Piecing Me Together

A timely and powerful story about a teen girl from a poor neighborhood striving for success, from acclaimed author Renée Watson.

Jade believes she must get out of her neighborhood if she’s going to succeed. Her mother says to take advantage of every opportunity. She has. She accepted a scholarship to a mostly-white private school and even Saturday morning test prep. 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. But Jade doesn’t need support. And just because her mentor is black doesn’t mean she understands Jade. Maybe there are some things Jade could show these successful women about the real world and finding ways to make a real difference.
Friendships, race, privilege, identity—this compelling and thoughtful story explores the issues young women face.

RENÉE WATSON is the author of the children's picture book, A Place Where Hurricanes Happen (Random House, June 2010), which was featured on NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams. Her middle grade novel, What Momma Left Me debuted as the New Voice for 2010 in middle grade fiction by The Independent Children's Booksellers Association. Renée has worked as a teaching-artist for more than 10 years, teaching creative writing and theater to elementary, middle, and high school students. She also uses writing and drama therapy to work with youth and adults. Renée lives in New York, NY.

Piecing Me Together: “Timely and timeless.” —Jacqueline Woodson, National Book Award-winning author of Brown Girl Dreaming

“Watson, with rhythm and style, somehow gets at . . . the life-changing power of voice and opportunity.” —Jason Reynolds, award-winning coauthor of All American Boys

“Renee Watson is a top-rate storyteller about what impacts young women.” —Meg Medina, award-winning author of Burn Baby Burn

“Teeming with compassion and insight.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review