Watch Us Rise
"This stunning book is the story I've been waiting for my whole life; where girls rise up to claim their space with joy and power.” -Laurie Halse Anderson, New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of Speak
"An extraordinary story of two indomitable spirits." -Brendan Kiely, New York Times bestselling co-author of All American Boys and Tradition
"Timely, thought-provoking, and powerful." -Julie Murphy, New York Times bestselling author of Dumplin'
Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Author Award winner author Renée Watson teams up with poet Ellen Hagan in this teen feminist anthem about raising your voice.
Jasmine and Chelsea are best friends on a mission-they're sick of the way women are treated even at their progressive NYC high school, so they decide to start a Women's Rights Club. They post their work-poems, essays, videos of Chelsea performing her poetry, and Jasmine's response to the racial microaggressions she experiences-and soon they go viral. But with such positive support, the club is also targeted by trolls. When things escalate in real life, the principal shuts the club down. Not willing to be silenced, Jasmine and Chelsea will risk everything for their voices-and those of other young women-to be heard.
These two dynamic, creative young women stand up and speak out in a novel that features their compelling art and poetry along with powerful personal journeys that will inspire readers and budding poets, feminists, and activists.
Acclaim for Piecing Me Together
Newbery Honor Book
Coretta Scott King Author Award
Los Angeles Times Book Prize, Young Adult Finalist
"Timely and timeless." -Jacqueline Woodson, 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, NYT-bestselling author of Long Way Down
"Brilliant." -John Green, New York Times bestselling author of The Fault in Our Stars
* “Teeming with compassion and insight." -Publishers Weekly, starred review
* "A timely, nuanced, and unforgettable story about the power of art, community, and friendship." -Kirkus, starred review
* "A nuanced meditation on race, privilege, and intersectionality." -SLJ, starred review
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Community Reviews
This is the story for the right here and now. The two characters Jasmine and Chelsea, are high school friends who rise together to share their voice and claim their space as “womyn” in their not so progressive high school. The reader is taken on a journey of their development as artivists that includes their poetry and writing through their blog Write Like a Girl that covers issues related to women’s and BIOPC issues. Their story is a reminder to young people that they can lead and effect change in a system that may not always welcome what they have to say, but they are undeterred from finding a way to be heard. Make no mistake Watson and Hagen have written a novel the will make you feel empowered and hopeful. I was crying at the end of sheer joy as I watched Jasmine and Chelsea create a space for their community to rise in solidarity. The learning continues for the reader with rich information about poets, actors, and visual artists who are thoughtfully woven into the story and included in an extensive resource list at the end of the book’s Resources for Activists section.
As a mother, I’m passing it on to my 15-year-old daughter to devour so that she can feel permitted to step into her powerfully. As an educator, it reminds me of the need to listen to my students, to provide the space for them to share what needs improving in our school, and what spaces need they need to empower their leadership. As a woman, I am reminded of the power of community, of sisterhood, and of allyship in changing sexist and racist attitudes and behaviors. Jasmine says it best, “Dad told me once that most people don’t change because they want to, but because they have to. … 'Most times, the things that change happen after a lot of pain and strife.'” It is a hopeful reminder that “without struggle, there can be no progress.”
As a mother, I’m passing it on to my 15-year-old daughter to devour so that she can feel permitted to step into her powerfully. As an educator, it reminds me of the need to listen to my students, to provide the space for them to share what needs improving in our school, and what spaces need they need to empower their leadership. As a woman, I am reminded of the power of community, of sisterhood, and of allyship in changing sexist and racist attitudes and behaviors. Jasmine says it best, “Dad told me once that most people don’t change because they want to, but because they have to. … 'Most times, the things that change happen after a lot of pain and strife.'” It is a hopeful reminder that “without struggle, there can be no progress.”
This is one of the most inspiring books I've read and has a great view on women rights and the way women should be treated. I borrowed this book from my language arts teacher and it was so good that right after I read it I bought my own copy and read it again. Now my copy of the book is filled with sticky notes and I have underlined all the inspirational quotes (which is a lot). I love this book so much and I hope that you read it too. 😊😊
