Piecing Me Together

I received this ARC from Publisher for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

A timely and powerful story about a teen girl from a poor neighborhood striving for success, from acclaimed author Renée Watson.

Jade believes she must get out of her neighborhood if she’s ever going to succeed. Her mother says she has to take every opportunity. 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 program for “at-risk” girls. Except really, it’s for black girls. From “bad” neighborhoods.

But Jade doesn’t need support. And just because her 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.

Friendships, race, privilege, identity—this compelling and thoughtful story explores the issues young women face.

My Thoughts:

I am honestly confused as to why I’m not seeing more people raving about this book. It’s incredible. It has multiple starred reviews, including one from Kirkus! What this tells me is that I need to look at who I follow on twitter and expand that list.

Jade is such a great character. Her voice is compelling and unique and so, so important. I loved seeing the world through her eyes. She’s from a “bad” neighborhood and is working hard to make her way out. She has a scholarship to mostly white private school and has been given opportunities through that. When she is recommended for a mentoring program Jade is surprised. Sure, her family doesn’t have much money and her mom works a lot. However, she’s not alone in the world. Her mother is present in her life and pushes her to be her best.

This book really challenges so many stereotypes and prejudices people hold about things like race, poverty, and even being plus sized. Yes, Jade’s family is poor and she sometimes needs a little help (like the scholarship.) This doesn’t mean she isn’t capable of helping others or that she has nothing to offer. Many of the well meaning adults in her life (both at school and through the mentorship program) look at Jade and see “poor” or “black” or “overweight.” They make assumptions about her and her life and don’t see all she has to offer. She is smart and a talented artist. She tutors other students and wants to make a difference in the world. I loved seeing her find her voice and make them see her for who she is.

There are so many other things I loved about this book… the exploration of friendships and relationships in general, Jade’s art, how it deals with issues of racial profiling/police brutality, the look at families. It’s all just really powerful.

I cannot recommend Piecing Me Together by Renee Watson enough. An excellent read.

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