Piecing Me Together

Piecing Me Together

by

Renée Watson

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Piecing Me Together: Chapter 47 Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
Jade is running late for school. She walks past E.J. still lying on the couch on his phone, and he asks if she heard what happened over the weekend: police “manhandled” a black teen at a house party in Vancouver, just across the river from Portland. The girl’s name is Natasha Ramsey and she’s 15. Jade doesn’t recognize her, but she looks like a girl Jade would be friends with. E.J. reads out details: Natasha is in critical condition in the hospital because even though the police say they didn’t use excessive force, they broke Natasha’s ribs and jaw. E.J. points out that they probably only know the truth because people recorded what happened on their phones.
This instance of police brutality so close to home drives home for Jade how vulnerable she is as a young black woman. Because Natasha looks so much like someone Jade would know, Jade has to confront the fact that this could’ve happened to anyone in her neighborhood—including herself. This makes Jade feel even more unsafe at St. Francis, where most of her peers are white and they might not know or care about what happened to Natasha.
Themes
Intersectionality, Identity, and Discrimination Theme Icon
Quotes
Jade suggests they say a prayer, but E.J. snaps that prayer is for poor people and that God won’t help them—they need to talk to their elected officials. Jade races out the door, late, and E.J. warns her to be careful. Jade gets to school as the tardy bell rings. Sam is waiting at her locker, but Jade doesn’t ask if Sam heard about Natasha Ramsey. She says a prayer as she walks to class.
Though Jade of course doesn’t have to let Sam in on anything if she doesn’t want to, not bringing up Natasha Ramsey means that Sam has no way of helping Jade feel better or safer. Jade’s silence may be understandable, but it doesn’t help Sam be a better friend.
Themes
The Power of Language Theme Icon
Friendship Theme Icon