Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks

Jason Reynolds's "Look Both Ways" is a National Book Award Finalist and Coretta Scott King Author Honor Book, offering a unique collection of ten interconnected short stories, each set on a different block of the walk home from school. Aimed at middle-grade readers aged 8-12, this book delves into the diverse experiences, secret thoughts, and everyday challenges faced by children. Reynolds masterfully blends humor with poignant observations, exploring themes of friendship, identity, family dynamics, and resilience. The episodic structure makes it accessible for reluctant readers, while the rich character development and emotional depth provide ample material for discussion. Parents will appreciate its authentic portrayal of childhood and its ability to foster empathy.

A National Book Award Finalist Coretta Scott King Author Honor Book UK Carnegie Medal winner 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.