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A review by bethany6788
All American Boys by Brendan Kiely, Jason Reynolds
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
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? Yes
5.0
Rashad is wrongfully beaten by a cop while simply trying to buy chips, and his classmate Quinn grapples with his loyalty to the officer amid the unfolding crisis. As tensions escalate in their community, both boys face critical decisions about race, justice, and identity.
I picked up this book today after having owned it for years as a result of Banned Books Week. I simply could not put it down til I was finished. The writing is truly captivating. I felt sick to my stomach, outraged, frustrated, sad, hopeful, and I examined my own prejudices while reading. This book is one I will not forget.
It felt like every time I turned the page I knew what was coming but didn’t want it to. Rashad had my heart squeezing. His family (man I loved Spoony so much) was even kind of divided on what happened to him which was wild. The ending had me tearing up. Quinn’s family and life and how he examined himself was powerful too. That last chapter with the two boys had me in my feelings.
I’ve also read Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds and his voice is one we absolutely need in YA lit. I’ve never read anything by Brendan Kiley but I was drawn to his writing style here too. This book has two distinct, yet cohesive voices that flow together well. I cannot recommend this book enough.
I picked up this book today after having owned it for years as a result of Banned Books Week. I simply could not put it down til I was finished. The writing is truly captivating. I felt sick to my stomach, outraged, frustrated, sad, hopeful, and I examined my own prejudices while reading. This book is one I will not forget.
It felt like every time I turned the page I knew what was coming but didn’t want it to. Rashad had my heart squeezing. His family (man I loved Spoony so much) was even kind of divided on what happened to him which was wild. The ending had me tearing up. Quinn’s family and life and how he examined himself was powerful too. That last chapter with the two boys had me in my feelings.
I’ve also read Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds and his voice is one we absolutely need in YA lit. I’ve never read anything by Brendan Kiley but I was drawn to his writing style here too. This book has two distinct, yet cohesive voices that flow together well. I cannot recommend this book enough.