Piecing Me Together

"Piecing Me Together" is a compelling novel that tells the story of Jade, a young girl from a poor neighborhood who dreams of breaking free from her circumstances and achieving success. The book has won numerous awards, including the 2018 Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King Author Award, and has been praised for its powerful portrayal of a girl striving to overcome obstacles in a world that often seems stacked against her.

The story follows Jade as she navigates her way through high school, juggling academics, extracurricular activities, and a mentorship program called Women to Women. While Jade's mother encourages her to take advantage of every opportunity that comes her way, Jade is hesitant to participate in the program, feeling singled out as someone who needs help or fixing.

As the story unfolds, Jade begins to form a relationship with her mentor, Maxine, who is also black and graduated from the same high school. Despite their shared background, Jade feels that Maxine doesn't truly understand where she is coming from, but as they spend more time together, Jade begins to open up and share her thoughts and feelings about the world around her.

Throughout the novel, Jade explores themes of identity, self-expression, and the importance of finding one's voice in a world that often tries to silence it. She learns to navigate the complexities of race, class, and gender, and discovers that sometimes the best way to make a difference is by helping others understand their own experiences and perspectives.

"Piecing Me Together" is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring these themes and learning more about the challenges faced by young people growing up in underserved communities. It is a powerful and inspiring story that will resonate with readers of all ages.