5361 Module 2 Reviews

 

A. CITATION
Watson, Renée. 2018. PIECING ME TOGETHER. Bloomsbury YA. ISBN 978-1681191072

 

B. PLOT SUMMARY

The story of Jade follows her life as a Black teenage girl who lives in a low-income area of Portland, Oregon. She receives a scholarship to attend an exclusive private school but she struggles to fit in with the predominantly white students who come from wealthy families. Jade questions if she received an offer of help or if she was viewed as someone who needed fixing when she received an invitation to join the mentorship program Woman to Woman. Jade starts to take control of her life through her love of art as well as her developing friendships and growing self-awareness. The main character starts to resist the labels society placed on her while learning to speak up against injustice and establish her personal definition of success.

 

C. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Renée Watson tells a powerful story through her main character Jade who explores race and class and gender issues from a thoughtful and creative teenager's perspective. The first-person narration of Jade's voice delivers a direct and reflective account that reveals the heavy emotions she faces when she moves between her lower-income neighborhood and her elite school environment.

The novel is rich in cultural markers. Throughout the entire story Watson presents Jade’s Black identity as the main factor that shapes her life. Jade learns about the strength and resilience of Black family structures through her relationship with her mother who works hard to educate herself while maintaining her self-respect.

Through Maxine’s mentorship Watson demonstrates that support from older Black women does not always exist perfectly. The support which Watson portrays in the book contains both positive and negative elements because of the class differences that affect how people understand each other.

The story reveals how Black students experience microaggressions and tokenism as well as coded language while attending white-dominated educational institutions. The private school environment of Jade appears genuine and intense as she faces moments where her voice is ignored or she experiences feeling isolated. A police beating of Natasha a Black teenager from Jade's neighborhood leads to a depiction of systemic racism that impacts Black youth emotionally. Through organizing an open mic event and making artwork Jade demonstrates how creative activities serve as both healing tools and activist instruments.

Through her collages Jade develops a symbolic way to unite identity with voice and power. The artistic practice represents African American cultural heritage by using visual and verbal methods to fight discrimination and showcase enduring strength. The book integrates Spanish phrases together with Black vernacular references and cultural commentary to enhance both meaning and authenticity.

D. AWARDS AND REVIEW EXCERPTS

• Newbery Honor Book
• Coretta Scott King Author Award
• NPR’s Best Book of the Year
• School Library Journal, Kirkus, Horn Book – Starred Reviews

“Watson’s story trumpets the power of artistic expression to re-envision and change the world.” -Publishers Weekly

“A timely, nuanced, and unforgettable story about the power of art, community, and friendship.” -Kirkus

“A thoughtful and meditative novel… providing an essential perspective on the challenges faced by Black girls.” -School Library Journal

 

E. CONNECTIONS

• Related Books:
• The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo – A novel-in-verse about a Dominican American teen discovering her voice through slam poetry.
• On the Come Up by Angie Thomas – A young rapper fights to make her voice heard while navigating race, identity, and expectations.
• Classroom Activities:
• Students can create personal collages that explore identity and values, inspired by Jade’s artwork.
• Host a classroom open mic or reflective journaling activity centered on social justice and self-expression.
• Student Response:
  Students may relate to Jade’s internal struggle to be understood and her journey to find confidence in her voice. Readers will also engage with the book’s portrayal of real-world issues like systemic racism, code-switching, and the assumptions often made about students based on race or income. Jade’s growth empowers readers to speak up, create, and lead.

 

A. CITATION
Reynolds, Jason. 2020. LOOK BOTH WAYS: A TALE TOLD IN TEN BLOCKS. Ill. by Alexander Nabaum. Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books. ISBN 978-1481438292

 

B. PLOT SUMMARY

The book contains various connected short stories which depict middle school students walking home from school as they encounter separate life events on their way. The book Look Both Ways presents a complex depiction of adolescence by showing its various aspects which include death loss identity-based struggles bullying and fear as well as friendship laughter and daily triumphs. Each chapter in the book shows a different perspective while they slowly merge into a unified tapestry that represents the experiences of growing up.

 

C. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Reynolds combines humor with vulnerability to create a powerful collection of stories that examine social issues through human eyes. The chapters use simple poetic writing to function independently but merge to form a comprehensive community story. The book requires readers to look in both directions which means crossing streets as well as recognizing individuals past superficial appearances. Empathy and imagination together with awareness grow stronger through this recurring motif that presents multiple perspectives.

The characters are realistic and multidimensional. The book presents diverse experiences which actively resist stereotypical representations. Bryson demonstrates bravery by sharing a kiss with his male friend during this moment of tender care. Fatima keeps track of everything she observes through writing because she identifies observations that others typically overlook. Each character reveals their inner depth and brilliance through the layers that Reynolds removes during his storytelling.

The neighborhood route to home demonstrates a vivid and recognizable atmosphere. The book uses specific references to walking past the candy lady's house and applying Vaseline to avoid ashiness and ice cream trucks and buzz cuts for cancer-stricken parents and imaginary street instruments to connect with diversity. Through their depiction of everyday routines the text demonstrates how survival depends on community bonds and family ties that exist within normal daily activities.

Through metaphorical and magical realistic elements Reynolds creates a feeling of wonder by using repeated images like the "school bus falling from the sky." Each chapter of the book exists independently until the characters reveal their connections through storylines like the rose theft in the first chapter leading to friendship restoration in the next chapter. The narrative structure shows how lives connect through shared human experiences while reinforcing the theme of interconnected lives.

 

D. AWARDS AND REVIEW EXCERPTS

• National Book Award Finalist
• Coretta Scott King Author Honor Book
• UK Carnegie Medal Winner
• Starred reviews from School Library Journal, Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly

“As innovative as it is emotionally arresting.” -Entertainment Weekly

“A compassionate, funny, and thought-provoking collection.” -School Library Journal

“Everything and everyone has multiple facets, and it’s highly damaging to forget that.” -Kirkus Reviews

 

E. CONNECTIONS

• Related Books:
• Ghost (Track Series) by Jason Reynolds - Similar tone and character depth
• Ways to Make Sunshine by Renée Watson -Focus on middle-grade Black joy and resilience
• New Kid by Jerry Craft - A graphic novel that explores identity and school integration from a Black student's perspective
• Classroom Activities:
• Have students create their own “walk home” story in a short narrative format
• Use the “school bus falling from the sky” metaphor as a creative writing prompt
• Have students pick one chapter to dramatize or illustrate, exploring themes of identity or connection
• Student Responses:
  Students will likely relate to the awkward, funny, and honest moments in these stories. From coping with illness or fear to feeling invisible or misunderstood, Reynolds validates their feelings while also spotlighting their imagination, strength, and sense of community. Many readers will find themselves in one or more of these characters.

 

 

 

 

Citation:
King, M. L., Jr. (2024). I have a dream (K. Nelson, Illus.). Dragonfly Books. ISBN 978-0593518113

 

Summary:

The picture book version of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous speech at the March on Washington in 1963 serves as the main content of this book. The book starts with Dr. King speaking at the Lincoln Memorial while it combines his speech excerpts with Kadir Nelson's stunning illustrations. Through these strong images the speech becomes alive by depicting crowds of listeners and children of different skin tones walking hand in hand and various American landmarks. The book contains the complete speech alongside brief biographies of Dr. King and illustrator Kadir Nelson in its back pages. The book presents an essential American historical event through visual and emotional storytelling that makes it accessible to young readers.

 

Critical Analysis:

The book masterfully unites powerful verbal delivery with emotionally powerful artwork. Through his oil paintings Kadir Nelson depicts Dr. King's powerful facial expressions while he speaks and the hopeful moments when children unite. The artwork conveys deep emotions without requiring any text. Through his illustrations of Black and white hands together with peaceful mountains and iconic American landscapes from Georgia to California Dr. King brings his dream to life. Young readers develop deeper connections through the illustration of Dr. King's four children during that specific part of the speech. The book maintains historical accuracy while presenting a vision of unity through its celebration of diversity. The book presents African American experiences with both strength and respect through Dr. King's serious expressions and the hopeful pictures of better times for every child. Through its pages readers encounter opportunities to think about social injustice and community bonds and hopeful possibilities.

Professional Reviews:

• Entertainment Weekly praised the “beautifully rendered and sincerely moving paintings.”
• Named a Best Book of the Year by School Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, and Kirkus Reviews.

 

Awards:

• Caldecott Honor Book
• Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor (for Nelson's work)
• Best of Children’s Books (SLJ, PW, Kirkus)

 

Connections, Activities, and Responses:
Related Books:

• Martin’s Big Words by Doreen Rappaport
• Let the Children March by Monica Clark-Robinson
• The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander, illustrated by Kadir Nelson

Activities:

• Students can illustrate their own “dreams” for the world and display them alongside quotes from Dr. King.
• Host a classroom “read aloud” or mini performance of the speech.
• Compare Kadir Nelson’s artwork to real photos of the March on Washington.

Student Response:
Students will likely connect with the visual storytelling, especially the scenes of children and the variety of skin tones and places shown. The pictures make it easier to understand the weight and meaning of the words. This book is a powerful tool to spark conversations about fairness, race, and unity, and will stay with students long after the final page.

 

APA Citation:
Lester, J. (1999). John Henry (J. Pinkney, Illus.). Puffin Books. ISBN 978-0140566222

 

Summary:

The book presents an engaging version of the traditional African American song John Henry. John Henry bursts through the roof at birth because of his powerful and loud voice which startles the sun. Julius Lester follows John Henry from his childhood to his legendary status by describing his racing a horse and road construction work without dynamite and his victory over a steam drill to demonstrate human strength. The narrative blends traditional oral storytelling with historical facts about the Big Bend Tunnel construction on the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad to create a narrative that blends fact with myth. The story concludes by celebrating John Henry's dedication to work and his enduring spirit and his lasting impact.

 

Critical and Cultural Analysis:

The story's language features rhythmic patterns and exaggerated language and figurative devices which make it suitable for reading aloud to children. Through his narrative voice the storyteller presents a warm and humorous tone which includes metaphors that describe John Henry as having "muscles hard as wisdom" and "a rainbow ring tied around his shoulder." The storytelling elements demonstrate the traditional oral traditions of African American folklore. The watercolor illustrations by Jerry Pinkney bring the story's energetic and majestic elements to life through expansive environments and dynamic character illustrations that express movement and emotions. The illustrations of John Henry by the artist depict his dual nature as a powerful figure who also shows gentle moments. The book incorporates genuine cultural elements through its musical refrain ("ring, ring") and its depiction of animals and people watching his life unfold. The visual and verbal storytelling elements in this book emphasize three essential Black heritage themes: perseverance, resilience and dignity during times of change. The beginning of the book includes biographies and memorials for both Lester and Pinkney which enhance emotional impact and cultural importance.

 

Professional Reviews:

• Booklist (starred): “A tall tale and heroic myth, a celebration of the human spirit… Told with rhythm and wit.”
• Publishers Weekly: “Begging to be read aloud for its rich, rhythmic storytelling… A triumph of collaboration.”
• School Library Journal: “Muted earth tones bring this John Henry alive… A fine addition to any folklore collection.”

 

Awards:

• Caldecott Honor Book
• Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor
• New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book

 

Connections, Activities, and Responses:
Related Books:

• The People Could Fly by Virginia Hamilton
• Brer Rabbit and the Tar Baby by Julius Lester
• Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney

Activities:

• Use this book in a folktale/tall tale unit, comparing it with legends like Paul Bunyan or Pecos Bill.
• Students can identify and illustrate examples of figurative language used in the story (e.g., similes, metaphors, personification).
• Play different versions of the John Henry folk song and discuss oral storytelling traditions.

Student Response:
Students are likely to be captivated by the mix of humor, exaggeration, and heroic strength. Pinkney’s art helps them visualize John Henry’s enormous presence and deep humanity. The story invites discussion about how legends grow and how history and storytelling shape identity. For many, this tale becomes a reflection of cultural pride and perseverance.