LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Piecing Me Together, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Intersectionality, Identity, and Discrimination
The Power of Language
Mentorship, Opportunity, and Dignity
Friendship
Summary
Analysis
On Sunday, Jade takes her braids out and she lets her hair hover like a cloud. Mom smiles when she gets home and she jokingly accuses Jade of stealing her scarf, but she tells Jade she can keep it. It rains heavily on Monday. Sam isn’t on the bus, so the ride is quiet and lonely. Josiah wishes Jade a happy birthday, as does Mrs. Parker. Then, Jade gets to her locker. Sam is there, and there are balloons and a card taped to it. She apologizes for missing Jade’s birthday lunch, and for the rest of the day Jade enjoys everyone wishing her a happy birthday.
Mom’s smiles and jokes help Jade feel proud of her natural, unbraided hair. At home, it seems as though Mom is able to make Jade feel okay about her black features in a way that Jade doesn’t necessarily feel at school. However, Sam’s friendship nevertheless makes school easier and more pleasant.