Jason Reynolds books are renowned for their unflinching portrayal of teenage life. They weave humor, heartbreak, and hope into a tapestry of relatable characters grappling with themes that resonate deeply with young adults and adults alike. Whether you seek a Jason Reynolds Book that packs a punch, sparks laughter, or leaves you pondering the world’s intricate tapestry, there’s a story waiting to be discovered.
So, bookworms, get ready to embark on a literary adventure! This corner of the blogosphere is dedicated to exploring the captivating world of Jason Reynolds books. We’ll delve into the characters, dissect the themes, and uncover the magic that makes Jason Reynolds books so darn compelling.
Are you ready to unlock the power of Jason Reynolds books? Let’s begin!
Here is a list of Jason Reynolds books for you:
Contents
- 1 Young Adult Fiction
- 1.1 Long Way Down (2017)
- 1.2 Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You (2020)
- 1.3 All American Boys (2019) (co-written with Brendan Kiely)
- 1.4 Ghost (Track, #1) (2016)
- 1.5 Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks (2019)
- 1.6 Ain’t Burned All the Bright (2022)
- 1.7 For Every One (2018)
- 1.8 Patina (2017)
- 1.9 Sunny (2018)
- 1.10 Lu (2018)
- 1.11 The Boy in the Black Suit (2015)
- 1.12 As Brave As You (2016)
- 1.13 Miles Morales: Spider-Man (2017)
- 1.14 When I Was the Greatest (2014)
- 1.15 Stuntboy, in the Meantime (2021)
- 2 Middle Grade Fiction
- 3 Additional Titles
- 4 Conclusion
Young Adult Fiction
A gripping novel-in-verse that follows the story of Will, a fifteen-year-old boy grappling with the aftermath of his brother’s murder. In the span of sixty seconds, Will must make a life-altering decision as he rides an elevator down to exact revenge on his brother’s killer.
This remarkable reimagining of Dr. Ibram X. Kendi’s National Book Award-winning Stamped from the Beginning reveals the history of racist ideas in America, and inspires hope for an antiracist future. It takes you on a race journey from then to now, shows you why we feel how we feel, and why the poison of racism lingers. It also proves that while racist ideas have always been easy to fabricate and distribute, they can also be discredited.
Through a gripping, fast-paced, and energizing narrative, this Jason Reynolds book shines a light on the many insidious forms of racist ideas–and on ways readers can identify and stamp out racist thoughts in their daily lives.
A graphic novel adaptation of the award-winning young adult novel by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely. It tells the story of two teenagers, Rashad, a Black boy, and Quinn, a white boy, whose lives become intertwined after a racially charged incident at their high school.
“Ghost,” by Jason Reynolds, is the first book in the “Track” series. It tells the story of Castle Cranshaw, nicknamed “Ghost,” a young boy from a challenging background who discovers a hidden talent for running.
It’s a unique and innovative story told in ten chapters, each representing one block on a young person’s walk home from school. Each chapter features a different character and a different experience, offering a glimpse into the diverse lives and challenges faced by teenagers in their community.
The story follows the young narrator and his family as they navigate the challenges of the early pandemic, including his father’s battle with COVID-19. Simultaneously, he grapples with the constant reports of racial injustice and violence playing out in the world.
“For Every One” is aimed at inspiring young dreamers. It emphasizes that dreams take time and effort, but even when faced with struggles, hope and passion should never be extinguished. The book acknowledges the author’s own journey of pursuing his dreams, showcasing that success often takes longer than expected. It encourages young readers to believe in their dreams, take a leap of faith, and persevere through challenges.
Patina, a fast runner nicknamed Patty, uses running to escape various challenges in her life. She attends a new, expensive school after leaving her “real” mom who suffers from diabetes. Patty is afraid the illness will take her mom away and runs for her, literally as her mom can’t. However, joining the track team presents a new challenge: running the relay, which requires teamwork, something Patty struggles with due to her difficult situation. The book explores themes of resilience, family struggles, and learning to rely on others.
In “Track 03 Sunny,” the cheerful Sunny wrestles with his past and his passion. Despite being a star runner on the track team, Sunny hates running and longs to express himself through dance. He struggles with his guilt over his mother’s death and a strained relationship with his father. When quitting running seems the only way out, Coach offers him a surprising alternative: the discus throw, an event that allows him to combine his love for movement with the demands of the team. This becomes an opportunity for Sunny to heal, find his voice, and potentially let go of his inner turmoil.
Nicknamed “Lu” for his lightning-fast speed, Lu is a misunderstood young man struggling with his identity. He finds solace and self-expression in poetry, using words to navigate his complex emotions and the challenges he faces – both on and off the track. As he grapples with family struggles, societal pressures, and his place in the world, Lu embarks on a journey of self-discovery, learning the importance of vulnerability and embracing his unique voice.
Reeling from his mother’s death, teenager Matt finds unexpected solace working at a local funeral home. Amidst the shared grief of strangers, Matt grapples with his own loss and begins a journey of self-discovery, forging unlikely connections and seeking a sense of purpose in this poignant and hopeful coming-of-age story.
Spending a summer with their unfamiliar grandfather in rural Virginia, brothers Genie and Ernie encounter a different world. While initially excited about learning to shoot a gun, a tradition for becoming a man in their grandfather’s eyes, Ernie’s reluctance challenges their understanding of bravery. As Genie navigates the complexities of family, identity, and expectations, he learns valuable lessons about true courage and resilience from his grandfather.
Juggling school work, friendships, and his newfound responsibility as Spider-Man, Miles Morales faces the challenges of being a teenager in Brooklyn. He grapples with self-doubt, navigating the complexities of balancing his secret identity with everyday life. Through his journey, Miles discovers the importance of staying true to himself and learns what it truly means to be a hero.
Aspiring boxer Ali trains relentlessly in the ring, determined to achieve greatness. However, his journey is far from easy. He faces inner demons, societal pressures, and the influence of his troublesome best friend, Noodles. Ali must navigate these challenges while staying committed to his dreams, fostering his family bonds, and learning valuable lessons about loyalty and self-discovery.
Portico Reeves juggles two identities: the regular fourth-grader and his secret superhero alter ego, Stuntboy. While dodging the relentless bullying of Herbert Singletary and coping with his parents’ constant arguments, Portico, as Stuntboy, secretly watches over his vibrant apartment building, “the castle,” and its diverse residents. Using his wit and ingenuity, he takes on the role of a quirky, behind-the-scenes superhero, ensuring the “superheroes” in his life – his family, friends, and neighbors – can continue their own journeys. This humorous and heartwarming graphic novel explores themes of friendship, resilience, and finding your own unique way to make a difference.
Middle Grade Fiction
Two Jasons, one Black and one white, embark on a journey of friendship and mutual understanding in “My Name Is Jason. Mine Too. Our Story. Our Way.” This unique collaboration between author Jason Reynolds and artist Jason Griffin intertwines poetry and visuals to tell their stories. As they share their contrasting experiences and perspectives, the two Jasons navigate the challenges and triumphs of growing up, forging a powerful bond built on acceptance and shared dreams.
A children’s picture book celebrating the life and legacy of African American poet Langston Hughes. However, it goes beyond just a biography, focusing instead on the joy and celebration surrounding his work.
Miles Morales lands in in-school suspension after standing up against racist remarks from a teacher. Bored and restless, his Spider-sense tingle disrupts the monotony. He soon finds himself facing off against an unexpected foe—a seemingly harmless termite with a shocking secret that threatens to erase history, especially Black and Brown narratives. Miles must juggle detention, schoolwork, and his personal struggles, all while protecting the past and confronting the challenges of being a young hero in a world facing erasure.
Sequel to Stuntboy, in the Meantime, continuing the adventures of teenagers with superpowers.
Additional Titles
A younger audience version of Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You.
Take the Mic’s powerful collection of stories features work by literary luminaries and emerging talent alike, including Newbery-winner Jason Reynolds, New York Times bestseller Samira Ahmed, anthologist and contributor Bethany C. Morrow, Darcie Little Badger, Keah Brown, Laura Silverman, L.D. Lewis, Sofia Quintero, Ray Stoeve, Yamile Mendez, and Connie Sun, with cover and interior art by Richie Pope.
A collaboration between author Jason Reynolds and artist Jason Griffin, exploring themes of family, resilience, and navigating a world grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic and racial injustice.
Conclusion
So, are you ready to dive into the rollercoaster of emotions that awaits you in the world of Jason Reynolds books?
Buckle up, bookworms, because you’re in for a powerful and unforgettable ride. With characters you’ll root for (and maybe cry with a little), stories that spark important conversations, and writing that packs a punch, Jason Reynolds books are a must-read for anyone who craves a dose of real-life authenticity.
Happy reading!
Thomas Sowell Books
