Carnegie Medal winner
A National Book Award Finalist
Coretta Scott King Author Honor Book
An NPR Favorite Book of 2019
A New York Times Best Children’s Book of 2019
A Time Best Children’s Book of 2019
A Today Show Best Kids’ Book of 2019
A Washington Post Best Children’s Book of 2019
A School Library Journal Best Middle Grade Book of 2019
A Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2019
A Kirkus Reviews Best Middle Grade Book of 2019
“As innovative as it is emotionally arresting.” —Entertainment Weekly
From National Book Award finalist and #1 New York Times bestselling author Jason Reynolds comes a novel told in ten blocks, showing all the different directions kids’ walks home can take.
This story was going to begin like all the best stories. With a school bus falling from the sky. But no one saw it happen. They were all too busy—
Talking about boogers.
Stealing pocket change.
Skateboarding.
Wiping out.
Braving up.
Executing complicated handshakes.
Planning an escape.
Making jokes.
Lotioning up.
Finding comfort.
But mostly, too busy walking home.
Jason Reynolds conjures ten tales (one per block) about what happens after the dismissal bell rings, and brilliantly weaves them into one wickedly funny, piercingly poignant look at the detours we face on the walk home, and in life.
Talking about boogers.
Stealing pocket change.
Skateboarding.
Wiping out.
Braving up.
Executing complicated handshakes.
Planning an escape.
Making jokes.
Lotioning up.
Finding comfort.
But mostly, too busy walking home.
Jason Reynolds conjures ten tales (one per block) about what happens after the dismissal bell rings, and brilliantly weaves them into one wickedly funny, piercingly poignant look at the detours we face on the walk home, and in life.
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**My thoughts**
Not all children get to live the charmed life of those on Klickitat Street. No disrespect to my beloved Beverly Cleary. It's important for them to have books available that reflect their own situations. And Look Both Ways by Jason Reynolds brings some of those to light.
I think more kids will find themselves in one of these stories than we realize. I think this is a great book for upper elementary and older to read and discuss. Maybe they can help identify similar situations happening in their own schools and neighborhoods. Maybe they can try to strategize how to handle those situations.
And for those kids who do not necessarily recognize themselves in these stories and sitautions, perhaps they will gain more empathy for others. It's good to branch out and read about a variety of people and places. And sometimes you realize how much more alike we all can be at times.
I liked how one of the characters was returning to school after having a flare up from her sickle cell anemia - not that she was sick, but because that population was being represented. I got a kick out of watching the kids scheme to earn money. And then there is the kid who is trying to woo a girl and realizes that he literally stinks. You have the girl who is trying to be a comedienne and the boy who kisses another boy. It's all real life but also fun fiction.
I think adults need to read this so that they are better aware of what is going on and can be on a better lookout for such bullying occurring. But also they just need to remember what it is like to be a kid.
This is my second book by Jason Reynolds that I've read, and the first fiction. I can't wait to read more.
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