Important and Deeply Moving: That's Enough, That's Right.
A nuanced meditation on race, privilege and intersectionality with "Piecing Me Together"
Is she truly enough?
How does she see herself?
Is she pieced or is she whole?
What happens when someone intelligent, determined, and artistic young woman finds herself in a predominantly white private school on scholarship, constantly torn between the world she comes from and the one she’s trying to succeed in? How do these experiences of tension and isolation impact her sense of self-worth? More importantly, how does she realise that she is more than enough, just as she is?
In Piecing Me Together Renée Watson introduces us to Jade, a young African American girl. Through her story, Watson compels us to ask: What does it truly mean to be enough in a world that constantly asks us to be more, to do more, to give more?
Philosophers like Epictetus remind us: "Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants," urging us to find contentment within ourselves. Similarly, Brené Brown speaks to the power of vulnerability, stating, "You're imperfect, and you're wired for struggle, but you are worthy of love and belonging." Watson invites readers to embrace this balance, challenging the narrative that worth is tied to constant achievement or single belonging.
In the novel, one of the most powerful moments comes when Jade affirms her value, saying:
"I matter. I have something to say."
Jade’s pivotal realisation is a reminder that self-worth comes from within, not from external validation. She realises that she doesn’t need to conform to others' expectations to succeed.
We too, like Jade, recognised that our voice matters. We are not afraid to speak up about our feelings or needs. We are enough as we are, and our perspective is important and valuable.
Mujer a mujer — Woman to woman
Mentorship plays a key role in Jade’s life, and the novel explores the importance of guidance in shaping one’s identity. Jade is mentored by Maxine, and much of the novel centers around women supporting and understanding each other.
"Sometimes I just want to be with someone who looks like me,
someone who gets it, without me having to explain anything."
The woman to woman connection highlights the bond between Jade and the women in her life who help guide her, even as they face their own struggles.
Jade’s participation in a mentorship program raises questions about the assumptions made about her needs based on her race and economic background. Jade’s relationship with her mentor, Maxine, reveals the complexities of mentorship, showing that even shared identities can encompass diverse experiences.
Jade expresses this disconnect when she says:
"I am tired of being someone’s charity project.
I am tired of people telling me what I need, how I feel."
This highlights how well-meaning efforts can sometimes fall short when they fail to recognise the individuality of a person’s journey.
Jade ultimately learns that while mentorship is valuable, her own voice and experiences matter most. As we reflect on our relationships with mentors, it’s important to remember that the best guidance encourages autonomy and self-expression, rather than defining someone by their circumstances.
We should surround ourselves with people who encourage our growth and listen to us. A mentor is there to guide, but it is important to remember that each path is to be defined individually. It’s okay to stand up for ourrself if we feel misunderstood.
"I am learning to speak. To give myself a way out, a way in. My voice is not so small. It’s getting stronger. And my art, it does the talking for me."
Art becomes a powerful metaphor throughout the novel, particularly Jade’s love for creating collages.
If you belong to a world where words don’t come easily, try other forms of expression like art, music, or writing. Jade’s collages helped her process her feelings and make sense of her world. Creative outlets can be powerful tools for self-discovery and healing. Jade’s art reflects her understanding of herself and the world, with pieces of different materials coming together to form a cohesive whole. Jade’s collages symbolise her life—fragmented yet whole, complex yet beautiful.
As she reflects:
“I'm not broken.
I just need to piece myself together.”
Life is full of challenges and obstacles, but those challenges don't define who we are; they help shape us. Every piece of our experience contributes to the bigger picture of who we are becoming.
After all, life is about growth, and no one has all the answers right away. It's okay to feel unsure or incomplete, but also to know that fragmentation doesn’t necessarily mean one is shattered or broken.
“I'm piecing myself together, one story,
one experience, one girl at a time."
Jade’s experiences with microaggressions and her frustration with being seen as someone in need of saving reveal how systemic racism infiltrates everyday interactions.
"Why do people think that being poor means being uneducated, dirty, and sad?"
Whether it's race, class, or identity, don’t let stereotypes define you. Be like Jade—challenge those narratives and assert your own story. You are more than the labels society places on you.
Respirar — To breathe
Respirar or "to breathe" symbolises moments of reflection, self-care, and the need to pause.
"Sometimes I just need to take a deep breath and remind myself that
I am strong enough to keep going."
Breathing signifies release, renewal, and the ability to keep moving forward, even when things get tough. It’s about giving oneself space to grow and heal.
La verdad — The truth
La verdad represents Jade’s search for her truth. Throughout the novel, she struggles with being seen for who she truly is rather than being defined by others’ perceptions.
"I just want to be seen.
Not as the girl who needs help, but as a girl who is doing the helping."
Jade desires to live authentically, to stand in her truth, and to challenge the false narratives imposed on her as a young Black girl.
Dejar — To leave
Dejar or "to leave" signifies Jade’s journey of moving away from what holds her back—whether it's societal expectations, limiting beliefs, or stereotypes. It reflects her desire to leave behind self-doubt and embrace her potential, to "leave" old versions of herself as she grows.
"I am tired of being dismissed, overlooked, and counted out.
I am ready to be seen."
Promesar — To promise
"I promise myself to keep moving forward, to not let anyone else’s opinion of me define who I am."
Promesar or "to promise" represents commitments Jade makes to herself and others. Promises of resilience, self-discovery, and breaking free from limitations. It also points to the promise of a better future that Jade is striving toward, one that includes success, empowerment, and a life she envisions for herself.
Renée Watson offers us an extraordinary perspective: a protagonist whose strength lies in her ability to acknowledge her vulnerabilities while striving for more. We too are more than the labels society places on us. Like Jade’s collages, life is about piecing together different experiences to create something meaningful, beautiful, and whole.
And perhaps the greatest lesson Jade leaves with us is that it’s okay not to have all the answers immediately. Life, after all, is a journey of constant learning and self-discovery. In that journey, there is strength, there is growth, and there is hope.
