Reviews

All American Boys by Jason Reynolds

bigdaddyreads's review against another edition

3.0

While the book deals with a highly relevant issue, I felt that the books was nothing fantastic. The heart of the issue was great but the action in the plot failed to exhaust the book's full potential. Instead, the characters are weak, unmotivated and some times I find them thick.

sirch's review against another edition

emotional inspiring sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

---

Content Warnings

Moderate: Hate crime, Racism, and Police brutality

beckyb16's review against another edition

3.0

There is nothing easy about reading this book. The story of racism in America told by a white boy and a black boy is a tough one to read. You can not help but put yourself in their shoes and see things from each of their perspectives. It's challenging and it's timely. I would recommend it as a read...just wish it gave more credence to the reality of the fair police out there...but overall it was strong. (Lots of foul language if that bothers you.)

juliabeaumont's review against another edition

dark emotional inspiring reflective tense fast-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

5.0

moh's review against another edition

5.0

This book is brilliant. I love how effectively the authors address some of the more insidious excuses for racist police brutality, including "It's a hard job" and "But look at all the kind things X cop has done. They can't be racist," AND deliver an excellent YA story that is page-turnery and resonates with emotional honesty. My partner teaches sociology to a student population that includes many students who--like the two main characters in this book--are from military or police families. After my non-stop babbling about the greatness of All American Boys, she wants to use it in her classes. :)

sathrock's review against another edition

challenging emotional inspiring tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

rachel_faerie's review against another edition

4.0

4.5 ⭐️ I loved this dual perspective. I loved how you see the one kid grappling with what he’s been taught and what he knows is right. Truly shows how someone can change for the better. Super important read. Especially for teens I think this is going to be great for them and has a lot of content they can relate to.

buddy524's review against another edition

4.0

A fantastic novel dealing with a timely issue. The authors craft a story that is heavy when it needs to be as it deals with racism and police brutality. This is one of the better YA novels I've read lately. The characters are authentic in their struggles and ultimate growth.

bioniclib's review against another edition

5.0

This was a fantastic book about police brutality and the many shades of grey that it's colored with. I appreciated the partnership between a black and white author, each addressing systemic racism from his own point of view.

I can't urge you enough to read it. But if you need more urging, here are some spoiler-y details.

Spoiler

I liked how Rashad is an art dude, showing that looks can be deceiving. Even though he's in the JROTC and dresses like the stereotypical black team, he's not a violent dude.

I like how there's turmoil in Quinn's family. His mom doesn't get behind him when he decides to march.

I like how Quinn has to basically turn his back on his surrogate father to do what is right.

I like the die in at the March. That's so powerful.

I like how English doesn't give Quinn a pass.

I like how Quinn and Rashad never meet.

pinkoceannova's review against another edition

emotional inspiring reflective

5.0

Great! Super realistic on both sides with really interesting internal conflicts.