Piecing Me Together

Starred review from November 21, 2016
Jade Butler, an African-American artist-in-the-making, lives with her mother in Portland, Ore., and travels by bus to private school, where she is both grateful for and resentful of the opportunities presented to her. In short, poetic chapters, Jade ponders her family, school, and neighborhood relationships, wondering where she fits in: “How I am someone’s answered prayer but also someone’s deferred dream.” Watson (This Side of Home) weaves collage imagery throughout the story as Jade ruminates over historical figures such as York, the slave who traveled with Lewis and Clark, and distressing current events, including police violence against a neighborhood girl: “I am ripping and cutting. Gluing and pasting. Rearranging reality, redefining, covering, disguising. Tonight I am taking ugly and making beautiful.” Jade’s narrative voice offers compelling reflections on the complexities of race and gender, class and privilege, and fear and courage, while conveying the conflicted emotions of an ambitious, loyal girl. Teeming with compassion and insight, Watson’s story trumpets the power of artistic expression to re-envision and change the world. Ages 12–up. Agent: Rosemary Stimola, Stimola Literary Studio.

Seventeen-year-old Jade is determined to succeed in this timely story written and narrated by Ren�e Watson. Jade is taking the first step--getting out of her poor neighborhood by going to a private school across town. Watson's evocative voice immerses listeners in Jade's daily accomplishments and challenges. Jade is depicted as earnest and caring, though sometimes doubtful as she navigates an ever-changing world that often seems unfair. Her loving mother, a hard-working single parent, is characterized by honesty and determination, while Maxine, Jade's mentor, brims with confidence and ambition. Watson introduces each chapter with Spanish vocabulary, reinforcing Jade's interest in the foreign language that she one day hopes to use abroad. Watson provides a heartfelt narration of this audiobook. V.C. � AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine