All American Boys - Jason Reynolds

All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely is a unique novel told from the perspective of an African American boy and a white boy who view police brutality differently. Being written by two different authors, allows for the perspectives to be accurate and intertwined. Both teens grapple with the after-effects of one event that leaves the entire community divided by racial tension.

Teachers

Genre: Young Adult Fiction

Pages: 288

Age Range: 12-17

Lexile: HL770L

Themes: police brutality, systemic racism, injustice, violence, etc.

Questions for discussion:

1. Rashad’s father tells him, “There’s no better opportunity for a black boy in this country than to join the army.” Based on what you learned about his father’s experiences, do you think he has a valid point?

2. Consider the cover of All American Boys. In what ways is the image symbolic for the events that transpire throughout the course of the book?

3. What is your earliest impression of Spoony, Rashad’s brother? Do you find him to be a good brother to Rashad? In what ways are these two brothers similar? How are they different?

4. All American Boys is told in a dual first-person narrative. How would the story be different if someone besides Rashad and Quinn were telling it? Do you think changing the point of view would make the story better or worse? If you could, would you want another character’s perspective to be included in the novel? If so, whose?

5. Explain the title, All American Boys. What does it mean? In your opinion, does it accurately describe the events and relationships portrayed in the novel?

6. What is the significance of the march? Why did it mean so much to Quinn, Rashad, and Spoony? How about the rest of the characters? Why do people protest? Do you think protests are effective in voicing a cause? Can they institute change?

7. How does finding his father on the Police Plaza steps, waiting to join them on the march, affect Rashad? What makes this act such a powerful statement?

8. How is All American Boys a statement, or a response, to some of the racial injustice featured in the media today? What is the message that you think the authors are trying to convey through this novel? Do you think this book is an accurate reflection on society today?

Parents

All American Boys examines the emotional response of victims of violence and trauma and the community. It's more than a book about police brutality. It goes deep into two young boys finding out who they are, what they believe, and how to tackle the conflicts. of life.

Students

No matter your race, there is something in All American Boys that will grip you and keep you reading until the very end. As the gossip spreads through the school, both protagonists are forced to make decisions, burn friendships, and try to find justice, whatever that might mean.

If this book interests you, also check out The Other Talk by Jason Reynolds. It is written for those who experience white privilege in order to educate them on racism and how they can be an ally.