All American Boys
When sixteen-year-old Rashad is mistakenly accused of stealing, classmate Quinn witnesses his brutal beating at the hands of a police officer who happens to be the older brother of his best friend. Told through Rashad and Quinn's alternating viewpoints. Two teens grapple with the repercussions of a single violent act that leaves their school, their community, and, ultimately, the country bitterly divided by racial tension.
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The questions readers send us most often, answered without spoilers.
A Black high schooler is assaulted outside a corner store by a white police officer. His classmate, the cop's brother's best friend, was there. Their alternating chapters carry the week that follows.
Yes. All American Boys has been challenged and removed from numerous American school libraries since its publication, primarily by adults objecting to its handling of police violence and language. It is widely taught in classrooms that engage with race and current events.
All American Boys was written by Jason Reynolds, published in 2015 by Atheneum.
All American Boys is 320 pages in standard print editions, though page counts vary slightly between hardcover, paperback, and large-print formats.
At an average reading pace of about 250 words per minute, All American Boys takes most readers 5 to 7 hours to finish.
All American Boys is a standalone novel by Jason Reynolds, not part of a series.
All American Boys is available in hardcover, paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats from Amazon, Bookshop.org, ThriftBooks, and most major bookstores.
