Piecing Me Together

 

Watson, Renee. (2017). Piecing Me Together. Bloomsbury USA Children ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-

   1681191058

Synopsis:

Acclaimed author Renee Watson offers a powerful story about a girl striving for success in a world that too often seems like it's trying to break her.

Jade believes she must get out of her poor neighborhood if she's ever going to succeed. Her mother tells her to take advantage of every opportunity that comes her way. And Jade has: every day she rides the bus away from her friends and to the private school where she feels like an outsider, but where she has plenty of opportunities. But some opportunities she doesn't really welcome, like an invitation to join Women to Women, a mentorship program for "at-risk" girls. Just because her mentor is black and graduated from the same high school doesn't mean she understands where Jade is coming from. She's tired of being singled out as someone who needs help, someone people want to fix. Jade wants to speak, to create, to express her joys and sorrows, her pain and her hope. Maybe there are some things she could show other women about understanding the world and finding ways to be real, to make a difference.

My Review:

 This is a great book to open discussion about fears, pushing ourselves, race and so much more. I think this book is well written and a great example of what it would be like to be African American at a largely white private school. Jade is considered right away as “at risk”, why just because of her race, or because she is from a rough side of town? I think that Jade is relatable in multiple ways and not just for other African Americans. I think the big question of “Will she ever feel whole?”, is something that we are all looking for in life. I enjoyed this book as it is one you learn what it is like for an African American girl in our time but also makes you think about relatable aspects of your life.

Awards/Reviews:

Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King Author Award Winner
New York Times bestseller
"Timely and timeless." --Jacqueline Woodson
"Important and deeply moving." --John Green

NPR’s Best Books of 2017
A 2017 New York Public Library Best Teen Book of the Year
Chicago Public Library’s Best Books of 2017
A School Library Journal Best Book of 2017
Kirkus Reviews’ Best Teen Books of 2017

"A nuanced story about girls navigating the landmines of others’ good intentions, Piecing Me Together will make readers wrestle with every assumption they have about race, economic class, and so-called at-risk kids. An honest look at how girls stitch together their talents to find their voice and power. Renee Watson is a top-rate storyteller about what impacts young women today." - Meg Medina, award-winning author of BURN BABY BURN

"Jade’s narrative voice offers compelling reflections on the complexities of race and gender, class and privilege, and fear and courage, while conveying the conflicted emotions of an ambitious, loyal girl. Teeming with compassion and insight, Watson’s story trumpets the power of artistic expression to re-envision and change the world." - starred review, Publishers Weekly

"Through Jade's insightful and fresh narration, Watson presents a powerful story that challenges stereotypes about girls with 'coal skin and hula-hoop hips' who must contend with the realities of racial profiling and police brutality. . . . A timely, nuanced, and unforgettable story about the power of art, community, and friendship." - Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews

Connections:

-          Other books to read

o   The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

o   Watch Us Rise by Renee Watson and Ellen Hagan

o   Calling My Name by Lara Tamani

-          Bloomsbury discussion guide which offers podcasts, TED talks, and much more to reflect on.

-          Check out Renee Watson’s other books and website.