There’s nothing I love more than a young adult novel that encourages and inspires young people to push themselves, and to strive for success, no matter their circumstances.

In Piecing Me Together, Renée Watson has created a coming-of-age story that allows young people of all backgrounds to realise their potential.

Jade, the protagonist, feels like an outsider. She feels judged because of the colour of her skin, and is witness to, and the victim of, racial prejudice. Like many young people, Jade struggles with her outsider status, and is hurt by the racial prejudice still prevalent in society.

Watson’s tale of Jade’s struggles is honest and genuine, and the author shows young people that they have a voice that should be heard - that needs to be heard - and that their voice has the power to make change. This is particularly poignant in today’s society.

I thoroughly enjoyed the novel, and can’t wait to read more from Watson.

Jodie Newsham is an English teacher at Ripley St Thomas C of E Academy

Pupil reviews

‘A really empowering book’

‘Contains the sad truth of racism’

This book is an inspiring and compelling read about a girl who wants to be more than society expects of her. It contains the sad truth of racism and the offensiveness that comes with those prejudices, dealing with racial discrimination in an honest way. It’s definitely a must-read.

Alyssa Leighton-Maudsley, Year 8

‘I have never read a book like this’

Piecing Me Together is a very moving story about a young woman facing a world of isolation and sadness. The storyline was very enjoyable and the characters were amazing. The book itself was very well written, and Renée Watson included a lot of description and detail throughout the book. I loved how the writer made each chapter unique, particularly through the use of Spanish words. I have never read a book like Piecing Me Together, and it was one of the best books that I have ever read. I would recommend this book to everyone who loves reading, as it is written so beautifully. I hope that many people decide to read this wonderful story!

Ellen Birkett, Year 8

‘Face your problems and fears’

One of the things I really liked about this book was how it included Spanish, as well as English, to show how important this language will be to Jade’s future. However, the very best part of the book, in my opinion, was when Lee-Lee wrote a very poignant poem about prejudice and racial segregation, and fighting against that - this really summed up the whole book. It’s also nice to see how Jade develops throughout the book. At the start, she wants to leave and move away but at the end, she is content with where she lives. The moral shown here is to face your problems and fears, not to run away from them. Jade overcame her fears by doing this.

Harriet Mayo, Year 8

‘A book that made me feel stronger’

I think this book gives the message that people need to be strong and make huge sacrifices to make life better. It’s a book that made me feel stronger and inspired me to go on the right path and know that, even if I don’t fit in, it’s not the people around me who can make my life better, it’s the decisions I make that benefit my family and me. It was a really empowering book - there should be more like this!

Wami Tucker, Year 8

If you or your class would like to write a review, please contact adi.bloom@tes.com