Member Reviews
I'd like to thank Netgalley for providing an ARC version of this book.
This poem, first performed at the Kennedy Center for the unveiling of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, is really "for every one." Not just for dreamers, but as Jason Reynolds has said," having the courage to even have a dream." Kids need to understand they have options and as educators and parents, it is our responsibility to show them and provide opportunities for them.
Another hit for Jason Reynolds. Raw and honest Jason keeps life real. This is a quick read, and I enjoyed every page.
Everyone that I know has stated that this book is changing their lives. I feel like I missed some important aspects of the book by reading only the electronic version, but the writing was exquisite.
I absolutely love Jason Reynolds. I think kids will like how he begins the book, telling the reader he wasn't even sure what he was writing. His message is easy to understand yet still so meaningful.
In "For Every One," Jason Reynolds pens a letter to the dreamers of the world -- at whichever stage of life they find themselves.
Through sparse text, Reynolds describes the unknown journey to fulfillment -- a journey which could be miles away or just around the corner.
Following your dreams is packaged as a fulfilling journey, but what do you do as the passion behind your dream slowly ebbs, as you reach more and more milestones only to find that you are no further ahead than you were years ago?
Reynold’s poem is truly for “every one”: for children and teens looking ahead, or those who are looking back and wondering if it isn’t too late to chase that fire inside. “For Every One” is a poem that says it’s okay to still dream, to find self-help books impractical (“useless”), to appreciate that the reality of the journey is often dogged with uncertainty and insecurity, to acknowledge that the warmth of complacency can be so very tempting.
Those accustomed to Reynold’s masterful prose and economy of language will not be disappointed. A strong and beautiful work that will resonate with people at all stages of life. This is the type of book that should go in a time capsule, to be exhumed at age 15, 20, 25, and so forth.
For everyone who has a dream but also has doubts about achieving that dream, this book is for you. As always, Jason Reynolds has crafted words into something lovely and meaningful in this poem. It spoke to me at age 50 when he talks about the plans we have throughout life, imagining that we'll get there by age 13 or 18 or 25. I think that will also resonate with teens who are still so sure they are destined for greatness sooner rather than later. But Reynolds also talks about the fear of trying for your dream which I think might be more relevant to kids today than for my generation. I think teens are more aware of roadblocks for them in society which is not a great thing. There is plenty of time for cynicism later in life. :-) I think that addressing that nagging doubt is what makes this book more powerful than if it was just an "I believe I can fly" message. A great title to hand to anyone just setting out on a journey as well as anyone who is lagging a bit in their journey.
While I love Jason Reynolds books, I didn’t love this one. Perhaps it just tried too hard to be moving and relevant.
A love letter to all our dreams that is grounded in honesty, courage, humility, and an empowering voice for this generation and generations to come.
This letter is inspirational and a short enough read that the teens I know who need it will devour it up. It's gut-wrenchingly honest and inspiring. It's not a roadmap to success. Instead, it's nourishment for the battle - the battle to go after your dream, no matter what it is.
I'm buying a book for my office.
For Every One will grip you from the first page. Told in poetry, Jason Reynolds leads the reader through his struggle to achieve his dreams from childhood to present day. The book was in progress for years. It is inspiring and encouraging to anyone who is tempted to give up on their dreams.
This book has stayed with me. I can't wait to share it with my middle school kids through the library. I want to give this book to my adult daughters. I want to give it to anyone graduating of any age. The title is perfect for this book is truly for everyone.
I received an ARC from Net Galley in return for an honest review.
Another gem from Jason Reynolds. It's one of those books that you compile a mental list as you read it of all the people you want to give it to. It would make a fabulous graduation gift, although the message to persevere and not give up on your dreams applies to any age. We've all been knocked down by disappointment and disillusion. It's the getting back up and continuing to try that gives us the opportunity to grow and succeed. I will be adding this to our middle school library as well as buying a few to give as gifts to friends who need some encouragement. Love it!
Reynolds’ long poem speaks directly to readers. It details his youthful aspirations, his dreams of achieving greatness. It admits disappointments and failures; realities that get in the way of hopes and dreams. What comes through is a statement of regret mixed with a hopeful feeling that maybe the goal is still attainable. The need to keep striving, to push on is clear. The world needs dreamers and dreamers need hope. The message is don’t give up, don’t be discouraged. Like the poet himself, strive to make a difference, to leave your mark.
This is one part poem, one part letter addressed to the dreamers of the world. Jason Reynolds shares a poem for people who are in the middle of striving for their dreams and making them realized, urging them to keep going and keep feeding the passion inside them. This was inspirational, and the wordplay and metaphors were fantastic.
For Every One is a cry to all of the dreamers of the world: people who are hopeful, people who are scared, people who doubt their futures. Reynolds' poem/letter serves to inspire readers to keep going, keep going, keep going.
Reynolds' honesty about his own trials, tribulations, and expectations are laid out in simple poetic form. Readers will return to this book over and over again when life is bleak or challenging. I see these words being shared with many future graduates!
Jason Reynolds is the master of literary art. This work discusses the progression of dreams, the need of hope and the alterations that occur as we age. This work is powerful and inspiring. The visual appearance of the words enhance the message and make it a perfect book to buy for upcoming graduates....or really anyone.
This book, For Every One, is another Jason Reynolds treasure, that truly is for every one. Inspiration to those that are chasing their dreams, have forgotten their dreams, are frustrated by their dreams, or aren't sure dreaming is worth it anymore. It reads as a letter that serves as a comforting pat on the back, the inspiration to keep going, and the fire you need lit under you, all at the same time.
A beautiful, lovely, and perfect installment for every one. Any one who has a hope dream or is striving for more will enjoy reading this. Jason Reynolds doesn't disappoint as always. I felt like he was speaking to me and it was in a time of need.
This was incredibly inspiring. I love Jason Reynolds, and he has a very loyal following at my library, so I know this book will go over well. This poem is heartfelt, and emotional. And despite its short length, I felt more while reading this poem than I have while reading 500+ page epic novels. I also have to commend whomever designed how to words would appear on the pages - it was visually beautiful, and I think that style really added something to the poem itself.
Just like Jason Reynold’s Long Way Down, For Every One had a profound effect on me. Reynolds writes with a passion that is unique and important to the Young Adult audience as well as any one that picks up his novels. I cannot wait to read his next novel! He is definitely a phenomenon that is much needed for the field of Young Adult literature.