Watch Us Rise by Renée Watson & Ellen Hagan, focuses on two young women, dealing with the struggles of their junior year of high school. Set in New York City, the story flicks between the perspectives of the two teens - Jasmine, an aspiring actor whose father is dying of cancer, and Chelsea, a budding poet.
Jasmine's father encourages the two women and their best friends, Nadine & Isaac, to follow their dreams and be true 'art-ivists.' They take this in their stride, and frustrated with their 'progressive' school's lack of a Women's Rights club, Jasmine and Chelsea decide to create their own, becoming deeply involved with feminist activism. They start to post poetry and writing online to give voice to their daily angers and passions, and unintentionally become a viral sensation.
A great read for any feminist enthusiasts aged 13+.
Description
A stirring and unputdownable read about what it means to be a woman today. Perfect for fans of Moxie and The Hate U Give. Jasmine and Chelsea are best friends on a mission. Sick of the way that young women are treated even at their 'progressive' New York City high school, they decide to start a Women's Rights Club. One problem - no one shows up. That hardly stops them. They start posting everything from videos of Chelsea performing her poetry to Jasmine's response to being reduced to a racist and sexist stereotype in the school's theatre department. And soon, they've gone viral, creating a platform they never could've predicted. With such positive support, the Women's Rights Club is also targeted by trolls. But Jasmine and Chelsea won't let their voices - or those of the other young women in their city - be silenced. They'll risk everything to be heard and effect change ... but at what cost?
Promotion info
A feminist anthem about two young women fighting to have their voices heard.
Author description
Renée Watson is the bestselling Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King Author Award winning author of the novel Piecing Me Together as well as many others. Renée is the founder of I, Too, Arts Collective, a nonprofit committed to nurturing under-represented voices in the creative arts. She lives in New York City. reneewatson.net
