Everything New Again

by Renée Watson

#1 New York Times bestselling and Newbery Medal winning Renée Watson crafts a tender, romantic YA novel about beginnings and endings and new beginnings again.

Bliss knows there's more to life than what she's experienced in her small town. She's ready to be the girl who isn't just waiting anymore, who can make something happen. Working in her family's funeral home, she can't help but ponder what it means to truly live and what it takes to leave a lasting legacy. Her existential questions have labeled her the weird "funeral home girl" to most of her peers, except for her best friend, Alex, and the new boy visiting from Portland for winter break.

Solomon isn't put off by Bliss's musings. He has questions of his own, like why his mother abandoned him and if she ever did--or ever will--love him. He has come to visit for answers, and to work at his mom's flower shop, where he meets Bliss on a delivery to the funeral home.

Their chance meeting changes everything. As they open up to each other, share their hearts and experience something real, something new, they find that even if a relationship has an end, love can last forever.

Powerful, moving, and inspiring, Everything New Again is a story of first love perfect for fans of Jandy Nelson and Nicola Yoon, about falling in love and finding who you are--all at the same time.

Genres: Young Adult

304 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication October 13, 2026

Reviews

[Stacey Bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I became a fan of Renee Watson because of my book friend mrseloves2read and I have especially loved using some of her picture books with older students. I specifically enjoyed this novel because it expands into an older audience and I believe teens in that 13-15 year range who enjoy romance, would enjoy the story.

Told from two perspectives (Bliss & Solomon) over a Christmas break of fourteen days, we get to know both characters through a blossoming romance. There are some unique elements that keep us interested in their lives (the funeral home, the friendship with Alicia and Fernando, Solomon’s cousins and family, the travel tid bits in Portland as well a some discussion about black history and the logging industry that brought them there) and make us curious about where Bliss and Solomon’s stories might be headed next.

Romance is a hot genre with my students right now and this is one I can easily recommend. It will provide enough emotional content to explore those feelings and questions about first love, while providing the bombshells to tug at your heart and induce the tears.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy in return for my review.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first time reading one of Renée Watson’s books for older teens—I’ve read (and loved) her elementary-level books before. While this one wasn’t my favorite of hers, it still had a solid and meaningful storyline.

I really liked how the book alternated between the main characters’ points of view. It added a lot of depth and helped me connect more with what each character was going through. The themes felt very real and relatable, especially around growing up and figuring out who you are.

Overall, this wasn’t a standout favorite for me, but it’s still a good read—especially for teens who enjoy character-driven stories and multiple perspectives.

[Carlyn Morenus · Rating 3 out of 5]

I very much liked some aspects of this book -- the girl living in a funeral home, the blooming romance, the eastern Oregon setting. But there were several very didactic sections, especially when the characters are sight-seeing, that were very disappointing. I mean, in one place, the whole museum description is plunked into the book. No spoilers, but the ending may be a shock. So, a Black YA romance, but not without some significant flaws.

[Trisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed many aspects of this book, especially how the characters were strongly developed and the storyline kept the reader engaged. I also liked how the perspective of the story changed between the two main characters throughout the book. Towards the end of the book, I did find the storyline a little rushed and not as developed as the beginning of the novel. Overall, I found this to be an enjoyable read and one that others will enjoy also.

[Abby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Bloomsbury publishing for the free arc i love you!

Truly a simple read discussing how we shouldn’t take life seriously. To live in the moment and realize that we are all going to pass at some point and we never know when that moment will be.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another sweet book from Renee Watson. Characters are 17 and would be an appropriate read for 14 and up. I liked the switching back and forth between narrators, both of whom are new and nervous about a relationship.
Interesting family situations explored. Advanced copy via Netgalley