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Renee Watson

Piecing Me Together Kindle Edition

by RenÃ©e Watson (Author) Format: Kindle Edition

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

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.

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
2018 Josette Frank Award Winner

Length: 277 pages	Enhanced Typesetting: Enabled	Page Flip: Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 7 Up—High school junior Jade is an "at-risk" student from a rough neighborhood in Portland, OR. She is also a talented collage artist, and she attends an elite private school on scholarship. More than anything, she wants to go on a study abroad week offered at her school to use her Spanish skills. Instead, she is given an invitation to join Woman to Woman, a mentorship program for young women like her: poor and black. Her mentor, Maxine, is from a more privileged background, and Jade doesn't see what she can learn from her. But in spite of her early resistance to Maxine, Jade begins to open up and gain confidence, and, eventually, she is able to express the importance of her family, her community, and her art. The two strong female characters and the ways in which they struggle with and support each other form the center of this tale. Most young people will relate to Jade's search to find her voice and learn to advocate for herself in appropriate ways. The lack of a romantic lead may leave some young teen readers disappointed, but there is a real, refreshing strength in a fully fleshed-out female character whose story is her own. This is a memorable novel that demonstrates that a happy ending doesn't require a romantic subplot. VERDICT This unique and thought-provoking title offers a nuanced meditation on race, privilege, and intersectionality. A first purchase for YA collections.—Kristin Anderson, Columbus Metropolitan Library System, OH --This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition.

From the Inside Flap

Tous les jours, Jade quitte son quartier de Portland pour se rendre au lycée privé de l'autre côté de la ville, celui où vont les blancs et les noirs de milieu aisé mais aussi quelques filles comme Jade : noires, pauvres et brillantes. Elle ne s'y sent pas la bienvenue, loin de là. Jade se pose alors la question de sa vie : vaut-il mieux vivre la vie toute tracée qui l'attend ou défier son destin en entrant dans un monde dont elle ignore les codes ? --This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition.

From the Back Cover

Review

"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

"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, New York Times bestselling and award-winning coauthor of ALL AMERICAN BOYS

"An important and deeply moving novel. Highly recommended." - John Green, New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of THE FAULT IN OUR STARS

"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

"This unique and thought-provoking title offers a nuanced meditation on race, privilege, and intersectionality." - starred review, School Library Journal

"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

"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’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

"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

"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

--This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition.

About the Author

Renée Watson is the New York Times bestselling, Newbery Honor Book, and Coretta Scott King Award-winning author of Piecing Me Together, This Side of Home, What Momma Left Me, and Betty Before X, co-written with Ilyasah Shabazz, as well as two acclaimed picture books: A Place Where Hurricanes Happen and Harlem's Little Blackbird, which was nominated for an NAACP Image Award. She is the founder of I, Too, Arts Collective, a nonprofit committed to nurturing underrepresented voices in the creative arts, and currently lives in New York City.
www.reneewatson.net; @reneewauthor

--This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition.

ASIN : B01NGUHJSI
Publisher : Bloomsbury USA Childrens; 1st edition (February 14, 2017)
Publication date : February 14, 2017
Language: : English
File size : 1940 KB
Text-to-Speech : Enabled
Screen Reader : Supported
Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
X-Ray : Enabled
Word Wise : Not Enabled
Print length : 277 pages
Lending : Enabled

Best Sellers Rank: #137,977 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)

Customer Reviews:
1,460 ratings

Customer reviews

5 star		86%
4 star		9%
3 star		3%
2 star		1%
1 star		1%

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Top reviews from the United States

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Ronni Davis

Quiet and Powerful

Reviewed in the United States on September 15, 2017

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This book is quiet, yet powerful.

I love that I was able to just *be* with Jade.

It's so nice to read a story about a black girl that's not high stakes, drama driven, full of black pain. Instead, we are given glimpses into Jade's world, her life, her mind. And those glimpses help us journey along with Jade as she grows strong and becomes brave enough to use her voice.

I wish I'd had this when I was a teen.

I'm glad I have it now.

It'll stay with me for a long time.

80 people found this helpful

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kirtida gautam

White people can handle black sadness better than black anger

Reviewed in the United States on January 23, 2018

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"It's good to know someone knows your story, that someone took you in. It's how we heal."

Piercing Me Together depicts how the politics of privilege and lack of privilege works in arts and in life. How people are forced into blocks and categories, and how the gate-guarding of these categories operate. Inside out. Outside In.

My favorite Lines:
* Why do people who can afford anything they want get stuff for free all the time?
* Traveling changes you. It opens you up in ways you'd never imagine, and it makes you appreciate home.
* I hope one day my family gets to a place where we can be thankful just to be thankful and not because we've compared ourselves to someone who has less than we do.
* I think the US has a lot to be thankful for and a lot to apologize for.
* Those girls are not the opposite of me. We are perpendicular. We may be on different paths, yes. But there's a place where we touch, where we connect and are just the same.
* Here I am, so focused on learning to speak another language, and I barely use the words I already know.
* Prayers ain't nothing but the poor man's drug.
* I think white people can handle black sadness better than black anger.
* When we misunderstand each other, we listen again. And again.

69 people found this helpful

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BklynReader17

Good Intentions are not enough

Reviewed in the United States on December 22, 2017

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I don't remember what made me pick up this book - a review or mention - but I had it sitting on my Kindle and in my quest to stop buying when I have unread books began to read without expectations. The story drew me in immediately. The character, her situation, the well meaning mentor its all so well written and one can't help but to root for everyone to figure out how to do good better. This is an awesome book that I think has a secondary audience through volunteer organizations who should have their members read and discuss amongst themselves when working with young people.

24 people found this helpful

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Elizabeth

My sixth grader and I enjoyed reading it together

Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2018

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Read this book as part of a mother-daughter book club. My sixth grader and I enjoyed reading it together, it brought up many topics for conversation (race, poverty, art, standing up for yourself, friendship...). It's beautifully written and I think the cover is amazing.

23 people found this helpful

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Stephanie McCallTop Contributor: Harry Potter

This Book Took a Piece of My Heart--and That's Great

Reviewed in the United States on June 3, 2020

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Piecing Me Together is one of those books that gives me...thoughts. Of course, all good books make you think in some way, even if they primarily entertain you. But Piecing Me Together is one of those where, if I don't get the thoughts out, they're going to stay tingling in my hands and elbows and chest until I get heartburn and start to feel that my skin is the only thing keeping me from going everywhere at once.

Ah-heh-hem.

I didn't actually set out to read this book. I'm in my thirties, it's a YA novel, and I feel like I should be "too old" for YA. But the summary fascinated me when I first found it a year ago. And then, after the death of George Floyd, I reached out to a couple of black friends, asking them to help me understand, because I want to get beyond "I have black friends." Being a bookworm, having a physical disability that means I can't drive or do many activities, reading also felt like a good way to do this. So here I am.

I have to say, I'm still a bit gobsmacked. The book itself, as a book, is great. Jade Butler is an authentically teen character. I wasn't her growing up, but I probably passed girls like her in the halls every day and just never knew it because well, we were all solving our own problems. I love Jade's voice, the way she loves art, and the way she stands up for herself. She won't stand for anyone feeling sorry for her, even if it means giving up "opportunities." Because after all, if you don't make the opportunity, whose opportunity is it? Whose conscience is being salved? Who is benefiting?

And that's where Jade and I intersect. I'm white--let's just say it, porcelain. Fair Irish. Southern conservative family. With those stats, you might think I'm the enemy of the average black person--and maybe I am. I've sure felt like it before, even though I despise racism, even though I love gospel music and have black friends and all that. (Because, SO WHAT). But, I was also a highly gifted student who grew up with cerebral palsy--and I still have cerebral palsy. And I was offered a lot of "opportunities" that translated meant, "Let's fix you." Other girls got to go to New York and Gettysburg and the Dominican Republic; I was considered privileged to get to go to Gatlinburg, TN (a few hours away, with family, with supervision) or get to go to Taco Bell with a "mixed-ability" group on a school day. ("Mixed ability" because the others were cognitively/mentally disabled, and allowed or encouraged to treat me as a person to "care for," like correcting how I ate). So when those types of things happened to Jade...no, I'm not black. But I got that tingly heartburn sensation.

As for the microaggressions Jade experienced, especially with Ms. Weber and Mr. Flores, and the reaction--or lack of reaction--from Sam? Well, OOF! Because on the one hand, again, I can identify on some level. But on the other, as a white woman, I have either said or thought, "Not everything is about race" or "Why is everything about race?" Well, now I know. It's the same reason I get mad when I hear, "Everything is about disability to her." It's because you can't take your skin off, dang it. And I applaud Sam for recognizing she has a lot to learn.

I don't know how to solve the racial, ability-based, or other issues our country is facing right now. What I do know is that it involves listening to voices like Jade's and Lee Lee's. It involves appreciating, and listening to, the art and the writing and the stories found in everyone. It involves getting beyond the silly veneers of mentorships and clubs like Woman to Woman, and being real. Lee Lee's poem at the end, for instance--if that doesn't do something to you, I don't know what will.

Kudos to Renee Watson for writing a wonderful book and helping me understand a bit better. Kudos to Miss Jade Butler as well. We need more books like this...if only the authors could write them fast enough.

6 people found this helpful

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Meghan

beautifully written portrait of its main character

Reviewed in the United States on December 9, 2017

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Just lovely. This book is a thoughtful, empathetic, beautifully written portrait of its main character, Jade. It tackles racism, microaggressions, mother-daughte relationships, friendship, art and creativity, and more. Jade is a great character, and her voice and her struggles felt 100 percent real to me. This book is really special.

18 people found this helpful

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The Awesome Sauce

This book is a quick read and is perfect for readers looking for stories of Black girls without ...

Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2017

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Jade is an earnest and immensely likeable main character. This book is a quick read and is perfect for readers looking for stories of Black girls without the edgy content of so many issue books which feature Black main characters. Sometimes you just want to spend time with a character and enjoy their company. This is one of those books.

22 people found this helpful

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Susan Olson

Stunning

Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2018

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My daughter and I read this book last summer. I have been on a mission to find books with strong black female characters (like my daughter), and this book came up on some list of books that fit that genre. The book runs through so many important topics--race, class, family, friendship, the power of art--it served as excellent discussion fodder for the two of us. We have brought it to our mother-daughter book club, and will discuss it on Sunday with the other moms and daughters. I can't wait to hear what the others think. Watson's writing is stunningly lyrical. I've bought everything else she's written and can't wait to get started on the other titles. Highly recommend.

30 people found this helpful

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Top reviews from other countries

L. H.

Powerful, poignant, important

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 10, 2018

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First of all, a moment of appreciation for this cover. I absolutely adore the boldness and simplicity!

Secondly, a moment of appreciation for the main character, Jade. It's so refreshing to read a protagonist who says what's on their mind. She is confident; she knows what she wants and who she wants to be.

I loved every moment she spoke her mind, whether she was confronting her white friend who didn't think Jade's discrimination was race-based (it totally was) to speaking her mind to her teachers and her mentor when things weren't going the way they should be.

Jade is a bold main character who jumped off the page and I loved her personality. I also loved that she wasn't ashamed of her passions: she didn't downplay her love of collaging; she was proud of it. Her art was so important to the story and I loved that.

I'm not sure why there aren't more people talking about this book. I happened to spot it in a bookshop and fell for the cover, and it's a great read - and another important one, about a poor black girl at a rich white school. I loved this.

4 people found this helpful

Mrs. Lj Hart

A Wonderful Journey

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 10, 2020

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Jade goes to a private school on a scholarship and doesn't feel the connection with other students that she feels to students from her local community. Particularly her best friend Lee Lee, they just get each other without words.

One day on the long bus journey to school Sam gets on, clearly she goes to the same school as Jade, and the two girls become friends. While Sam and Jade's new friendship is developing, Jade is selected for the Woman to Woman programme and she learns and is encouraged to speak out against injustice and to be true to herself.

This is a story about a young woman who recognises the power of opportunity and education, whose ideals and friendships are challenged as she learns about what she's prepared to accept and who she wants to be. It's a story about speaking up and speaking out and about the importance of listening and recognising that one person can make a difference.

One person found this helpful

Stephanie Burgis Samphire

Wonderful

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 2, 2017

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Oh, how I loved this book.

Jade's voice is SO strong and compelling and real. I loved, loved, loved her in all of her strength and vulnerability and passion. I can't imagine anyone who's ever felt like a misfit in their own surroundings *not* identifying with her deeply emotional - and uplifting - story! I loved all the other characters too, and the complexity of their relationships. I loved the way that Jade learned to trust in her own voice and speak up for herself by the end of the book.

The political themes are really powerful and moving, but most of all, Jade's own voice just grabbed me so hard from page 1, and I was rooting for her all throughout the book - which was so absorbing, so gorgeously written and so infused with intense emotion, I could NOT put it down. I devoured the whole thing within a day, and I know I'll be re-reading it many, many times in the future (and giving it as a gift, too).

I fell absolutely in love with Renée Watson's writing in this book, and now I want to read everything else she's written, too!

Highly, highly recommended.

3 people found this helpful

JT.

Enjoyable and accessible.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 1, 2017

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Interesting character from the start. Found the book from a John Green recommendation and enjoyed it, even though it wouldn't be my usual book style.

One person found this helpful

DESIREE

the book is incredible

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 13, 2019

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amazing! u will love it