Look Both Ways

By Jason Reynolds, Alexander Nabaum (Illustrator)

Ten blocks, ten stories. What happens when the school bell rings and life takes unexpected turns?

3.9/5 Goodreads · 19,767 ratings

188 pages· 34,291 words· Est. 4 hour read

$17.99Save 6%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

After the school bell rings, ten kids navigate their way home, each block revealing a new story. From skateboarding mishaps to secret plans, their journeys intertwine in unexpected ways. What detours will they face, and how will these moments shape their lives? Discover the humor and heartache in the everyday adventures of walking home.

From the publisher

A National Book Award Finalist

An NPR Favorite Book of 2019

A New York Times 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

From National Book Award finalist and New York Times bestselling author Jason Reynolds comes a novel told in ten blocks, showing all the different directions a walk 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.

Awards

Coretta Scott King Honor (2020)

At a glance

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 188
Words: 34,291
Reading age: 10–14
Audience: Middle Grade
Lexile: 750L

Themes & topics

Books about school Books about feelings and emotions Books about social themes Books about new experiences Books about self-discovery

For the grown-ups

The parent guide

What families may want to know

Every family reads differently. These are the concepts our editors noticed in this book — worth seeking out for some readers, worth knowing about for others. The list isn't exhaustive, but it's a spoiler-light head start.

LGBTQ

One chapter focuses on a situation in which one boy is kissed by another boy and explores how he feels about it.

For readers who can't stop at one