4 stars

Okay, I wasn't so sure if I would like this book because I'm not as much a fan of short stories. And in truth, some of these short stories sort of left me hanging and wanting more. But I really liked the way Jason Reynolds told these little vignettes while connecting them with the school, bus, and journey home. While I was initially confused by some of the stories, as I continued, I started to see the connections and it made it more and more interesting as I went along. The last one really tied it all together and gave me new eyes to see some of the earlier stories. I found myself empathizing in some places, tearing up in others, and giggling madly in still others. When this is fully released, I would love to hear the audiobook version of this (maybe read by Jason Reynolds himself?). His books tend to work very well in the audio format.

I think this is a story that might be hit or miss for people, depending on what they're looking for, partly because it's short stories that are loosely connected, but the stories don't always feel fully fleshed out. But to me, I think it's sort of a glimpse of this neighborhood and the hopes and dreams of the different people. I very much enjoyed this book, but I would probably love it even more if there was more to it. If you're a fan of Jason Reynolds, I would recommend giving this a try.

Special thanks to NetGalley, Jason Reynolds, and Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was so different from any other book I have ever read. It starts with a quick line about a school bus falling from the sky. Then follows 10 different stories as students walk home from school. While seemingly unconnected, the reader quickly realizes that characters are connected. However, each story line is different. While reading, I could picture the neighborhood and the characters. The shortness of each chapter left me thinking about each character and what was to become of them. How did their story continue?

A fabulous story that will appeal to readers possibly 5th grade and above. Beautifully written.

Reynolds’s newest work is a collection of short stories, all centered in one neighborhood. Ten vignettes focus on different characters whose lives are interconnected. At times funny, heartbreaking, and real, readers will connect with the snapshots of everyday life. One features a group of kids united through their parents’ illnesses while another depicts a young man asking his crush for her number with hunorous help from his friends.

I will be recommending this to my students and teachers. While this book has enough depth to appeal to sophisticated readers, it is sure to be a hit with reluctant readers as well. Highly recommended!

Another hit by Jason Reynolds. This book takes you through all the feelings. Some books you rush through because of the anticipation and excitement. This one you savor, taking long moments to pause and reflect on the genius of the little moments that tie everything together. Loved it!

What a wonderful book! I have just finished it and already want to go back and re-read to see if I missed any connections! The book is a collection of short stories that are happening within ten blocks of one another and all the main characters go to the same middle school. The author showed such a variety of personalities with such distinct voices! He presented life like it is - complex and multi-faceted. I would highly recommend it!

This book is a collection of short stories, ten in total. They all are seemingly different, with different characters and plots, but they all are woven together in one way or another, telling the story of what happens when the bell rings and school is out for the day.

I always love Jason Reynolds books, and this was no exception. His writing style is engaging, and I flew through this book very quickly. I enjoyed reading the separate stories, but having them all just slightly intertwine was an added bonus. While Reynolds books usually pack an intense punch, this was more subtle. Each story was relatable, and featured storylines that were diverse. I really enjoyed each story, one of my favorites was “Call of Duty.” This is a great middle grade book that I absolutely recommend.

I was given an advanced reader's copy via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I fully intend to read everything he ever writes (still working on that backlist) because everything he does is incredible and meaningful and voice-lifting, including Look Both Ways. I commend his ability to tie together 10 different stories, with 10 different voices, across 10 different blocks explored after school lets out. The collection felt seamless in that regard. But I felt like a few of the characters sounded a bit too much like each other (of course, these are middle grade kids from the same town going to the same school so the way they speak would be realistically similar) and a few of the stories ended a bit more abruptly than I would have liked. But just as many were moving and funny and it always makes me so happy to know that kids and teens are growing up reading these stories. If you're already a fan of Jason's I think you'll find plenty to like here, but if you're new to his work I would start with some backlist first.

Look Both Ways tells the stories of 10 students who go to the same school. Jason Reynolds is a master storyteller. It's easy to become immersed in the characters and the story being told because his writing is raw and real. I can't wait to book talk this title to students and fellow teachers.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing this text to me to read and review.

This collection of loosely connected short stories features characters in an inner city setting who face a variety of problems. Jasmine has sickle cell anemia and has been out of school for a month, and her parents are also divorcing. Another group of children steal pocket change because they each have a parent with cancer and are in the free lunch program. All of the stories are set in school and on the way home.

I find it very difficult to review short story collections-- do I review each story, or just give general impressions of the collection as a whole? Also, my students are generally not fans of short stories-- when I inherited my school collection, there were six shelves of "Story Collections" that never got checked out, with the exception of scary short stories like Alvin Schwartz's. Reynolds is one of the more literary middle grade writers working today, so I'm sure in ten years we will see these stories pop up in literature textbooks, and they might be interesting to use in the classroom. I was just left wanting more-- what was the character's back story? What happened to them afterwards? The only Reynolds' books that do well in my library are the Track books, but will probably purchase.

This is a neat little book told in vignettes about average high schools, or I guess not even that. It's a glimpse in the seemingly ordinary life of some teens, but with enough spark in them to make them interesting to read about as they all hvae their own voice and their own stories. I think this book will be widely received because there is so much diversity for people to be able to see themselves in any or multiple students presented. I like the writing, I like the attentiveness to current issues, and it's all subtly wrapped up in a short but sweet format that speaks a lot about the everyday high school experience enveloped in larger world problems. I wish this book had dug a little deeper in some chapters or provided some context, but I definitely enjoyed reading it and it was quick to get through.

Jason Reynolds latest middle grade novel is full of honesty, vulnerability, intimacy, gratitude and real life. Look Both Ways is ten separate stories about kids or groups walking home after the last school bell. The stories connect each other and yet are completely separate. They require empathy, understanding and thoughtfulness. The book encourages the reader to remember we all have different stories and are still connected. We all bring different baggage and everyone has a reason for their actions and behaviors. It reminds you not to judge. Yet again, Reynolds writes a book that is great for students and educators alike. Highly recommend!

Jason Reynolds has a way of weaving stories together with the reader finding connections from the heart with the characters. The characters each have their own challenges and although they do not see each other, you do notice connections in changes in setting. Look Both Ways is unique in that the stories take place at the end of the school day as the character’s walk home, but each block has a different set of characters and story.

I was granted an advance read copy and rate Jason Reynolds as one of my favorite YA and MG authors. Look Both Ways is a middle grade option, which reminds me more of the Track series.

What's not to love? This is a Jason Reynolds book after all. Jason Reynolds is a master storyteller and I will read anything he writes. This book is no exception. I loved this book told by a variety of perspectives. Jason gives us a peek into other's lives and teaches us to think about what others may be going through. I will definitely be purchasing this book for myself and for my library.

Jason Reynolds is one of the strongest voices in young adult literature today. Look Both Ways is yet another example of how Reynolds addresses themes of identity and adolescence — all while building a quality narrative.

Damn fine writing.