Reviews

Piecing Me Together by Renée Watson

dontstopreadin's review against another edition

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5.0

Wow, I loved this book. This book really tackles a lot of aspects facing young African American females today. I loved Jade and the way she thought about and processed the world around her. She was constantly questioning things, frustrated in a special way and overall a very unique character. This story rests on Jade's shoulders. It's not plot heavy, but it is character rich. Most of this story is in Jade's head, about Jane's experience. You have to like her, or at least what she's talking and thinking about, to get something about of the story. I think Renee makes Jade a character that you can like. Depending on who you are, you might not related to her, but you will feel for her. She doesn't always make the right choices, but you'll understand why she did what she did. Overall, I was heartbroken and astounded by this book. I'm actually upset this doesn't get more love online, it's well-deserving of it.

Trigger Warnings: death of parent, racism, police violence, fat shaming, sexual harassment
Rep for: low income, scholarship student, POC MC and family, fat MC

jenmangler's review against another edition

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4.0

I love Jade. Renée Watson has created a beautifully flawed character who learns to feel comfortable in her own skin and to advocate for herself. In a world that constantly tears her apart, she learns how to piece herself back together through her female friendships and honesty and speaking her mind. I enjoyed every minute of this book.

thenextgenlibrarian's review against another edition

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hopeful informative fast-paced

3.25

Friendships, race, privilege, identity.
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All Jade wants is to get out of her low income neighborhood in Portland and see the world. It’s the main reason she rides the bus to a far mostly-white private school. She’s been taking Spanish classes in the hopes of it sending her on an abroad trip that she thinks will change her life. When she gets passed over for it and is chosen for the mentorship instead, she believes she’s wasting her time with this Women to Women program, when in fact she learns a lot about herself in the process.
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You all should know if you’ve been following me for a while that I really enjoy Renee Watson’s books whether they’re MG or YA like this one (still on hold for her adult debut!) but this one fell just a little bit flat for me. I liked Jade’s character and felt like all the issues she faces are legitimate and topical, but also have been written about a lot. However, this #book released in 2017 so I’m sure it was very much ahead of its time and I missed the mark waiting so late to read this one. This #novel deals with social justice, race and personal growth. There was no romance, which I found refreshing for a YA book.

CW: police brutality, harassment, fatphobia, classism, racism, microaggressions

lilo23's review against another edition

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5.0

Absolutely incredible. I devoured this book and the ending was perfect.

threegoodrats's review against another edition

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4.0

My review is here.

so_many_libros's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

chelcadventures's review against another edition

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4.0

"There is nothing exquisite about my life. It's mine, though, so I'm going to make something out of it."

This book addresses topics young people (and even adults) might find difficult to discuss in a succinct yet thought-provoking way. It’s a very matter-of-fact story with didactic writing and so much to explore and unpack. I think Piecing Me Together can serve as a powerful tool to initiate meaningful conversations both in and out of the classroom.

reader4evr's review against another edition

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5.0

THIS WAS SO GOOD. PLEASE READ THIS BOOK.

aliyas_encanto's review against another edition

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challenging emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Jade reminded me so much of myself when I was young: isolated, unsure, but still so passionate. I loved following on her journey and really saw her grow into a more self-assured person. This book filled me with so much pride, I hope all young black girls get a chance to interact with this novel.

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