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4.38 AVERAGE
4.38 AVERAGE
Took me longer to get through than I was hoping and it didn't flow as well as I would have liked - especially for a Jason Reynolds book. However, the importance of stories like these is absolutely undeniable and getting to know the characters was well worth trudging through the otherwise murky book.
This book released in 2015 remains incredibly relevant to the current world. Reflecting on social injustice, racial disputes and a difference in perspectives, this book hits them all. Through the eyes of two high school boys, the author makes the story both approachable and explanatory to readers of the marketed age group. With an appropriate depiction of thoughts running through all characters involved, the book ends with a well-rounded finish. Written well and engaging to readers as character pov alternates with each chapter.
Glad to see books like these are being written and becoming accessible for a younger age group and hopefully it can provide some understanding to surrounding circumstances and situations
Glad to see books like these are being written and becoming accessible for a younger age group and hopefully it can provide some understanding to surrounding circumstances and situations
Brilliant audiobook (Perfect narration by Guy Lockard and Keith Nobbs). Two "All American boys"--one white, one black--deal with racism, awakening to racism, and the blindness of friends and family. Love how this book deals with a difficult subject in a way that everyone can understand. If I could make all my friends read this book, I would! I'm late to the game reading this one, but so glad I did.
challenging
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is a must read book. It tackles a lot of the racial issues we are still facing today. With the dual perspective of a white kid and a black kid, you get to see how each one has different worry and how the world treats one over the other.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Violence
This is a story about Rashad (a black boy in high school) and Quinn (a white boy in high school). Rashad is at a store when he trips over a white lady and a bag of chips lands in his bag. A white cop is there and the scene turns from Rashad falling one minute to being pummeled by the cop outside. Rashad lands in the hospital and a video surfaces of the incident. The things is, Quinn saw the beating and he is best friends with the cops younger brother. The story follows how both boys deal with the situation and gives perspectives from both.
This story is relevant to modern times. The authors address issues of systemic racism, racism, ignorance, naïveté, and passivity. I found it intriguing that the co-authors who wrote the story are also black and white. The book did what it was meant to, it made me angry, uncomfortable, and sad. It also gave me new perspectives. A good read for high school students and college level literature with a lot of discussion points relevant to our current political climate.
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I read this book mainly because I have seen it on so many banned book lists. This book makes the conversation around racism in current-day America accessible. That's probably why it's banned, because it shows that racism didn't end after the Civil Rights Movement. And that's why this book-- and other books like it-- is so important to have and to read.
Book banning aside, I really appreciated this book. There were times the writing was a little on the nose, but it does make the book very accessible for a younger age demographic. The two perspectives really added to the story and the conversation around racism. I really liked the parallels between Rashad and Quinn. They aren't exactly the same (because no one is), but they share a lot of commonalities in their home life, social life, etc. I could honestly see it being read in a high school English class (and I really think it should be!).
Book banning aside, I really appreciated this book. There were times the writing was a little on the nose, but it does make the book very accessible for a younger age demographic. The two perspectives really added to the story and the conversation around racism. I really liked the parallels between Rashad and Quinn. They aren't exactly the same (because no one is), but they share a lot of commonalities in their home life, social life, etc. I could honestly see it being read in a high school English class (and I really think it should be!).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Blood, Police brutality, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Gun violence
All of the violence that happens in the book is not overly gratuitous. The descriptions are just enough for the audience to understand what is happening.
emotional
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This YA novel uses fiction to shed light on police brutality against African Americans and the importance of white allies taking action, not just offering sympathy. Through two distinct perspectives, it shows how injustice can happen to anyone—and why silence from bystanders is harmful. The audiobook is excellent, with two narrators bringing authenticity to the characters. While some parts felt slow with unnecessary “fluff,” the message is clear and impactful. A must-read for young adults to spark important conversations about justice and equality.