Watch Us Rise follows Jasmine and Chelsea who are tired of their school’s claim to be advocates for social justice, but really are not. They take matters into their own hands and start their own feminist club.

I have some mixed feelings on this book. I loved Jasmine as a protagonist. I...did not care for Chelsea. I will talk about the things I really liked about this book first because it did cover some good topics. I feel like the book really hit the mark on being a strong and outspoken woman. I also feel like the diversity was on point for this book, although I would’ve loved to see an LGBT character, which Chelsea could’ve totally been, considering she was the only character who had no diversity. Obviously, I am not shaming the authors for this, but I would’ve loved to see Chelsea as LGBT. I loved the poetry and the real people mentioned in this book that I really had no idea about! It really allowed me acknowledge these women and appreciate them for what they have done. The story in itself does give a lot of power to these girls, and it is definitely empowering.

However, this book gave me some slight “ehh” moments. They quote a lot of popular hashtags used in social justice movements, but never elaborate on them in the story? I don’t understand the point of putting them in if those points aren’t going to be touched on (#SayHerName #I’mWithHer). Also, Chelsea was so annoying. And insensitive? I feel like she was never actively a good friend to Jasmine. She also speaks out against sexism, which is great, but I also felt like her character tore down women who are feminine or want to live a “homemaker” life. Also, LGBT spaces are mentioned, but nothing is ever actively done with them?? I feel like it was used to simply further the feminism tone in the book.

Overall, Watch Us Rise was definitely on the right track and hit a few things right on the dot, but also did not accomplish some things I think are really important about feminism.