June’s Reading Challenge was to read a novel with a person on the cover.
All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely is a timeless, thought-provoking young adult novel about racism and police brutality in America.
Rashad Butler is a Black teenager who is savagely beaten by a white cop. The circumstances are all too familiar in America today-Rashad is a young Black man doing nothing wrong and he is racially profiled by Officer Paul Galluzzo. Fellow student Quinn Collins sees the assault but since he personally knows Galluzzo, he is reluctant to become involved or report what he witnessed. It is not until a movement begins at their high school that both Rashad and Quinn begin to change and evolve as they decide what they want to do next.
Alternating between Rashad’s and Quinn’s perspectives, we see firsthand how each of the young men grapples with the situation. Rashad’s injuries are serious enough he has to remain in the hospital for several days. As tgecdsys pass, he is surprised by the different reactions of his family members. Quinn is caught between his memories of Paul guiding him through life following his father’s death and Paul brutally beating his helpless classmate. Both of the young men’s reactions are surprising as they figure out what they should do in the aftermath of the attack.
All American Boys is an insightful novel that should be on everyone’s reading list. The storyline remains all too relevant in America today. Just as happens in real life, Rashad and Quinn are faced with an important choice about their role in the aftermath of a racially charged, police brutality incident. Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely bring this incredible story to a poignant conclusion that will linger in readers’ minds long after the last page is turned. HIGHLY recommend.
Please click HERE to learn more about All American Boys.
Did you enjoy the book you selected for this month’s challenge? Leave a comment and let us know your thoughts about your selection!
***
Check out July’s challenge HERE.
I read Long Shadow (hamarson and demspsy 2) by Elle Keaton. You definitely need to read 1&2 as one story runs through. Niall fairly closed off due to his past, retiring from police. Mat local sherrif, Niall’s adopted home town, arson mystery, some resolution, bombs, fires, proposals. More to come. Am enjoying the series, looking forward to the next one.
I also read Cold Girl by RM Greenaway
Police procedural, which I liked. Plenty of red herrings.
Good sense of place and had me tracing on the map.
Felt the treatment of Dion was a bit harsh considering they didn’t know his history. But then, he should have had more supervision. Who knows.
Felt a bit disjointed like Dion’s brain at times but quite engaging.