Piecing Me Together: Chapter 47 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.

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.