All American Boys by Brendan Kiely and Jason Reynolds follows two high school students, Rashad and Quinn, whose lives intersect after Rashad experiences police brutality, leading to a powerful community protest focused on addressing racism and advocating for justice. Topics of violence and systemic racism are explored.

All American Boys by Brendan Kiely and Jason Reynolds is lauded for its timely and powerful exploration of racial tension and police brutality, compelling readers with authentic voices and a dual narrative. Critics praise its impactful storytelling and nuanced character development. However, some feel the plot can be heavy-handed. Overall, it's a gripping, thought-provoking read.

Readers aged 13 and up who are interested in contemporary social issues, particularly race relations and police brutality, will find All American Boys compelling. Fans of Angie Thomas's The Hate U Give or Nic Stone's Dear Martin will appreciate its dual perspectives and gripping narrative.

Challenging / Emotional / Gritty / Suspenseful / Inspirational

- All American Boys was awarded the 2016 Walter Dean Myers Award for Outstanding Children’s Literature in the Teen category, which recognizes diverse authors and stories that reflect the diverse nature of American life.
- The authors, Brendan Kiely and Jason Reynolds, were inspired to collaborate on All American Boys after a conversation about racial tensions in the United States sparked their desire to address the topic through a dual-perspective narrative.
- Each author wrote from the perspective of a character that aligned with their own racial identity, with Reynolds writing Rashad’s chapters and Kiely writing Quinn’s, to ensure authenticity and depth in the storytelling.

**Rashad Butler**  
An African-American high school junior and artist who experiences a significant life incident that brings various societal issues to the forefront of the story.

**Quinn Collins**  
A Caucasian high school senior and basketball player known for his athletic talents and pressured by his father's legacy; he navigates personal and social challenges throughout the novel.

**David Butler**  
Rashad's father, a former police officer with strong beliefs in American institutions, whose past actions and values impact his relationship with Rashad.

**Jessica Butler**  
Rashad's mother and the family peacekeeper, known for her supportive nature and dedication to her sons.

**Randolph "Spoony" Butler**  
Rashad's older brother who works at UPS, characterized by his outspoken stance against racial injustice and activism in support of his brother.

**Paul Galluzzo**  
A policeman and Quinn’s surrogate father figure, whose actions serve as a pivotal point in the plot, challenging several characters' perceptions.

**Guzzo**  
Quinn's best friend, basketball teammate, and Paul’s younger brother, whose loyalty to his family shapes his response to events in the story.

**Jill**  
Paul and Guzzo’s cousin, and Quinn’s crush, who plays a key role in motivating others to question their beliefs and take action.

**English Jones**  
Rashad's best friend and star of the basketball team, who is deeply affected by events and contributes to organizing community action.

**Carlos Greene**  
A high school senior and friend of Rashad's known for his graffiti art; he creates pivotal tags that become central to the narrative.

**Shirley Fitzgerald**  
An older black woman working in the hospital gift shop who befriends Rashad and shares insights from her past experiences.

Brendan Kiely

Jason Reynolds

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Teaching Guide

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Overview

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All American Boys Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-4

All American Boys Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 5-8

All American Boys Chapters 5-8 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 9-12

All American Boys Chapters 9-12 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 13-17

All American Boys Chapters 13-17 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

All American Boys Character Analysis

theme

Themes

All American Boys Themes

Symbols & Motifs

All American Boys Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Get ready to explore All-American Boys and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

All American Boys

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read All American Boys?

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Book Details