Literature Reviews - 2025

Comprehensive Review: Piecing Me Together by Renée Watson

Renée Watson’s Piecing Me Together is a deeply moving and timely novel that explores the intersection of race, privilege, identity, and the power of art and self-expression. Told through the voice of Jade, a Black high school student navigating the complexities of being a scholarship student at a predominantly white private school, the story delves into themes of systemic inequity, mentorship, and self-advocacy with nuance and sensitivity.

Summary

Jade is a talented and ambitious young artist who dreams of escaping the limitations of her impoverished Portland neighborhood. Despite excelling in her private school on a scholarship, she struggles with the feeling of being seen as a “charity case” rather than an individual with unique talents. When she is offered a place in a mentorship program for “at-risk” girls called Woman to Woman, Jade is initially skeptical. Though her mentor, Maxine, is also Black, their differing experiences with privilege and race create friction.

As Jade navigates the challenges of school, friendships, and mentorship, she grapples with issues of racial profiling, body image, and the societal expectation that she needs to be “fixed.” Through her art—primarily collages—she finds a voice to confront injustices and advocate for herself and her community.

Strengths of the Novel

1. A Complex and Relatable Protagonist

Jade is a fully realized character with vulnerabilities and strengths that make her deeply relatable. Her struggles with feeling invisible or underestimated because of her race, socioeconomic background, and body type are depicted with authenticity. Her journey toward self-advocacy and confidence is inspiring and empowering.

2. Exploration of Mentorship and Power Dynamics

The novel’s depiction of mentorship is refreshingly honest. Maxine, Jade’s mentor, is not perfect; her personal struggles sometimes hinder her ability to support Jade. This dynamic highlights the complexity of relationships and the idea that mentorship can be a two-way street where both parties grow and learn.

3. Intersectional Themes

Watson tackles a broad range of social issues, including systemic racism, microaggressions, racial profiling, and privilege, while also addressing personal topics like body image and self-worth. These themes are seamlessly integrated into the narrative, offering a multi-faceted exploration of what it means to be a Black girl in a predominantly white and class-stratified world.

4. The Role of Art

Jade’s passion for collage and photography is central to her character and serves as a powerful metaphor for her journey of self-discovery. Her art becomes a tool for processing her emotions and advocating for change, demonstrating the transformative power of creative expression.

5. Rich Writing Style

Watson’s prose is evocative and engaging, with vivid descriptions that bring Jade’s world to life. The chapters are titled in both Spanish and English, reflecting Jade’s love of language and her cultural interests, which adds depth and texture to the narrative.

Critiques

1. Underdeveloped Supporting Characters

While Jade is a well-rounded protagonist, some supporting characters, such as her uncle and father, feel underutilized. Their inclusion could have added depth to Jade’s story, but their limited presence leaves some aspects of her personal life less explored.

2. Abrupt Ending

The novel concludes with a sense of hope but leaves several threads unresolved, such as Jade’s study abroad ambitions and her long-term artistic goals. A more detailed conclusion could have provided greater closure for readers.

Highlights

• Powerful Quotes: Lines like, “And this makes me wonder if a Black girl’s life is only about being stitched together and coming undone, being stitched together and coming undone,” resonate deeply and capture the book’s core themes.
• Nuanced Friendships: Jade’s relationships with her white classmate Sam and her childhood friend Lee Lee illustrate the challenges of navigating race, privilege, and loyalty in friendships.
• Mentorship with Complexity: The evolving relationship between Jade and Maxine offers a thoughtful examination of how privilege shapes even well-intentioned connections.

Conclusion

Piecing Me Together is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that challenges stereotypes and inspires self-advocacy. Renée Watson has crafted a story that speaks directly to the lived experiences of Black girls while offering universal lessons about resilience, identity, and the power of finding one’s voice.