Piecing Me Together

tw: racism, microaggression, police brutality, and classism.

THIS. BOOK. YALL!!! I can't believe I've been sleepin on this book and Renee Watson for so long. 

This is a novel about family, friendship, women empowerment. But most importantly, it's about the difficulties of being a black young woman that is wanting to succeed when so many odds are stacked against you. Jade was a fantastic character to read from, definitely one of my new favorites. I loved how passionate and caring she was. Her development from being soft-spoken and preferring to remain silent instead of speaking up. To the Jade that spoke up and defended herself when no one else did chefs kiss. This is a book I will be picking up to reread as soon as possible.

tw: racism, microaggression, police brutality, and classism.

THIS. BOOK. YALL!!! I can't believe I've been sleepin on this book and Renee Watson for so long. 

This is a novel about family, friendship, women empowerment. But most importantly, it's about the difficulties of being a black young woman that is wanting to succeed when so many odds are stacked against you. Jade was a fantastic character to read from, definitely one of my new favorites. I loved how passionate and caring she was. Her development from being soft-spoken and preferring to remain silent instead of speaking up. To the Jade that spoke up and defended herself when no one else did chefs kiss. This is a book I will be picking up to reread as soon as possible.

I appreciated Jade's voice and the clarity of Watson's message, found it well written and the charcters well developed, but I didn't find it particularly compelling to read. Have it on offer as part of our new book sets collection, have booktalked it a few times, and hope it finds more readers. Hoping I hear some kid opinion that's different than my own!

4.5 stars. So good.

I picked this up as part of an online book club, and I'm so glad I did. It is beautifully written. It is also a book that will continue to sit with me as I think through my reactions to current events and attitudes toward those around me. My words don't do justice to the book. Just read it.

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.