Look Both Ways A Tale Told in Ten Blocks — Content Guide for Parents
Themes present
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Content themes
Factual summary of themes present in this book. No opinion — just the facts.
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Religious themes
PRESENTContains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.
About this book
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.
Frequently asked questions
Is Look Both Ways A Tale Told in Ten Blocks appropriate for a 7-year-old?
The book features descriptions of bullying and the emotional pain it causes, with one character grieving the death of her older sister. However, it does not depict specific negative consequences for the bullies. No scary content detected in the search results.
Does Look Both Ways A Tale Told in Ten Blocks have violence?
The book features descriptions of bullying and the emotional pain it causes, with one character grieving the death of her older sister. However, it does not depict specific negative consequences for the bullies.
Does Look Both Ways A Tale Told in Ten Blocks have scary content?
No scary content detected in the search results.
Does Look Both Ways A Tale Told in Ten Blocks have religious themes?
No religious content detected in the book's narrative based on the search results.
Does Look Both Ways A Tale Told in Ten Blocks have racial/cultural content?
The book features interwoven stories of Black middle schoolers, addressing relevant issues such as racial intolerance and the experiences of Black youth.
Does Look Both Ways A Tale Told in Ten Blocks have profanity?
No profanity detected in the search results.
Does Look Both Ways A Tale Told in Ten Blocks have climate change?
No climate themes detected in the search results.
Does Look Both Ways A Tale Told in Ten Blocks have sexual identity?
The book discusses themes related to sexuality, including mentions of same-sex kissing, indicating an exploration of sexual identity and relationships among middle schoolers.
Does Look Both Ways A Tale Told in Ten Blocks have gender roles?
No specific gender role themes detected in the search results.
Does Look Both Ways A Tale Told in Ten Blocks have lgbtq+ themes?
The book includes a story that portrays a hopeful and compassionate outcome of standing up against homophobic bullying, indicating a focus on LGBTQ+ themes and experiences.
