Look Both Ways (novel)
| Industry | Publishing |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Books |
Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks is a young adult novel authored by Jason Reynolds with illustrations by Alexander Nabaum. It was released on October 8, 2019, through Atheneum Books. The title has achieved status as a New York Times bestseller, was a finalist for the National Book Award for Young People's Literature in 2019, received an honor distinction from the Coretta Scott King Award in 2020, and won the Carnegie Medal in 2021.
Reception
Look Both Ways secured a position on the New York Times bestseller list.[1]
The novel earned starred commendations from several prominent publications, including Publishers Weekly,[2] School Library Journal,Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name Booklist,[3] Horn Book,[4] and Kirkus,[1] alongside favorable reviews from Shelf Awareness.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
Ronny Khuri of Booklist described it as "storytelling at its finest, a true masterpiece."[3]
According to Kirkus Reviews, the collection "is filled with humor, pathos, and the courageous journey of growing up," while Publishers Weekly highlighted its "emotional authenticity and empathy," skillfully combined with humor.[1][2]
Kyla Paterno from Shelf Awareness characterized the work as "a unique and inventive look into middle schoolers’ hidden challenges," featuring interconnected narratives that leave interpretation open to readers.
The audiobook version, narrated by Heather Alicia Simms, Bahni Turpin, January LaVoy, among others, received a starred review from Booklist, which emphasized how the narrators capture the characters' confidence, cultural backgrounds, vulnerability, and resilience.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
Additionally, Shelf Awareness remarked that each figure is "vividly developed and unforgettable," appearing throughout the various vignettes.
Among its distinctions, Look Both Ways was listed as one of the year's best children's books by outlets such as Kirkus Reviews, NPR, Chicago Public Library, The New York Times, TIME, The Today Show, the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature, School Library Journal, and Publishers Weekly.[1]Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
Accolades
| Year | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Booklist Editors' Choice for Youth Audio | Selected |
| Booklist Editors' Choice for Books for Youth | Selected | |
| National Book Award for Young People's Literature | Finalist | |
| 2020 | Association for Library Service to Children's Notable Children's Books | Selected |
| Association for Library Service to Children's Notable Children's Recordings | Selected | |
| Coretta Scott King Award for Author | Honor | |
| Judy Lopez Memorial Award for Children's Literature | Winner | |
| YALSA's Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers | Selected | |
| 2021 | Carnegie Medal | Winner |
| YALSA's Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults | Selected |
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