Look Both Ways: a tale told in ten blocks by Jason Reynolds

Look Both Ways by Jason Reynolds
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jason Reynolds is a must read author for ALL! Even though this book is a middle school read, we all laugh and learn so much about kids as the navigate school, going to and from school---all in their journey of life! What I loved most about this book was the authenticity that pops off each page, Reynolds gets kids, life on the streets and in neighborhoods! In the first tale told in this tale told in ten blocks, Jasmine and TJ's friendship is deep, strong and special. The "friendship bags" are called litter of love AND notes that say I've missed you. In Five Things Easier to do Than Simeon and Kenzi's Secret Handshake also have a special friendship, but Jason Reynolds has awesome descriptions, such as Fredo's Corner Store "always smelled like incense smoke trying to mask dirty mop water." Finally, the special way Jason Reynolds uses to describe his characters---handshakes "they grab hands, shake, shake, slide, finger grip, shake, shake. Then point to themselves, double fist pump throw a peace sign beside each of their right ears, point to each other, slap their individual fingertips together, rub the air as if they are holding a ball---bigger than the one in Kenzi's bag--then they thumb their chins and shake their heads at each other before ending it with a big hug." A must read that will thrill all Jason Reynolds fans and friends.

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