the Blues in the Sky.' The book, written in verse, follows a 13-year-old girl named Sage who lives in Harlem and dreams of becoming a pilot as she navigates the loss of her best friend. Watson, who divides her time between Portland and New York, was surprised and overjoyed to receive the call from the Newbery Award Selection Committee informing her of the honor.

Why it matters

Winning the Newbery Medal is a major achievement in children's literature, as the award recognizes the most distinguished contribution to American literature for young readers. For Watson, the award holds special meaning, as her book explores themes of grief, joy, and resilience that she has personally experienced. Additionally, Watson is proud to represent Portland authors and to create stories that reflect the lives and experiences of young people in her community.

The details

In 'All the Blues in the Sky,' the protagonist Sage learns to 'hold her grief and also her joys and her dreams' after the sudden death of her best friend. Watson, who has authored or co-authored over 20 books that have sold more than 1 million copies, was unpacking from a trip when she received the call informing her of the Newbery win. Overcome with emotion, Watson thought of the loved ones she has lost, including her mother, grandmother, and poet Nikki Giovanni, who inspired her. The Newbery Medal is a natural culmination of the many honors Watson has already received, including a Newbery Honor Award, the Coretta Scott King Award, and the Golden Kite Award.

  • On January 26, 2026, the American Library Association announced that Renée Watson had won the 2026 Newbery Medal for her 2025 middle-grade novel 'All the Blues in the Sky'.
  • The Newbery Medal ceremony will take place in June 2026 in Chicago.

The players

Renée Watson

A Portland-based author who divides her time between Portland and New York City. She has authored or co-authored over 20 books that have sold more than 1 million copies, including the Newbery Honor-winning 'Piecing Me Together' and the Golden Kite Award-winning 'Ways to Make Sunshine.'

Sage

The 13-year-old protagonist of Watson's Newbery Medal-winning novel 'All the Blues in the Sky,' who lives in Harlem and dreams of becoming a pilot.

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What they’re saying

“This book is about loss, and I've been through so much of it recently. It just felt, I don't know. It was beautiful. It was a beautiful moment.”

— Renée Watson (Oregon ArtsWatch)

“The beautiful thing to me about winning the Newbery Medal is that your book stays in print forever. And so to know that young people have access to a story that will hopefully help them process change and loss and grief is so, so meaningful to me, because it truly is our common denominator.”

— Renée Watson (Oregon ArtsWatch)

What’s next

The Newbery Medal ceremony will take place in June 2026 in Chicago, where Watson will be honored for her achievement.

The takeaway

Renée Watson's Newbery Medal win for 'All the Blues in the Sky' is a testament to her talent as a writer and her commitment to creating stories that resonate with young readers, particularly those in her hometown of Portland. The award ensures that her poignant exploration of grief, joy, and resilience will be accessible to generations of children.