All American Boys

 

All American Boys

Jason Reynolds

Meira.Elena

Ages: 12-17

Lexile: HL770L

 

In this novel, Jason Reynolds tells the tale of protest, equal rights, and two boys’ complicated relationships with what is easy and what is write. Written with poignant characters, an engaging writing style, and an extremely relevant plot, All American Boys will grip you from the very first page.

Rashad was just reaching down to pick something up, and suddenly, he’s another name on a list of victims of police brutality. Quinn was just playing basketball and trying to make his family and community proud, but now he doesn’t know what to do or feel. As the school community—and the city community at large—throws out ugly words, like “racism” and “police brutality”, both boys find themselves swept up in the history of hundreds of years of oppression and injustice. They must find their places in these movements, or others will do so for them. And they may not like the results.

Not only did this make my “couldn’t put it down” list, this is one of the most engaging and important books I have ever read. As a white person, I often struggle to know how I can support people of different races and ethnicities appropriately—how do I speak with minority groups without speaking for minority groups? This novel may not answer that question, but I felt more connected to these movements for equality through this book and through these teenagers struggles than in any lecture or seminar I have attended so far.

          Today, racism and inequality are at an all time high. Morally, these issues go beyond politics—it is a fact that Black Lives Matter, not a political stance. This novel brings that fight to life for those who have not experienced it for themselves. This novel explains why it is vital that we stand up—or lay down—for others.

I recommend this book to literally everyone! Young or old, of any gender, of any skin color, of any religion—this book will fill you with a sense of ability and passion to step out into the world and find your place and your way of contributing.