All American Boys
Written by: Jason Reynolds and Brendan Keily
Published 2015, Simon & Schuster
Grades 8 and up
ISBN: 9781481463331.
2016 Coretta Scott King Author Honor book
recipient of the Walter Dean Myers Award for Outstanding Children’s Literature.
Simon & Shuster. (2015). All American boys. {book cover}. Retrieved from http://www.simonandschuster.com/books/All-American-Boys/Jason-Reynolds/9781481463331
Written by: Jason Reynolds and Brendan Keily
Published 2015, Simon & Schuster
Grades 8 and up
ISBN: 9781481463331.
2016 Coretta Scott King Author Honor book
recipient of the Walter Dean Myers Award for Outstanding Children’s Literature.
Simon & Shuster. (2015). All American boys. {book cover}. Retrieved from http://www.simonandschuster.com/books/All-American-Boys/Jason-Reynolds/9781481463331
Book Review: This modern day novel will surely be a winner with teens, as its subject matter relates to issues faced among many teens today. 16-year-old Rashad is living his life, buying a bag of chips at a local convenience store, when a white police officer accuses him of stealing and brutally beats him. Quinn, a high-school classmate of Rashad's see the whole thing go down but due to his family's relationship with the officer involved deals with the complexities of doing what is right and remaining loyal. The well- developed story provides an intimate look at the issues facing many modern day American boys in a society that claims to be equal for all. Teens will enjoy hearing from both authors as they read from both Rashad and Quinn's perspectives in dealing with an all too real and all too frequent issue. I highly recommend this contemporary, American novel for those who enjoy enlightening themselves to and humanizing issues facing teens today. Recommended grades 8-12.
Teaching Ideas:
1.Art- Groups discussions/presentations:Have a class or small group discussion prior to the start of the novel. Ask students to reflect on what they think of when they hear all American boy. Ask students to draw, write, and depict an all American boy. Ask students to present in small groups what their vision and thoughts were to spark conversation and pique interest. Language Arts Standard 9.1 The student will make planned oral presentations independently and in small groups. a) include definitions to increase clarity b) use relevant details to support main ideas c) illustrate main ideas through anecdotes and examples d) use grammatically correct language, including vocabulary appropriate to the topic, audience and purpose Visual Arts Standards AIII.7 The student will select art-making media and techniques to create personal works of art.
2. Journal Response -Writing: "Throughout All American Boys, many characters exhibit acts of bravery. Consider the individual actions of these characters. Who do you believe to be the most courageous? Write a letter to that character explaining why you believe his/her actions are so brave? Language Arts Standard 9.6 The student will develop narrative, expository, and persuasive writings for a variety of audiences and purposes.
3.Civics- Research Project & Presentation:
Students will work in small groups to research and identify past instances of police brutality among American boys and present the information they have found. Students will work together to create a digital presentation of the facts surrounding their case, the involved parties, the circumstances, and the outcomes. Additionally, each student will create 1-3 slides presenting their opinion or side of the case they see as the truth. SOL: GOVT.18 The student will understand that thoughtful and effective participation in civic life is characterized by F) respecting differing opinions in a diverse society
4. History and Language Arts -#Challenge: Students will work in small groups to identify other social issues or problems facing teens today. In combination with the history teacher and the school librarian students will utilize computers to research most commonly identified issues. The groups will choose one and create a # for it. Students will develop a strong thesis, and prominent reasons for their choice, identify 3 instances from valid sources that highlight the issues for present day teens and present to the class. Additionally, students will develop 3-5 ways in which they would work to solve the issues facing teens and offer ideas. SOL: GOVT.1 The student will demonstrate mastery of the social studies skills responsible citizenship requires, including the ability to: e) evaluate information for accuracy, separating fact from opinion; f) identify a problem, weigh the expected costs and benefits and possible consequences of proposed solutions, and recommend solutions, using a decision-making model; g) select and defend positions in writing, discussion, and debate.
5. Training Project: Students will work in pairs or groups to research and develop a training session. Half of the class will develop a training for the police department. Students will create a video, slide, presentation, play, skit, or any other form they choose to identify and create a training for the police about what they need to know about today's American Teens. The focus of the presentation should be on the police and ways to best approach, talk to and handle difficult issues with teens in an effort to resolve the issues peacefully. The other half of the class will research and develop a training for teens about dealing with police and ways in which to best resolve difficult situations and challenging issues. Again, students may use any platform they choose to create their training and will present their training to the class.
SOL: GOVT.3 The student will demonstrate knowledge of the concepts of democracy by
a) recognizing the fundamental worth and dignity of the individual; b) recognizing the equality of all citizens under the law;
c) recognizing majority rule and minority rights; d) recognizing the necessity of compromise; e) recognizing the freedom of the individual Standards for Counseling programming; MP4. Use appropriate decision making and problem solving skills,
1.Art- Groups discussions/presentations:Have a class or small group discussion prior to the start of the novel. Ask students to reflect on what they think of when they hear all American boy. Ask students to draw, write, and depict an all American boy. Ask students to present in small groups what their vision and thoughts were to spark conversation and pique interest. Language Arts Standard 9.1 The student will make planned oral presentations independently and in small groups. a) include definitions to increase clarity b) use relevant details to support main ideas c) illustrate main ideas through anecdotes and examples d) use grammatically correct language, including vocabulary appropriate to the topic, audience and purpose Visual Arts Standards AIII.7 The student will select art-making media and techniques to create personal works of art.
2. Journal Response -Writing: "Throughout All American Boys, many characters exhibit acts of bravery. Consider the individual actions of these characters. Who do you believe to be the most courageous? Write a letter to that character explaining why you believe his/her actions are so brave? Language Arts Standard 9.6 The student will develop narrative, expository, and persuasive writings for a variety of audiences and purposes.
3.Civics- Research Project & Presentation:
Students will work in small groups to research and identify past instances of police brutality among American boys and present the information they have found. Students will work together to create a digital presentation of the facts surrounding their case, the involved parties, the circumstances, and the outcomes. Additionally, each student will create 1-3 slides presenting their opinion or side of the case they see as the truth. SOL: GOVT.18 The student will understand that thoughtful and effective participation in civic life is characterized by F) respecting differing opinions in a diverse society
4. History and Language Arts -#Challenge: Students will work in small groups to identify other social issues or problems facing teens today. In combination with the history teacher and the school librarian students will utilize computers to research most commonly identified issues. The groups will choose one and create a # for it. Students will develop a strong thesis, and prominent reasons for their choice, identify 3 instances from valid sources that highlight the issues for present day teens and present to the class. Additionally, students will develop 3-5 ways in which they would work to solve the issues facing teens and offer ideas. SOL: GOVT.1 The student will demonstrate mastery of the social studies skills responsible citizenship requires, including the ability to: e) evaluate information for accuracy, separating fact from opinion; f) identify a problem, weigh the expected costs and benefits and possible consequences of proposed solutions, and recommend solutions, using a decision-making model; g) select and defend positions in writing, discussion, and debate.
5. Training Project: Students will work in pairs or groups to research and develop a training session. Half of the class will develop a training for the police department. Students will create a video, slide, presentation, play, skit, or any other form they choose to identify and create a training for the police about what they need to know about today's American Teens. The focus of the presentation should be on the police and ways to best approach, talk to and handle difficult issues with teens in an effort to resolve the issues peacefully. The other half of the class will research and develop a training for teens about dealing with police and ways in which to best resolve difficult situations and challenging issues. Again, students may use any platform they choose to create their training and will present their training to the class.
SOL: GOVT.3 The student will demonstrate knowledge of the concepts of democracy by
a) recognizing the fundamental worth and dignity of the individual; b) recognizing the equality of all citizens under the law;
c) recognizing majority rule and minority rights; d) recognizing the necessity of compromise; e) recognizing the freedom of the individual Standards for Counseling programming; MP4. Use appropriate decision making and problem solving skills,
Further Explorations:
1. Shots Fired "A dramatic look at police shootings with a twist – the policeman in question is Black, the victim is white. Sanaa Lathan and Stephen James play the investigator and the prosecutor who get the racially charged case." Great resource for students who enjoy learning through TV shows. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IN9qDc_1ub0#action=share
2. News report and video of off duty police officer pinning down teen. Great resource for youth who desire to be in the know of current issues and investigate reports of violence against teens. http://wgntv.com/2017/06/26/video-shows-off-duty-lansing-police-officer-pinning-down-teen-threatening-his-life/
3. Video/talk of Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely Listen to the authors of the book tell of their experiences and explain their rationals for the creation of the book. Excellent resource for students who are interested in the racial divide as well as budding young writiers wanting to know where ideas come from. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnIU0MARY2o
4. Black Youth Project- This site contains informational resources, articles, research, and relevant info to today's African American youth. It is specifically designed for youth ages 15-25 and explores how cultural and social factors influence black youth.
http://blackyouthproject.com/tag/black-lives-matter/
5. The Beauty of Gray- a song about examining one's prejudices. Excellent resource for students who are moved through music. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsHIg7O6B3I
6. Michael Jackson Music Video Black or White A well known music compilation that explores how being black or white or any color in between transcend love. Great resource for students who enjoy music and learning in auditory formats. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RuAlyNclck
7. TED Talk The urgency of intersectionality Kimberlé Crenshaw, a Ted Talk looking at the reality of race and gender bias with police brutality and social injustice. Excellent resource for girls. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akOe5-UsQ2o
1. Shots Fired "A dramatic look at police shootings with a twist – the policeman in question is Black, the victim is white. Sanaa Lathan and Stephen James play the investigator and the prosecutor who get the racially charged case." Great resource for students who enjoy learning through TV shows. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IN9qDc_1ub0#action=share
2. News report and video of off duty police officer pinning down teen. Great resource for youth who desire to be in the know of current issues and investigate reports of violence against teens. http://wgntv.com/2017/06/26/video-shows-off-duty-lansing-police-officer-pinning-down-teen-threatening-his-life/
3. Video/talk of Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely Listen to the authors of the book tell of their experiences and explain their rationals for the creation of the book. Excellent resource for students who are interested in the racial divide as well as budding young writiers wanting to know where ideas come from. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnIU0MARY2o
4. Black Youth Project- This site contains informational resources, articles, research, and relevant info to today's African American youth. It is specifically designed for youth ages 15-25 and explores how cultural and social factors influence black youth.
http://blackyouthproject.com/tag/black-lives-matter/
5. The Beauty of Gray- a song about examining one's prejudices. Excellent resource for students who are moved through music. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsHIg7O6B3I
6. Michael Jackson Music Video Black or White A well known music compilation that explores how being black or white or any color in between transcend love. Great resource for students who enjoy music and learning in auditory formats. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RuAlyNclck
7. TED Talk The urgency of intersectionality Kimberlé Crenshaw, a Ted Talk looking at the reality of race and gender bias with police brutality and social injustice. Excellent resource for girls. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akOe5-UsQ2o
Partner Titles:
1. Separate is Never Equal : Sylvia Mendez & her family's fight for desegregation - Americas Award for Children's and Young Adult Literature 2015 Winner, Recommended from the CCBS for older children and teens. A historical look at the landmark desegregation case of 1946 told in picture book format and laying roots for today's current issues and debates. Grades 3 and up. A picture book to reach a multitude of ranges of students and especially helpful for ELL and special education students. http://www.abramsbooks.com/product/separate-is-never-equal_9781419710544/
2. How it Went Down by Keekla Magoon - Relevant to the topic of racism occurring under the watchful eyes of the police, this story explores another instance of a shooting of a black teen by a white man. 326 pages 2014. E-Reader version available.
https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250068231
3. Black and White by Paul Volponi - Another relevant and hot topic YA novel that explores how two different races are treated in the justice system and how racism impacts an entire community just as All American Boys does. 199 pages grades 9-12. http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/295049/black-and-white-by-paul-volponi/9780142406922
4. The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas - Relevant to the study of racism in the United states this story offers a look at African American women and the prejudice and fear they encounter to contrast with their male counterparts. 2 African American girls leave a party and are pulled over by the police. One girl is killed, the other is left as a witness and must testify in the officers hearing. She deals with racism from her predominately white private school friends and mounting pressures from her predominately black and gang ridden neighborhood causing angst and difficulty. 464 pages. Grades 9 - 12. https://www.harpercollins.com/books/9780062498533
5. March Book 3 by John Lewis and Andrew Aydin - A Coretta Scott King and Michael J. Printz award winner this non-fiction graphic novel lends itself to the understanding of the civil rights movement in the 1960's and the struggles and impact on race relations and desegregation laws that came to be in the United States. This book offers a view into the fight for equal rights from years ago and an understanding of how far we still have yet to go. 246 pages. Recommended for grades 7 -12. Graphic novel format great way to reach reluctant readers. http://www.topshelfcomix.com/catalog/march-book-three/945
1. Separate is Never Equal : Sylvia Mendez & her family's fight for desegregation - Americas Award for Children's and Young Adult Literature 2015 Winner, Recommended from the CCBS for older children and teens. A historical look at the landmark desegregation case of 1946 told in picture book format and laying roots for today's current issues and debates. Grades 3 and up. A picture book to reach a multitude of ranges of students and especially helpful for ELL and special education students. http://www.abramsbooks.com/product/separate-is-never-equal_9781419710544/
2. How it Went Down by Keekla Magoon - Relevant to the topic of racism occurring under the watchful eyes of the police, this story explores another instance of a shooting of a black teen by a white man. 326 pages 2014. E-Reader version available.
https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250068231
3. Black and White by Paul Volponi - Another relevant and hot topic YA novel that explores how two different races are treated in the justice system and how racism impacts an entire community just as All American Boys does. 199 pages grades 9-12. http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/295049/black-and-white-by-paul-volponi/9780142406922
4. The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas - Relevant to the study of racism in the United states this story offers a look at African American women and the prejudice and fear they encounter to contrast with their male counterparts. 2 African American girls leave a party and are pulled over by the police. One girl is killed, the other is left as a witness and must testify in the officers hearing. She deals with racism from her predominately white private school friends and mounting pressures from her predominately black and gang ridden neighborhood causing angst and difficulty. 464 pages. Grades 9 - 12. https://www.harpercollins.com/books/9780062498533
5. March Book 3 by John Lewis and Andrew Aydin - A Coretta Scott King and Michael J. Printz award winner this non-fiction graphic novel lends itself to the understanding of the civil rights movement in the 1960's and the struggles and impact on race relations and desegregation laws that came to be in the United States. This book offers a view into the fight for equal rights from years ago and an understanding of how far we still have yet to go. 246 pages. Recommended for grades 7 -12. Graphic novel format great way to reach reluctant readers. http://www.topshelfcomix.com/catalog/march-book-three/945
References:
Education, V. D. (n.d.). Standards of Learning (SOL) & Testing. Retrieved July 16, 2017, from http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/
Lewis, J., Aydin, A., & Powell, N. (2013). March. Marietta, GA: Top Shelf Productions.
Magoon, K. (2015). How it went down. New York: Square Fish, Henry Holt and Company.
Magoon, K. (2015). How it went down [E-reader Version]. Retrieved from https://chesterfield.overdrive.com/media/1530854
[Me Gusta Channel}. (2016, May 08). Shot fired (Fox)-Official trailer {Video File}. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IN9qDc_1ub0#action=share
Mehreteab. M. (2016, June 17). All American boys by Jason Reynolds and Brenden Kiely. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnIU0MARY2o
Pendelton, T. (2016). 7 Fall TV shows you should be watching. Retrieved from: https://blackamericaweb.com/2016/09/12/7-fall-tv-shows-you-should-be-watching/
Petrus. J. (2012, June 1). Michael Jackson black or white complete version. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RuAlyNclck
Universal Music Group International. (2014, December 3). [Video File]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsHIg7O6B3I
Black Youth Project. Black lives matter Archives. (n.d.). Retrieved July 06, 2017, from http://blackyouthproject.com/tag/black-lives-matter/
Runce. E. (2017, June 26). Video shows off-duty Lansing police officer pinning down teen, threatening his life. {Video file}. Retrieved from http://wgntv.com/2017/06/26/video-shows-off-duty-lansing-police-officer-pinning-down-teen-threatening-his-life/
Ted. (2016, December 7). The urgency of intersectionality | Kimberle' Crenshaw. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akOe5-UsQ2o
Thomas, A. (2017). The hate you give [E-book]. Harper Collins Publishers
Thomas, A. (2017). The hate u give. New York: Balzer Bray.
Tonatiuh, D. (2014). Separate is never equal: Sylvia Mendez & her familys fight for desegregation. New York: Abrams Books for Young Readers.
Volponi, P. (2005). Black and white. New York: Viking.
Education, V. D. (n.d.). Standards of Learning (SOL) & Testing. Retrieved July 16, 2017, from http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/
Lewis, J., Aydin, A., & Powell, N. (2013). March. Marietta, GA: Top Shelf Productions.
Magoon, K. (2015). How it went down. New York: Square Fish, Henry Holt and Company.
Magoon, K. (2015). How it went down [E-reader Version]. Retrieved from https://chesterfield.overdrive.com/media/1530854
[Me Gusta Channel}. (2016, May 08). Shot fired (Fox)-Official trailer {Video File}. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IN9qDc_1ub0#action=share
Mehreteab. M. (2016, June 17). All American boys by Jason Reynolds and Brenden Kiely. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnIU0MARY2o
Pendelton, T. (2016). 7 Fall TV shows you should be watching. Retrieved from: https://blackamericaweb.com/2016/09/12/7-fall-tv-shows-you-should-be-watching/
Petrus. J. (2012, June 1). Michael Jackson black or white complete version. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RuAlyNclck
Universal Music Group International. (2014, December 3). [Video File]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsHIg7O6B3I
Black Youth Project. Black lives matter Archives. (n.d.). Retrieved July 06, 2017, from http://blackyouthproject.com/tag/black-lives-matter/
Runce. E. (2017, June 26). Video shows off-duty Lansing police officer pinning down teen, threatening his life. {Video file}. Retrieved from http://wgntv.com/2017/06/26/video-shows-off-duty-lansing-police-officer-pinning-down-teen-threatening-his-life/
Ted. (2016, December 7). The urgency of intersectionality | Kimberle' Crenshaw. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akOe5-UsQ2o
Thomas, A. (2017). The hate you give [E-book]. Harper Collins Publishers
Thomas, A. (2017). The hate u give. New York: Balzer Bray.
Tonatiuh, D. (2014). Separate is never equal: Sylvia Mendez & her familys fight for desegregation. New York: Abrams Books for Young Readers.
Volponi, P. (2005). Black and white. New York: Viking.