Nathaly Andrade’s Reviews > Piecing Me Together > Status Update

I love this book so much. Jade transformed to such a strong and vocal young woman. Although she is just a fictional character, I can’t help but feel inspired by her advocacy, strong character, artistic visions, and determination.

She mentions how she is still making collages and how she has made one with York. They both have maps in their hands, both of them “black and traveling. Black and exploring. Both of [them] discovering what [they] are really capable of”.

The last chapter is called “libertad”. Jade talks about York and Sacagawea (she mentions them throughout the whole novel). She states how they are often ignored in history lessons revolving Lewis and Clark.

When Sam comes back for Costa Rica, her and Jade make up and become the closest of friends. Mr.Flores also talks to Jade about her guaranteed spot for the study abroad program next spring.

Through networking and brainstorming, they play an art fundraiser at the gallery to raise money for Natasha Ramsey and her family. During the day of the event, she showcases her collages and receives business cards from people that attend. She is able to expand her network and is excited over the success of the event.

Maxine and Jade attend more Woman to Woman events and spend time together- listening to a symphony, cooking together, taking notes during a “Money Matters” workshop from panelists at the program, etc. Maxine’s sister works at an Art Gallery Museum.

Jade becomes distant with Sam. She is learning to find her voice and becomes advocating for many things that are important to her. She speaks to Mr.Flores, her spanish teacher, on why he didn’t nominate her for the study abroad program. Jade is also starting to become a social activist- she takes pictures and records when she (and her friends) see a black woman being pulled over by a white police officer.

The author writes about a fictional police brutality case. Jade narrates how fifteen year old, Natasha Ramsey, was nearly beat to death by the police in Vancouver. After finding out about this, she prays for her to recover and she prays for Ramsey’s family as well. Jade tries talking to Sam about the Ramsey case, but she is subtly racist claiming it wasn’t because she was black.

Continuation of last post:Jade points out how as her role model she’s suppose to show her how to be strong, independent and care for herself. As a reader, I realize that this is the first time that Jade speaks up about something she cares about. Jade can now be categorized as a dynamic character as she changes from a conforming and quiet girl to someone who is mature and advocates for herself, peers, and community.

In the next few chapters, Jade attends more Woman to Woman meetings with Maxine. However, Maxine is a bit flaky, as she constantly leaves Jade to answer her boyfriend’s phone calls. Maxine is in a toxic relationship with an f-boy named John. Jade is upset at her and confronts her for letting herself continue in such a toxic relationship.