All American Boys (illustrated edition) Written by Jason Reynolds. Reviewed by Jacob, Age 14

All American Boys is an eye-opening story about deep routed racism in the USA. The story unfolds as an innocent black teenager is brutally attacked by a police officer for allegedly stealing a packet of crisps. The story is told from two different perspectives, the victim of the attack and an eyewitness to the assault. As the story develops a divide forms in all aspects of their lives involving their friends, family and school and Rashad and Quinn, the two main characters, have to make decisions that will impact their futures.

I really enjoyed this book as it is powerful and thought provoking and represents current issues that exist in our society today. Rashad and Quinn are both fun and likeable characters and the authors cleverly allow you to see how they deal with the incident in their own ways influenced by the important people in their lives.

Throughout the book the illustrator, Akhran Girmay includes detailed pencil sketches of the key emotional moments of the story. These illustrations enable you to empathise with the characters and recognise the emotions they are feeling. One of my favourite illustrations represents a protest march outside the shop where Rashad was beaten as it shows the power of activism and how it can bring about change.

The story evoked several different emotions for me as the reader. Some heart warming and some shocking. The lasting impact of the story is one of realisation of the divides that exist in our world today. However, it also encourages people like myself to take a stance against issues such as racism and be active in our communities to fight for things that they are passionate about.