All American Boys

 Bibliography

Reynolds, J., & Kiely, B. (2015). All American Boys. First edition. Atheneum Books for Young Readers.

ISB:9781481463331

Plot Summary

Rashad is a black male high schooler, JROTC cadet, and artist. Quinn is a white male high schooler and basketball player. Neither has ever interacted with the other, but they share friends at Springfield Central High School. Their lives change when Rashad is accused of stealing at a store and brutally attacked by a cop. Quinn is a witness to this horrible beating and recognizes the cop as a family friend. In this story, Quinn is forced to confront the truth about racism and injustice. Rashad recovers and becomes a symbol against police brutality.

Critical Analysis

Review Excerpts

• "ALL AMERICAN BOYS is a terrific story that will compel readers to consider who they are, what they stand for, and what they should stand for. It’s that good." -Richie's Picks

• "...[The authors'] passion elevates the novel beyond a needed call to action to a deeply moving experience." -Kirkus Reviews

• "The scenario that Reynolds and Kiely depict has become a recurrent feature of news reports, and a book that lets readers think it through outside of the roiling emotions of a real-life event is both welcome and necessary." - Publishers Weekly

Awards and Recognitions

• Coretta Scott King Author Honor, 2016.

• Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2016

• South Dakota Teen Choice Book Award (High School), 2017-2018.

• Walter Award, 2016.

Connections

At the end of the text, there are great discussion questions for teachers to discuss.