Renée Watson

Ellen Hagan

Watch Us Rise

Mariana Afonso

“Watch Us Rise” is a young adult about two best friends who come together to fight for women’s rights at their school and community, doing it through art. The book portrays feminism, body image, race prejudice, the power of art in one’s life.

The girls call themselves “art-ivists” and because of that, we are gifted with stunning hard-hitting poems and essays throughout the book. Now, one of the poems lives rent free in my mind. 

Considering the book is centred in such an important topic, with teenagers approaching it, it is normal that it ends up having some flaws. The main characters are not always the most all-encompassing feminists or the most effective and understanding communicators; they don’t always say the right thing and they are not always aware of all the problems. But they are only 16 and fighting for what they believe in, unapologetically, and they are still learning, growing.

*the Chelsea character annoyed at times, tbh.


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Kate

This is exactly the kind of empowering, inspiring, powerful and moving book I wish I’d had in high school. 

I adored each and every moment.

I loved the characters so much and hugely appreciated each facet of their individual narratives and personalities. I especially loved Jasmine and Chelsea’s characters and how they lifted each other up, called each other out and gave each other a chance to grow and learn from their mistakes. It was also so refreshing to read a book about a positive female friendship, that actually stayed positive. Each individual relationship in this book, whether it be familial, romantic or platonic, was brilliantly developed and held its own in a way that really stood out to me. Even the minor relationships had an impact! 

With gorgeous characters, an empowering story and a writing style that flowed flawlessly, Watch Us Rise is a book that will stick with me for a while to come and one I’d recommend whole heartedly. (Because, let’s be honest, a book with a diverse cast, about a badass feminist blog, written by badass girls calling out fatphobia, racism and sexism is always going to be a winner.)

Addie 🌻

"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' Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King Award-winning author Renée Watson teams up with poet Ellen Hagan in this YA 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 online--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

Watch Us Rise

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