“This story was going to begin like all the best stories.”

From Jason Reynolds’ Look Both Ways.

A school bus fell from the sky today, but nobody noticed.  Best friends Jasmine and TJ are walking home and having an intense discussion about boogers.  Bonded by cancer-surviving parents, the Low Cuts (John John, Francy, Bit, and Trista) are on a mission after “collecting” all their classmates’ change all day long.  Pia loves to skate, Stevie is tormented by bully Marcus, but yesterday, Stevie did something terrible to get Marcus off his back, so he’s waiting outside Pia’s school to apologize.  Fatima is fascinated how life often repeats itself; as she walks home from school, she goes through her routine to note what’s the same or different from all the days before.  Bryson is home today after getting jumped for defending his friend, Ty, from a rumor yesterday, so Ty goes to visit him after school today.  Giant Simeon and small Kenzi are total physical opposites; however, that doesn’t stop the best friends from having fun or pulling off their signature, overly-complicated handshake.  As a little boy, Satchmo was bitten by a dog and has actively avoided them; now that his neighbor got a dog, Satchmo spends his walk planning his escape for when the dog attacks.  Unable to get her forgetful grandfather and overworked mother to laugh at home, Cynthia prepares to get her classmates to laugh at a comedy show instead.  Greg is about to confess his like to his crush, so his friends (Remi, Joey, and Candace) spend the walk home helping him smell and look nice.  Canton’s mom is the school crossing guard and he waits to walk home with her after she was injured at work last year.

Reynolds creates a fascinating book with ten short stories that weave together in unexpected ways.  The events and characters are realistic, funny, and endearing for readers of all ages.  Unexpectedly satisfying, this story collection is a quick read that will keep Look Both Ways on the minds of readers for years to come.