PIECING ME TOGETHER

Seventeen-year-old Jade is determined to succeed in this timely story written and narrated by Renée 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 [Published: JUNE 2018]