Piecing Me Together

“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 to 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!” to Jason Reynolds 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.