Review: Look Both Ways

Hello, lovely book dragons! This week has been anxiety-inducing thanks to the state of the world, so I thought a fun, quick read would be perfect to lift everyone’s spirits. Check out my review for Look Both Ways below!

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Title: Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in 10 Blocks
Author: Jason Reynolds
Rating: 5 Stars
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Jonathan Ball Publishers
Date Published: 8 October 2019
Goodreads Description: 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.

I was given a copy by Jonathan Ball in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own. 

Story

This is probably the cutest book I have ever read. I’m not usually one for Middle-Grade stories, but this one had me hooked. Each chapter contains a mini-story about all the children walking home from school. Even though each story follows another character, they’re all still interlinked in the most beautiful way.

Each story hit differently, but they all made an equally profound impact on me. Everyone should read this book in order to experience its beauty.

Writing

Jason Reynolds is a superb writer and his stories manage to capture everyday events and make them magical. I was pulled in by the way ordinary, everyday events had so much meaning and impact. This book is relatively short (only 200 pages), but its more than enough to keep you entertained.

Characters

I can’t really say much about the characters because I want to avoid as many spoilers as possible. As every chapter follows new characters you’d think it would be difficult to really get to know the characters, but that’s the exact opposite with this book. Read this book, as many times as possible. You will not be disappointed.

Let me know your thoughts on Look Both Ways! What’s your favourite Middle-Grade book?

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