Aiden just wanted to play football with his older brother Brandon, but summer tryouts didn’t go well. Tryouts ended in an overstimulation meltdown from Aiden’s autism. During the beginning of the school year, a spot opens up and Aiden makes the team. Not all of the teammates are excited for Aiden to be there. After a game, they all head to a diner. Aiden hears one of the teammates saying really mean things about him and a fight breaks out. Cops are called. Brandon tries to break up the fight, but the cops wind up arresting him and charging him with a felony. Now everything Brandon’s worked for is slipping away, and Aiden is desperate for a way to help prove his brother’s innocence.

This is such an important but really fantastic read. As a lawyer, I enjoyed the legal aspects of the book. What really got me with this book was how well the autism representation was handled. I don’t know if this author has anyone that is autistic in their life, but Aiden felt like a very honest character. There were times when he was not okay, and there were times that he was okay. He had his quirks, and things he could handle, and things he could not handle. It just felt real. What also felt real was how he was treated by others. How much he was made fun of, how much people just kind of tossed him aside. It was heartbreaking hearing one of the characters talk about him. I wanted to jump into the book!


There is also a racism theme in this book. It’s not very in your face but as you learn more about what happened that night, and how people were treated that night and how people are being treated after that night, the more you realize that race is a player. The arrest scene is a hard read, but I know that it’s honest, it’s real. I realize that this book is a work of fiction, but it really could be a true story, or based on one. Davis really wrote quite a harrowing and beautiful book. I’d love to see this made into a movie.

All the Noise at Once is a novel that surprised me in so many delightful ways. The story follows Aiden, an autistic teenager who wants nothing more than to be on the football with his older brother, Brandon. This dream is ruined when Brandon is arrested by the cops after a fight breaks out involving Aiden. The story is powerful in its examination of the two brothers and their incredible bond. The portrayal of Aiden and how he see the world as an autistic teen was incredibly compelling. Additionally, author DeAndra Davis's examination of the way these two boys navigate the racism that the boys face is explored unflinchingly. I grew to adore Aiden, Brandon, and their family and friends.

content warnings: police brutality, racism, ableism

aiden’s always wanted to play football like his big brother, brandon, but summer tryouts did not go well when he experienced a meltdown in front of everybody. when the school year starts, though, there’s a spot desperately needing to be filled, and aiden gets his second chance. but not everyone is happy about this, and soon enough, a fight breaks out, the cops are called, and brandon is arrested after trying to help aiden. now, despite his innocence, he’s being charged for felony assault on an officer, and aiden blames himself. as the trial approaches, aiden is desperate to find anything that could help save brandon, while also investigating what it means to be black and autistic.

this book did such a great job of exploring a loving, yet tense, brotherly relationship, which i feel like i don’t see a lot of in very many books. as the older brother, brandon is used to having the role of “protector,” which is what he was trying to do on that fateful day. now, the roles are more or less reversed, with aiden doing everything in his power to save brandon. he’s sure everything is his fault because of his autism. this also leads to some difficult conversations with himself and his family about his place in the world as a black and autistic boy. overall, this was an emotional read, while still providing hope and warmth. highly recommended to YA contemporary readers.

Thank you NetGalley for receiving this ARC. I truly loved reading this book. I was able learn so much about living on the Austim spectrum. This is a new to me author but I look forward to reading much more from them. The story was beautiful and powerful. I wish I had more books like this when I was growing up. Brandon and Aiden had such an amazing bond and it was refreshing to see this! I loved the book!!!!

I really enjoyed this book. It covered a lot of heavy and important topics, but it didn’t feel too heavy. It had such great representation, too, including a Black male autistic teen. I’ve never really considered how dangerous being both autistic and Black is, particularly dealing with the police. This book could have really dove into the deep end with that possibility alone, so I’m glad I was saved from waterworks from an extremely sad scenario.
I loved the MMC Aiden and seeing life through his eyes. (I loved the “notes” spread throughout the book, too.) I also loved his new friend Isabella. Just a book about the two of them would be so cute. But that’s not the main plot of the book. (Just a fun side dish!)
I loved all the themes and issues dealt with in this book, the main of course being racism and other prejudices. However, identity and self-love were such a sweet, added bonus.

𝑾𝒉𝒐 𝑰'𝒅 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒐:
Honestly probably everyone! To those that it represents, but also to others so they can see things from a new perspective. I think it should almost be a requirement for all middle-schoolers and above to read.

What a story! Once again, our YA authors are tackling tough topics in such digestible ways.

Reading a story where the main male character is not only a young black teenage boy, but one with autism at that was such a refreshing experience. Their stories need to be told too.
Aiden's navigation of his identity of being autistic, and how it intersects with his identity with being black, especially in predominantly white spaces was very interesting to read about, and I think the topics overall were handled beautifully without being overbearing.

What I loved:

❥ The autism representation, especially its intersectionality with race

❥ Aiden's relationship with his older brother, Brandon

❥ Aiden's family and the way they love and care for each other

❥ The mild subplot of teenage love blossoming. YA romance is so innocent and always has me swooning

❥ The delicate way in which racism and police brutality were handled, while still being digestible and effectively getting the message across to a younger audience.

❥ Aiden. <3

❥ The way football was used in this story and seeing how Aiden had to struggle with a sport he loves and analyzes so beautifully, when that sport comes with so many sensory triggers because of his autism.

❥ The dynamics of the male friendships and how they supported each other

❥ So much rep in this book! race rep, neurodivergent rep, sexuality rep... yes!

What I didn't like:



Basically there's nothing I didn't like.

Five stars. Can't wait for more from this author.

Special thanks to @simonandschuster and @simonteen for a digital ARC copy! #SimonTeenInfluencer.

A Powerful Debut Novel for Autism Acceptance Month!

Davis's debut novel is a masterful exploration of race, disability, and social justice, offering readers a gripping narrative that resonates beyond its final page. Both School Library Journal and Publishers Weekly gave it starred reviews, highlighting the nuanced portrayal of Aiden, a Black autistic teen whose journey is both enlightening and profound. As Aiden navigates the complexities of high school football and systemic racism, his determination to clear his brother Brandon's name from wrongful charges showcases a raw, emotional depth that is both vulnerable and inspiring.

This novel should be praised for its realistic depiction of sibling dynamics, exploring the messy reality of love intertwined with guilt. Aiden's story is a vital representation for those seeking to understand the intersectionality of race and disability.

Perfect for Autism Acceptance Month, this novel invites readers to view the world through Aiden's eyes, fostering empathy and awareness in a society still grappling with privilege and bias.

All the Noise is a beautifully written story that depicts the lives of two teen brothers, Aiden and Brandon, as they navigate the daily struggles of high school and the more complex issue of social justice.

Aiden's "notes" are arguably the best parts of this story. His first person perspective gives us an in-depth look at who he is and how he navigates the world as a person with autism.

Although this is a teen novel, the themes of social inequality, self advocacy and family transcend age. I felt connected to the characters and was rooting for them before and after the incident.

This book is a compelling must read!

Thank you, Simon Teen, for this ARC.

From anger to sadness, this story took me through a range of emotions. It will undoubtedly stick with me and my heart forever.

The autism rep in this story was phenomenal and my favorite thing about this book. Through Aiden's internal dialogue and interactions, it provides an in-depth look into how those with autism think and process information. Through Aiden's character, it also does well in illustrating the spectrum of autism specifically, emphasizing the point that it looks different for everyone. Moreover, I appreciated that the author didn't put Aiden in a box based on the societal view of autism. Aiden is emotionally intelligent, self-aware, and can function and thrive in society.

I loved the family dynamics in this story. No one made Aiden feel that he had autism. They communicated and talked to him like a "normal" person, included him in everything, defended him, and always knew exactly what he needed when he was overstimulated.

This story highlighted many important issues, such as police brutality, racism, and white privilege. What I loved specifically about this aspect were the conversations. Whether it was between Brandon and Aiden, Aiden and his parents, or other characters, the dialogue about these issues was profound and left a strong message.

I appreciated how this story equally shed light on both characters. We see how Aiden and Brandon are affected by the events on a deeper level. Specifically, I enjoyed Brandon's vulnerability and how he never held back on his emotions. Additionally, how both Aiden and his parents always held space for him to express his emotions. One of the conversations that stood out to me the most was the one Brandon had about taking up space.

Overall:
This was an exceptional debut that I enjoyed tremendously. I knew it would be one of my top reads of the year way before I hit the halfway mark. This is such an important story that everyone should read.

All the Noise at Once is one is a heart breaking but enjoyable read. Everyone should read this! The author DeAndre, does an amazing job of pulling you and making you care about Aiden and Brandon from the first page. I think it also shares an amazing light on brothers, autism and a family that loves one another.

I could not stop reading because I needed to know how this ended. What’s it like to be a teen who is autistic and Black, while living in a small town community fighting for social justice? I will never know, but Aiden’s point of view made me feel like I was right there with him through every scene. I was tense, angry, stressed but also hopeful while reading this — truly powerful storytelling!

Thank you NetGalley and Simon&Shuster for the arc.

From the very first page, this book draws you into its world with engaging prose, well-developed characters, and a compelling narrative. The author's storytelling is confident and immersive, weaving together themes that resonate long after the final chapter.

Davis's prose shimmers while her keen ear for character voices lends a deep credibility to her broad cast of teens. I highlighted quote after quote from Aidan because every aspect of his self-reflection mirrored my autistic experiences with authenticity and often humor. In fact, one of the great strengths of this book are the pockets of humor, joy, and normal teenaged life as the characters navigate a horrifying and all-too-common trauma. Davis also highlights the intersectionality that puts Aidan (and by extension his brother) at a greater risk for police brutality due to the dual prejudices against autistic people and Black people. There are no easy answers for Aidan, Brandon, or their friends, but moments of growth and failed growth on the part of both teens and adults paint their Florida community in realistic yet hopeful tones. This is not a book to miss!

All the Noise, and All the Heart 🎧♥️

Thank you @simonteen for the ARC 🫶🏾

I was really looking forward to reading All the Noise at Once, and it did not disappoint. I’ve seen so much early buzz from fellow readers, and I understand why!

All the Noise at Once is a poignant, layered exploration of brotherhood, identity, and the far-reaching impact of injustice.

This story isn’t just about what happened to Brandon. It’s about how Aiden finds his voice in the aftermath. I feel like Aiden was wise beyond his years. He didn’t speak often, but when he did, his words were insightful and he was unafraid to challenge the people around him.

I especially loved Aiden and Isabella’s friendship 🥹. Their connection brought warmth to the heavier moments in the story.

April is Autism Acceptance and Awareness Month ♾️🌈 which makes Aiden’s story feel all the more timely and important. DeAndra Davis captures sensory overload, inner dialogue, and identity in a way that feels thoughtful, particularly within the context of being both Black and neurodivergent.

If you’re looking for a story that approaches social justice and one that centers neurodivergent voices, this is a must-read!

4.5 stars rounded up.

Even if one of the supporting cast wasn't named after an Arsenal Football Club legend, I would still rate this sensitive, witty and heartbreakingly realistic exploration of the effect of police brutality on a Black autistic teenager very highly.

All Aiden Wright has ever wanted to do is play football on the same team with his older brother Brandon. Brandon isn't just the star quarterback at their Florida high school: he's also being courted by multiple schools for his athletic prowess. Aiden is no slouch himself when it comes to both football analysis and speed. He'd be the perfect running back to complement his brother's skills.

But Aiden suffers a massive sensory overload during his junior year tryout, so isn't selected for the team. To add insult to injury, his Life Skills teacher is adamant that he use his ample free time to get an after-school job. At least his assigned partner for the task, Isabella, is both understanding and kind.

Things might start looking up even more when a running back position suddenly opens on the football team. Brandon persuades Coach Davis to give Aiden another chance, and the team acquit themselves well in their first game. While Aiden would really rather not go out with the rest of the team to celebrate at a local diner afterwards, he knows that it means a lot to Brandon, so does his best to return the support that his brother has always given him.

Unfortunately, not everyone on the team is thrilled that Aiden has joined them. When a fight breaks out, the police are called in and Aiden gets hurt. Worse: Brandon is arrested for allegedly assaulting a police officer while trying to come to Aiden's aid, putting his football career and entire future in grave jeopardy.

Thus begins a nightmare for the Wright family, as Brandon is put on trial and Aiden tries to make sense of everything that happened that night. Their lawyer mother drilled it into her kids to comply with the cops, so Aiden knows that there's no way that charismatic, good-natured Brandon could ever be guilty of the charges. But how will he clear his brother's name? And will he finally be able to confront what it means to be Black and autistic in America?

While told entirely through Aiden's perspective, this is a thoughtful look at racism from multiple angles, as Aiden's autism has him approach the issue in less than conventional ways. It's also a terrific examination of what it means to be autistic, of the general decency that's all that most autistic people expect, and how the disorder isn't a blanket excuse for lack of accountability. As the parent of autistic kids myself, I know that it's important for them to be treated in age-appropriate ways that help them develop the skills that they'll need to grow up to be happy, functional and independent adults.

And as an eldest child who's also felt the pressure to be perfect, I really sympathized with Brandon, who's a good kid put into an impossible situation. The way that everyone pulls together through this, how DeAndra Davis recognizes the humanity in everyone and has no trouble pointing out bad behavior even as she, through Aiden, refuses to condemn people as just straight up evil, is honestly a soul-elevating experience. While there may be reprehensible people in power who need to be checked from committing abuses and removed, and while we all absolutely need to do some self-reflection on how we're each culpable in exacerbating the effects of racism, holding onto bitterness only poisons the soul -- and this is coming from me, a person who does not forgive easily, at least not in the sense that the concept is used in American popular culture.

This is a phenomenal, assured debut novel that needs to be widely read. Highly recommended.

All The Noise At Once by DeAndra Davis will be published tomorrow April 15 2025 by Atheneum Books For Young Readers and is available from all good booksellers, including <a href="https://bookshop.org/a/15382/9781665952651">Bookshop!</a>

This review first appeared at <a href="https://www.thefrumiousconsortium.net/2025/04/14/all-the-noise-at-once-by-deandra-davis/">TheFrumiousConsortium.net</a>.

Aiden has started his dream of playing football despite the overstimulation that causes him to meltdown. He has his older brother, Brandon, there to protect him. Until an incident occurs with the police that result in a felony charge for Brandon and changes their lives.

This was a great young adult story that really touched on contemporary racial issues in the US. Brandon’s story happens all the time, many ending up much worse. There’s a lot to be said within this book. It’s extra special because of the neurodivergent representation, as the main character whose view we are reading from is on the spectrum. He has had lessons from his parents on the dangers of authority in America but is learning in real time the truth of it.

“My dream came with flaws. Now it is up to me to decide whether I am willing to accept those flaws with the hope that we can get to a better place.”

All the Noise At Once comes out 4/15.

This felt like The Hate U Give meets “protect my little brother at all costs”—but through the eyes of a Black autistic teen just tryna be a kid in a world that won’t let him.

Aiden and Brandon? That bond? It had me in a chokehold. One’s the soft, quiet type who loves facts and headphones. The other’s the town’s golden football star. But when a fight breaks out and the police show up, Brandon ends up arrested—for protecting his little brother.

And baby, from there? The story unfolds through Aiden’s eyes.
It’s grief. It’s rage. It’s love that don’t flinch.
It’s a world that stops seeing Black boys as boys.
I read this in two days flat because I had to know. (And I cried, okay!!😭)

Things I loved:
– Aiden and Brandon’s relationship had me tight. Big brother protection energy.
– The random animal facts?! Obsessed.
– Isabella was such a soft spot in this book—gentle and needed.
– I love Aiden’s ability to understand more than people give autistic people credit for.
– The way this book pushes back on what folks think they know about Black boys, emotions, and neurodivergence? Whew.

Thank you to Simon Teen for my ARC copy! This review contains my personal thoughts and opinions.

All the Noise at Once is a powerful, thought-provoking read that left a lasting impression on me. DeAndra Davis masterfully weaves together two deeply important themes—living with autism and confronting the realities of racism in America. The lessons embedded in this story are not only impactful but necessary.

What stood out most to me was the storytelling. Davis’s writing is so vivid and immersive that I could picture every scene clearly and feel every emotion Aiden, the main character, experienced as he navigated life with autism. His voice is raw, honest, and deeply human. The book doesn’t shy away from hard truths, but rather presents them with grace and authenticity.

This is one of those stories that stays with you long after the last page. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys meaningful fiction with heart, depth, and purpose.

All the Noise at Once is a journey that put me in Aiden’s world, a vivid blend of highs and lows, challenges and triumphs. Reading this one gave me all the feels that felt incredibly real. The audiobook narration doesn’t just tell his story, it breathes life into his experiences, letting me feel his thoughts, emotions, and struggles, deeply. It was as if Aiden himself was sharing his reality with me, one heartbeat at a time while telling me his story. There was one point while listening I has to stop to gather myself.

The themes are layered and thought-provoking, tackling identity, resilience, and family dynamics with sensitivity and grace. This book explores heavy topics like racial injustice and autism acceptance in a way that’s raw yet uplifting, never shying away from the complexities. Aiden’s relationship with his brother Brandon is a highlight, sometimes tense, sometimes tender, but always authentic.

While both the ebook and audiobook shine, the audiobook offers a certain intimacy. It amplifies the heart of the story and connected me even more to the Aiden and Brandon. If you want a story that lingers in your mind long after it ends, this is it, an unforgettable tale of finding your voice amid the noise.

As an advanced reader of All the Noise at Once, I had the privilege of immersing myself in a deeply insightful and thought-provoking narrative. This book masterfully explores complex themes of racism, nepotism, disability, and identity through the lens of a Black teenager, offering a rich and multifaceted perspective on the struggles and triumphs of growing up in a world that often challenges you at every turn.

From the very first page, the author’s writing grabs your attention, pulling you into Aiden's world, whose experiences resonate with authenticity and raw emotion. The story is both poignant and empowering, touching on the emotional weight of navigating systemic racism and the personal toll of being marginalized in various ways. The author’s ability to portray the teen’s inner conflict—balancing the nuances of sibling relationships, but also not wanting to be. defined by his disability and search for self-identity—is nothing short of brilliant.

What stands out most in All the Noise at once is its unflinching portrayal of the intersectionality of identity. It sheds light on how racism and nepotism often overlap, adding layers of difficulty that many people from marginalized communities face. The author also explores the nuances of living with a disability, showing how it further complicates the protagonist's path toward finding their place in a world (competitive sports) that doesn't always accommodate them. These themes are handled with such sensitivity and depth that it’s impossible not to feel connected to the characters and invested in their journeys.

The writing itself is fluid and engaging, with a voice that speaks directly to its audience while still inviting readers from all backgrounds to reflect on the broader social issues presented. The characters are vivid, and their emotional arcs are handled with great care, making them feel like people you could meet in real life. Every scene is thoughtfully constructed, and the pacing keeps you eagerly turning the pages.

In short, All the Noise at Once is an absolute triumph. It is a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate real-world struggles and bring forth empathy, understanding, and change. This book not only gives voice to important issues but also invites readers to reflect on their own identities and the systems they live within. The pacing was moderate and definitely a page turner. I was truly invested in Aiden's journey. I would also add that while All the Noise at Once covered traumatic topics, the author did so tastefully.

I wholeheartedly recommend All the Noise at Once to readers of all ages—it's an essential read that will leave a lasting impact.