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nerdese 's review for:
Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks
by Jason Reynolds
I waffled a bit on this review, but ultimately, Jason Reynolds is SO GOOD at what he does and at capturing such a variety of kid experience in a voice that speaks to them, that I had to round up.
The format of each block being a separate kid’s story is super fun. I don’t know that it was super effective for me as an individual reader since I wanted the stories to feel a bit more intertwined rather than like more distinct vignettes. Some of the stories are more moving and affecting than others. Some are straight-up goofy, some are subtly heart-wrenching. Jason does a great job at balancing the struggles of growing up with the unbridled joys. The kids all feel distinct and unique, from diverse backgrounds and experiences. And Jason’s writing, as always, is just spot on. He jumps from hilarity to heartbreak in the span of two sentences, but it never feels forced or false. His ability to capture the spirit of middle school kids is a total gift that makes all his books so fun to read.
Even if the format wasn’t spot on for me, I know that this book will definitely speak to its intended readership, which is really what counts!
The format of each block being a separate kid’s story is super fun. I don’t know that it was super effective for me as an individual reader since I wanted the stories to feel a bit more intertwined rather than like more distinct vignettes. Some of the stories are more moving and affecting than others. Some are straight-up goofy, some are subtly heart-wrenching. Jason does a great job at balancing the struggles of growing up with the unbridled joys. The kids all feel distinct and unique, from diverse backgrounds and experiences. And Jason’s writing, as always, is just spot on. He jumps from hilarity to heartbreak in the span of two sentences, but it never feels forced or false. His ability to capture the spirit of middle school kids is a total gift that makes all his books so fun to read.
Even if the format wasn’t spot on for me, I know that this book will definitely speak to its intended readership, which is really what counts!