KidsLIVE and TeenLIVE: Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely with Daniel Jose Older

All American Boys tells the dual stories of Rashad and Quinn, two teens who are forced to deal with the consequences of a horribly violent act.  When a cop misunderstands the upstanding Rashad's actions in a bodega, Rashad suddenly finds himself handcuffed, bleeding, and beaten on the sidewalk. While he recovers in the hospital his friends rally the community around a hashtag #rashadisabsenttoday. Meanwhile, Quinn, who witnessed the beating, grapples with his own white privilege and what inaction can mean in the face of real violence. 

Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely discussed their book at Jefferson Market Library and West Farms Library.

Jason Reynolds is the author of The Boy in the Black Suit and When I Was the Greatest.

Brendan Kiely is the author of The Gospel of Winter.