Watch Us Rise by Renee Watson and Ellen Hagan

Watch Us Rise is honestly one of the best books I have read in a long time. Jasmine and Chelsea arebest friends who attend a school that claims to be very mindful of social issues and all-inclusive. In fact, every student must join an after school club that is dedicated, in part, to some cause. Early into their junior year, however, both girls quickly realize their school might not really practice what they so proudly preach so the girls set up a Women's Rights Club. They mission is to give women and girls of all shapes, sizes, races, and ethnicities fair and just treatment. Initially their blog posts are a huge hit until there is some push back from "the cool crowd" as well as the principal. Will they allow their voices to be canceled? Of course not.

Along with some close friends, Nadine and Isaac, the girls endeavor to use art of all forms to raise awareness to gender inequality that has gone on far too long. It is an uphill battle, for sure, but the girls are strong and plot and plan for a way to truly make a difference in their school as well as in their community. 

Now, one of the reasons I love teaching at Webster is the diversity of the staff and the students. We do our best to acknowledge and honor all of our students (and fellow teacher's) backgrounds and personal and family history. This book is about exactly that. I finished this book with a smile on my face-it's simply beautifully written (a combination of prose, poetry, and illustrations).

One last thought- to any boys who may be reading this blog and thinking to themselves, "Oh that's a book for girls, I don't want to read that." NOPE! There's no such thing as a book "for girls" or a book "for boys". I'm a 39 year old man and I loved this book (see my opening sentence). Be brave, take a chance gentleman. You won't be disappointed. I promise.


-TK

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