ParentsPick

Watch Us Rise — Content Guide for Parents

By Renée Watson, Ellen HaganBloomsbury USA2020-02-11ISBN 9781547603114368 pages
Watch Us Rise

Themes present

Racial/cultural content
Sexual identity
Gender roles

Not found

ViolenceScary contentReligious themesProfanityClimate changeLGBTQ+ themes

Content themes

Factual summary of themes present in this book. No opinion — just the facts.

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Religious themes

PRESENT

Contains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.

About this book

"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 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

Frequently asked questions

  • Is Watch Us Rise appropriate for a 7-year-old?

    While the book addresses themes of sexism and racism, there are no explicit mentions of violence in the search results. The content is described as encouraging activism rather than depicting violence. No scary content or themes are mentioned in the search results. The focus is on social justice and empowerment.

  • Does Watch Us Rise have violence?

    While the book addresses themes of sexism and racism, there are no explicit mentions of violence in the search results. The content is described as encouraging activism rather than depicting violence.

  • Does Watch Us Rise have scary content?

    No scary content or themes are mentioned in the search results. The focus is on social justice and empowerment.

  • Does Watch Us Rise have religious themes?

    No religious practices, beliefs, or ceremonies are mentioned in the search results. The narrative focuses on social activism and empowerment rather than religious themes.

  • Does Watch Us Rise have racial/cultural content?

    The book addresses issues of racism and discrimination, with characters actively fighting against these societal problems. It emphasizes the importance of discussing everyday racism in a school setting.

  • Does Watch Us Rise have profanity?

    The search results indicate that there is no profanity in the book. It is described as overly wholesome and sanitized, lacking realistic teenage dialogue.

  • Does Watch Us Rise have climate change?

    No climate themes or environmental issues are mentioned in the search results. The focus remains on social justice and activism.

  • Does Watch Us Rise have sexual identity?

    The search results mention a scene where a boy slaps a girl on the butt, which includes elements of sexual undertones, but it is not explored in depth. Overall, sexual content is not a central theme.

  • Does Watch Us Rise have gender roles?

    The narrative promotes modern feminist themes, showcasing two strong female protagonists who confront sexism and fight for their voices to be heard. It encourages empowerment among young women.

  • Does Watch Us Rise have lgbtq+ themes?

    No LGBTQ+ themes or characters are explicitly mentioned in the search results for 'Watch Us Rise'. The focus is primarily on social justice issues such as feminism and racism.