Piecing Me Together

Renée Watson's Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King Award-winning novel, "Piecing Me Together," introduces Jade, a sixteen-year-old African American high school student striving for success. On scholarship at a predominantly white private school in Portland, Oregon, Jade grapples with feelings of otherness and the pressure to seize every opportunity. When she's offered a spot in the "Women to Women" mentorship program, intended for "at-risk" Black girls, Jade questions its true purpose and effectiveness, especially when her mentor proves unreliable. The story explores themes of identity, class, race, and self-advocacy, as Jade learns to define her own opportunities and express herself through her art. It's a powerful narrative about finding your voice and challenging preconceived notions.

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 program 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.