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3.98 AVERAGE
3.98 AVERAGE
3.5 stars simply because some stories resonated more than others. But no doubt about it, Jason Reynolds is a master storyteller and he knows exactly how to reach middle readers.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-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 have been a Jason Reynolds fan since I read All American Boys in hardcover. I find his language to be both poetic and accessible, and he somehow writes about really hard topics in a way that doesn't leave me feeling hopeless. But I really struggled with his newest book--Look Both Ways.
I loved the symbol of the school bus falling out of the sky and the ways it was threaded throughout the narrative. I found the last chapter to be profound--the strongest of the book. In reflecting on it for book club, I considered why this book wasn't as revelatory to me as his others. Part of my lukewarm feelings were likely a result of it being more a middle grades text than a true YA one.
And I also realized that it must be exhausting for authors to continually write about trauma, especially trauma that is happening in the real world to communities of color. So it led me to wonder if Reynolds wanted to step away from revealing the impacts of generational trauma on a community and, instead, celebrate it for its complexities, personalities, joys, and challenges. While each kid in the book had very real challenges, they also all had very real personalities--elements that made them unique and special and lovely. From the candy lady to the grandpa collecting cigarette butts, we were able to experience one day for a community of folks living out their connected lives. I can't wait to hear what a group of 6th graders thinks about this one.
I loved the symbol of the school bus falling out of the sky and the ways it was threaded throughout the narrative. I found the last chapter to be profound--the strongest of the book. In reflecting on it for book club, I considered why this book wasn't as revelatory to me as his others. Part of my lukewarm feelings were likely a result of it being more a middle grades text than a true YA one.
And I also realized that it must be exhausting for authors to continually write about trauma, especially trauma that is happening in the real world to communities of color. So it led me to wonder if Reynolds wanted to step away from revealing the impacts of generational trauma on a community and, instead, celebrate it for its complexities, personalities, joys, and challenges. While each kid in the book had very real challenges, they also all had very real personalities--elements that made them unique and special and lovely. From the candy lady to the grandpa collecting cigarette butts, we were able to experience one day for a community of folks living out their connected lives. I can't wait to hear what a group of 6th graders thinks about this one.
Wow! I feel like I need to read everything by Jason Reynolds now. And the audiobook was stunning. Such an amazing cast of readers (including Reynolds) to bring the picture of this neighborhood to life.
In this book, you get snapshots of different young people’s lives in a tale of “10 Blocks”, like the cover eludes to. The one connection between their stories: a school bus falling from the sky.
It’s not what you’d think. And it is powerful.
Highly recommended for 10-18
In this book, you get snapshots of different young people’s lives in a tale of “10 Blocks”, like the cover eludes to. The one connection between their stories: a school bus falling from the sky.
It’s not what you’d think. And it is powerful.
Highly recommended for 10-18
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
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:
Complicated
I didnt like this as much as some of his other stuff, but it was still good. There just seems to be a lot going on and spotting the chinks that the characters have in common were hard to spot
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Jason Reynolds is such a gem. I enjoyed the vignette format, even if I found some chapters better than others. I’d recommend it highly for 6th-9th graders.
I appreciate the fact that Jason Reynolds tried something different here, and there were a couple of places that I wanted to write down - to remember those fun words strung together - but this one just wasn't for me. My favorite chapter was on Southview Ave. with "Say-So" Sower. That's the chapter I'd use in my classes.
- wholesome slice of life following the lives of some students living in the same community
- each chapter follows a new character(s)
- while I'd say this book is a relatively lighthearted read most of the chapters include discussion of life conditions that while mostly 'normal' are difficult subjects (e.g. cancer, death, dementia)
- nicely written
- parallels; characters often feature very briefly in chapters other than their own giving the sense of a real school/community
- 10/10 would recommend if you want something to read on the bus etc. that is pretty light hearted
