Piecing Me Together

Description

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 she has. She accepted a scholarship to a mostly white private school and even Saturday morning test prep opportunities. But some opportunities feel more demeaning than helpful. Like an invitation to join Women to Women, a mentorship programme for 'at-risk' girls. Except really, it's for black girls. From 'bad' neighborhoods. And just because Maxine, her college-graduate mentor, is black, doesn't mean she understands Jade. And maybe there are some things Jade could show these successful women about the real world and finding ways to make a real difference.

Renee Watson is the acclaimed author of the teen novel This Side of Home, and two picture books: Harlem's Little Blackbird and A Place Where Hurricanes Happen, which was featured on NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams. Her middle-grade novel, What Momma Left Me, debuted as an ABA New Voices Pick. She lives in New York City. reneewatson.net @harlemportland (Instagram)

A thoughtful testament to the value of growth and of work, of speaking up and of listening, that will resonate with many readers engaged in 'discovering what we are really capable of.' -- starred review * BCCB * 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 * This unique and thought-provoking title offers a nuanced meditation on race, privilege, and intersectionality. -- starred review * School Library Journal * Watson's story explores a number of important ideas: the challenges and rewards of interracial friendships, the realities of racial stereotyping, and the expression of ideas and emotions through art ... Jade's is an important voice. * VOYA * A balancing act between class, race, and social dynamics, with Watson constantly undercutting stereotypes and showing no fear in portraying virtues along with vices. The book's defiance of a single-issue lens will surely inspire discussion and consideration. * Booklist * Questions of race, self-acceptance, and self-worth are the focus of this book and will give young women a chance to realize that they are worthwhile just being themselves ... all students ... would benefit from reading this book. * School Library Connection * Watson takes Jade on her own journey of self-discovery, one that readers will avidly follow. With each chapter preceded by a Spanish word or phrase, this involving, thought-provoking novel is a multifaceted and clear-eyed exploration into the intersections of race, class, and gender. * The Horn Book Magazine * Watson's elegantly crafted novel speaks to the myriad of people who find themselves searching for themselves in the world. Timely and timeless, Piecing Me Together is a book about the ways young people deal with the hardships and heartbreak of everyday living while remaining whole and true to themselves. There is a little bit of Jade in all of us. As she and the rest of Watson's characters jumped off the page and into my heart, I found myself again and again, remembering this. -- Jacqueline Woodson, National Book Award winning author of BROWN GIRL DREAMING 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 Watson, with rhythm and style, somehow gets at the toxicity of sympathy, the unquenchable thirst of fear, and the life-changing power of voice and opportunity, all wrapped up in Jade - the coolest young lady in the world. Or at least, in Portland, Oregon. Simply, Piecing Me Together is a book you'll want to hug! -- Jason Reynolds, award-winning co-author of ALL AMERICAN BOYS Writing with the artfulness and insights of African American teen-lit pioneers Rita Williams-Garcia, Angela Johnson, and Jacqueline Woodson, Watson shows Maya exploring concerns rarely made this accessible ... essential for all collections. -- starred review * Booklist on THIS SIDE OF HOME * Watson paints a thoughtful, powerful picture of the complications of contemporary African-American experience, especially when it rubs up against the hipster middle class. -- starred review * BCCB on THIS SIDE OF HOME * An intriguing look at how families and young people cope with community and personal change ... Here's hoping Watson's teen debut will be followed by many more. * Kirkus Reviews on THIS SIDE OF HOME * Watson delivers a well-rounded, delicate, and important story without sacrificing any heart. An engrossing and timely coming-of-age story. * SLJ on THIS SIDE OF HOME *