In the book *Piecing Me Together*, how does Jade feel about the opportunities she’s given, and why? Use two details from the text.
Answer (1)
In the book Piecing Me Together by Renée Watson, the main character, Jade, has complex feelings about the opportunities she is given. Jade often feels conflicted as these opportunities are presented to her mainly because of her race and socioeconomic background.
Feeling of Inequality: One of Jade's opportunities is to participate in a mentoring program, which is supposed to help her succeed. However, Jade feels that the program is more about fixing her than empowering her. She questions why the program is not open to students regardless of their economic status and mostly targets those who are less privileged, making her feel like a 'charity case.'
Desire for Genuine Support: Jade appreciates opportunities that genuinely focus on her growth and artistic talent. For example, she values her chance to study at the private school because it challenges her academically and nurtures her artistic skills. Yet, she wishes there was more genuine support that doesn't just see her as a box to check for diversity.
Through these experiences, Jade's feelings reveal her desire for opportunities that respect her individuality and capabilities rather than just addressing her needs based on assumptions tied to her background.
