Name: Owen 
Book Title: All American Boys
Book Author: Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely
Pages: 310
What is the book about in your own words?
After a fateful accident in a local convenience store, young Rashad Butler becomes the victim of unjustified police brutality, suffering several broken ribs and a shattered nose at the hands of officer Paul Galluzzo. Over the course of one week, the novel paints a picture of the effects of racial injustice on a community and a nation, and uses contrasting perspectives, one of the victim, and one of his white classmate, Quinn, who also happens to have ties to the officer responsible. While Rashad attempts to piece together the events and reckons with harsh realities, Quinn is forced to take a closer look at what he has ignored for so long. As his classmates pick sides, he considers the dangers of staying silent in the face of injustice, and ultimately decides to take a stand, even though it may mean sacrificing his friendships, his mother’s trust, and his chances at an athletic scholarship.
What is your opinion of the book?
This is one of the more powerful novels on racial injustice I’ve read, which comes as no surprise in the presence of Jason Reynolds. The two authors, Reynolds and Kiely, masterfully intertwine two separate but vitally connected stories. This book is the best kind of social commentary, incorporating impactful themes while still telling a compelling and moving story. Ultimately, their message is clear: stand up for what you believe is right, not what you are told is right. Published nearly six years ago, this novel has only become increasingly important, especially considering the sweeping movements, not unlike the one depicted here, that have taken place in response to the killing of George Floyd and countless others. This work of art will undoubtedly stand the test of time as a monument to this era of injustice and protest.
Trivia questions
- Who runs the hospital gift shop? (Answer: Shirley Fitzgerald, page 151)
- Where do Quinn and Jill get pizza together for the first time? (Answer: Mother’s, page 76)
- What happened to the unarmed boy Rashad’s father shot? (Answer: He was paralyzed, page 234)
- What is spray-painted on Quinn’s shirt on the day of the march? (Answer: I’m marching, are you? Page 252).
- What demonstration do the protesters end their march with in front of the police station? (Answer: a “die-in,” page 281)
Discussion Questions
- How do the competing perspectives influence the plot of the novel? If the authors had used third person instead of first-person, would readers still connect with the characters?
- Why is Quinn’s perspective as a friend of Paul important to the story? How do Paul’s actions change their relationship?
- Why does Reynolds include Rashad’s father’s backstory as a cop? What does Mr. Butler’s own mistake say about Paul as a person?