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4.38 AVERAGE
4.38 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
This is an important book. Devastating. But so important.
I am not the same person that I was when I started this book. Thank you Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely, for reminding me why I read and the propensity with which books can change us, make us alter our lenses we use to view the world and our privilege, and touch our souls.
Thoughtfully and thought-provokingly highlights the issue of police brutality, ending with the message that for racism to end, everyone of every race has to unite against it.
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This is a book that undoubtedly will come to mind throughout my life. There are stories that are told that stick with a person. There are books that I recall at seemingly random times in life, and this will be one of them. That is the reason for the five stars.
I am aware of the privilege gained by simply looking the way I look. I am white, there are things I don’t have to think about. Things I can choose to ignore. This story, told by two incredible authors, taught me about how I can use that privilege to help create change.
The characters were authentic and so true to life, I felt I was reading a true story. The beauty in this story, if beauty can come from such a tragic story, is that people change. People are inspired by the actions of others, and in that statement there is hope. People care. And when we cut out the noise of everything around us, truly listen to what our conscience is telling us, as we look to listen to each other, we will see and understand. We will see and understand that ALL people deserve the privilege of living without fear that because of the way they look, decisions have already been made about who they are. Right now, I have that privilege, because of the way I look. Right now, black peoples and other peoples of color do not. Right now, there are many people working to change that. Right now, there are people trying to ignore that.
Right now, I choose to do what I can to join those people striving to create change.
I am aware of the privilege gained by simply looking the way I look. I am white, there are things I don’t have to think about. Things I can choose to ignore. This story, told by two incredible authors, taught me about how I can use that privilege to help create change.
The characters were authentic and so true to life, I felt I was reading a true story. The beauty in this story, if beauty can come from such a tragic story, is that people change. People are inspired by the actions of others, and in that statement there is hope. People care. And when we cut out the noise of everything around us, truly listen to what our conscience is telling us, as we look to listen to each other, we will see and understand. We will see and understand that ALL people deserve the privilege of living without fear that because of the way they look, decisions have already been made about who they are. Right now, I have that privilege, because of the way I look. Right now, black peoples and other peoples of color do not. Right now, there are many people working to change that. Right now, there are people trying to ignore that.
Right now, I choose to do what I can to join those people striving to create change.
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
"Had our hearts really become so numb that we needed dead bodies in order to feel the beat of compassion in our chests? Who am I if I need to be shocked back into my best self?”
absolutely yes. read this.
All American Boys follows a black teen named Rashad who is victim to police brutality; put in the hospital by an officer after doing absolutely nothing wrong.
This book left me with chills, goosebumps littering my arms.
“IF YOU ARE NEUTRAL IN SITUATIONS OF INJUSTICE, YOU HAVE CHOSEN THE SIDE OF THE OPPRESSOR.”
One thing I really appreciate is that Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely recognize and address the fact that there are police officers doing plenty of good in their communities. That not all police officers should be viewed as the villains, which was my main issue with [b:The Hate U Give|32075671|The Hate U Give (The Hate U Give, #1)|Angie Thomas|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1476284759l/32075671._SY75_.jpg|49638190].
It’s so important that people read books like this one; crucial that we do everything in our power to end racism. Rashad was definitely a strong main character, I could really feel for him and his family through their frustration.
“Had our hearts really become so numb that we needed dead bodies in order to feel the beat of compassion in our chests? Who am I if I need to be shocked back into my best self?”
Most of all though, I commend Jason Reynolds for everything he was able to convey through Rashad’s character. It felt like a little piece of him was put into the narration, and the fact that an author is able to speak through his characters to the reader is what I love to see in books.
All American Boys was so so important, and I’m happy to have read it.
This book left me with chills, goosebumps littering my arms.
“IF YOU ARE NEUTRAL IN SITUATIONS OF INJUSTICE, YOU HAVE CHOSEN THE SIDE OF THE OPPRESSOR.”
One thing I really appreciate is that Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely recognize and address the fact that there are police officers doing plenty of good in their communities. That not all police officers should be viewed as the villains, which was my main issue with [b:The Hate U Give|32075671|The Hate U Give (The Hate U Give, #1)|Angie Thomas|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1476284759l/32075671._SY75_.jpg|49638190].
It’s so important that people read books like this one; crucial that we do everything in our power to end racism. Rashad was definitely a strong main character, I could really feel for him and his family through their frustration.
“Had our hearts really become so numb that we needed dead bodies in order to feel the beat of compassion in our chests? Who am I if I need to be shocked back into my best self?”
Most of all though, I commend Jason Reynolds for everything he was able to convey through Rashad’s character. It felt like a little piece of him was put into the narration, and the fact that an author is able to speak through his characters to the reader is what I love to see in books.
All American Boys was so so important, and I’m happy to have read it.
A well-written novel on a tough subject. I am pleased Reynolds and Kiely wrote it from both a black and white perspective respectively. I really see this book as being timeless and have seen teachers and librarians alike on Twitter using this book to educate students. It is so very important to have a tool like this book to help inform the growing generation.
The theme (you'll see what I mean) was beautifully executed. I loved the characters who were all fully realized. I definitely teared up at the end...a beautiful, touching ending.
The theme (you'll see what I mean) was beautifully executed. I loved the characters who were all fully realized. I definitely teared up at the end...a beautiful, touching ending.
Amazing book! I loved seeing the two perspectives of the boys. With this being such a relevant topic in today’s society, it was great to see the conflicted minds of both children. The ending was amazing and had me in tears! Very powerful!
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Violence, Police brutality, Injury/Injury detail