Watch Us Rise

Book Quotes

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''

About the Book

Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King Award-winning 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

2018 Newbery Honor Book

2018 Coretta Scott King Author Award

2017 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