Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks

Jason Reynolds has a way of weaving stories together with the reader finding connections from the heart with the characters. The characters each have their own challenges and although they do not see each other, you do notice connections in changes in setting. Look Both Ways is unique in that the stories take place at the end of the school day as the character’s walk home, but each block has a different set of characters and story.I was granted an advance read copy and rate Jason Reynolds as one of my favorite YA and MG authors. Look Both Ways is a middle grade option, which reminds me more of the Track series.

I teach high school, and I have some struggling readers. This book works well for them for multiple reasons. One reason is because it is short and has an easy vocabulary. Another reason is because each chapter is a different story. They all fit together, but it works well for students who have a problem focusing and are struggling readers.

I read this book for school and it really surprised me. When my teacher told me we were going to read this book I didn't think it would be anything special. After the first chapter I was already excited to read the book even more. The clever small similarities in each chapter really hooked me. The last chapter wa my favorite as all the stories intertwined to help tell the last main characters story. Jasob Reynolds dod an amazibg job and I can't wait to read it all again. Spectacular job Mr.Reynolds, spectacular .

I only got into Jason Reynolds' work this year, when I picked up Miles Morales: Spider-Man, a superhero story that has less to do with flashy superpowers and more with the everyday heroism of a brown kid living in Modern America.⠀⠀I liked it enough to learn more about the guy, looking up speeches and talks. What started out as a bookish crush (Reynolds is an effortless, stylish speaker) quickly turned into a deep admiration as I learned more about the message he is trying to convey with his books, the service he wants to provide with his writing. ⠀His stories are all about being seen.⠀⠀And I think I've seen enough of Jason Reynolds to say that he is one of the most empathic writers working today.⠀⠀It's a trait that's on full display in Look Both Ways, his latest release. A collection of ten stories about different groups of kids on their walk home from school, and everything that happens to them during the way. ⠀⠀That walk, Reynolds believes, is one of the few experiences kids have where they can feel some sense of autonomy over themselves. Where they can tell and shape stories in their own way, on their own terms. ⠀⠀One of the things I admire about Reynolds is his ability to effortlessly slip into different — often conflicting — points of view. The characters are as compelling as they are numerous, their stories distinct, each carrying their own flavor and texture. They still interconnect, however, as the lives of these kids weave in and out of each other's in their own chaotic, impactful fashion.⠀⠀The amount of topics covered in these ten short stories is truly staggering, and could be overwhelming were it not for the fact that Reynolds has one of the most casual, welcoming narrative voices in literature right now. A voice that can talk about boogers and bullying in the same breath and sincerity. But the one theme all the stories ultimately go back to is about being seen.Every character we meet fits more or less into an archetype: the shy girl, the loner kid, the jock, the nerd, the knuckleheads and the bullies. And Reynolds will tell you their stories. He will tell you why that girl is so shy. He will tell you what that bully's home life is like. He will tell you how that jock got that black eye. ⠀⠀He will not tell you everything, though. He won't fully explain or excuse their actions. But he will tell you just enough for you to be able to look past the label and start seeing them as people.Because seeing is important. But it's only ever the first step towards understanding someone else's story. To do so you must, of course, look both ways, and then cross the threshold.

Jason Reynolds is a masterful storyteller and Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks doesn’t disappoint. Ten short stories, featuring characters in middle school, are cleverly woven together in both humorous and poignant ways. But all of them are sure to engage kids. Each chapter averages around 15 pages (perfect for reading aloud) and tackles a topic not far removed from experiences kids encounter in middle grades. And these topics will definitely prompt discussion starting with the first chapter on boogers and others focusing on bullying, parental illness, and homophobia.

This is an excellent collection of short stories for a middle school classroom. As a teacher, I plan to use a chapter as a stand-alone story. Jason Reynold's writing is so beautiful. He is the master of metaphors and figurative language that makes his writing so rich.

Jason Reynolds doesn't disappoint. Ten short stories told by ten different characters. The chapters are short, but it's funny how well you feel you know the character at the end of each one. Love this book. I think it would be a great class book for grades 5 and 6. I was planning on using it in my 8th grade class and it's a bit too easy for them.

Bought this to read with my 10 year old son. Finished in less than a week! Love how descriptive the author is. We talked about it so much my 15 year old daughter read and enjoyed!

Perfect gift for a 12 year old avid reader.

I love Jason Reynolds’ voice. It draws me in and his stories are told in such unique ways. There are always metaphors to explore!

I'm reading this book to my class and they are making some great connections to the stories happening in each block.

I bought it for my 9 year old son, who has really enjoyed it! Jason Reynolds has a great gift of reaching out to the youth.

She had to read it in class (gr 8) and she didn't really like it.