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4.38 AVERAGE
4.38 AVERAGE
This book was engaging from start to finish. The storyline is told through two main characters who are male teenagers, but one is white & the other is black. The book explores how one incident of police brutality affects so many lives & explores different perspective. Absolutely a must-read for young adults and adults.
emotional
informative
reflective
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:
Yes
All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely is easily one of the best audiobooks I’ve listened to in a long time. It’s one of those stories that feels so timely but doesn’t try too hard to be “relevant” or make a statement just for the sake of it. Everything about it feels real and intentional. The dual narration works perfectly because it gives both Rashad and Quinn distinct, authentic voices that you can connect with on a deeper level. You’re not just hearing a story, you’re really stepping into their worlds.
Rashad’s experience as a Black teenager who becomes a victim of police brutality is told with so much honesty and vulnerability, while Quinn’s perspective shows what it looks like to be forced to reckon with your own privilege and complicity. The way the authors explore race, morality, and fairness is layered and thoughtful. It’s not preachy or overly simplifie, it gives space for you to think, reflect, and sit with the uncomfortable truths.
What I really appreciated is that it didn’t wrap things up in a neat little bow. It leaned into the complexity of real life and how messy it can be when you’re trying to figure out what the right thing is, especially when you’re raised to think a certain way. This audiobook does exactly what powerful storytelling is supposed to do, it challenges you, makes you feel, and leaves you different than you were before you started it.
If you’re looking for something that’s honest, emotional, and rooted in real conversations we should all be having, this is 100% worth your time
Rashad’s experience as a Black teenager who becomes a victim of police brutality is told with so much honesty and vulnerability, while Quinn’s perspective shows what it looks like to be forced to reckon with your own privilege and complicity. The way the authors explore race, morality, and fairness is layered and thoughtful. It’s not preachy or overly simplifie, it gives space for you to think, reflect, and sit with the uncomfortable truths.
What I really appreciated is that it didn’t wrap things up in a neat little bow. It leaned into the complexity of real life and how messy it can be when you’re trying to figure out what the right thing is, especially when you’re raised to think a certain way. This audiobook does exactly what powerful storytelling is supposed to do, it challenges you, makes you feel, and leaves you different than you were before you started it.
If you’re looking for something that’s honest, emotional, and rooted in real conversations we should all be having, this is 100% worth your time
emotional
informative
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:
No
I came to know about this book when I was teaching science. My middle school students were reading it as part of their English curriculum. This is a very powerful book and I'm glad not only to have read it myself but that it's part of the curriculum in schools.
Some reads are good and entertaining. This book is IMPORTANT.
Fictional story of police racism and brutality against an innocent black teenager told from the pov of the victim and a white classmate witness.
Contemporary, hard hitting without going over the top about the subject. Managed to humanize the bystanders of both races. Interesting to have the pov switch back and forth of the same moments.
Contemporary, hard hitting without going over the top about the subject. Managed to humanize the bystanders of both races. Interesting to have the pov switch back and forth of the same moments.
What a wonderful, moving tribute to the innocent. The author does a great job of painting both sides and reminds you again and again that they are just kids.
dark
emotional
inspiring
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:
Yes
Thank you Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely for showing us how to have this conversation. All American Boys should be in the curriculum of every middle school in the country.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes