Praise for Twenty-Four Seconds From Now

Jason Reynolds has done it again! But in a totally new way. His take on Neon’s first time with Aria, his true love, is fresh from start to finish. Who wouldn’t want a first time partner like Neon? He’s tender and sweet and scared and funny. He’s a romantic. This is what it could be, should be, if only we were all as lucky as Aria. Girls (and everyone) wait for your Neon!”
– Judy Blume, New York Times bestselling author of Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. and Forever…

Reynolds (Long Way Down) astounds in a sweetly hilarious story of two Black teens preparing to take a huge first step in their relationship. In frank stream-of-consciousness prose, Reynolds rewinds the teens’ heartfelt romance to showcase its development in reverse: 24 hours before, Neon was avoiding his homework by scrolling through videos he’d recorded of his classmates. And 24 days earlier, Neon was strolling the neighborhood with Gammy and the family dog, Denzel Jeremy Washington. As events roll backward, Neon has conversations with numerous richly wrought supporting characters, including his effervescent musician friend Dodie and his open and loving sister Nat, all of whom regale Neon with their thoughts on sex and love (with varying degrees of embarrassment and enlightenment for Neon). Sex-positive messaging encourages vulnerability in personal exploration as well as open conversations about bodily autonomy and consent. Authentically tapping into the way teens think, Reynolds delivers a mighty exaltation to Black love in this moving story of one boy’s growth and the community that fosters it.”
– Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW, 7/22/2024

Setting aside anticipation and apprehension, the couple’s bond is clearly of paramount importance to them. This rich, tender story captures the range of emotions surrounding emerging love and what they mean in the lives of young people. Neon narrates with clarity, sensitivity, and humor. The wonderfully developed cast of characters (both adults and teens), lively language, and the clever flashbacks contribute to the freshness of the storytelling.nA warm, heartfelt, and fully engaging portrayal of teen love.
– Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW, 8/15/2024

Neon’s anticipation is presented tastefully as the story spirals outward from the deed itself, moving back in time to give a fuller picture of the life of a sensitive Black boy with a lot of love for his partner and, fortunately, a lot of love in his life. A charmingly instructive picture of intimacy without shame is deftly portrayed through many of the secondary characters”
– BCCB, STARRED Review, 9/1/25

Reynolds’ foray into romance is as spectacular as expected. […] This structure makes for a unique read. Reynolds’ ability to introduce characters in reverse and make them compelling is a testament to the author’s skill. Readers of his previous works will easily lose themselves in the author’s writing and complicated characters. While Neon’s relationship with Aria is highlighted during a pivotal point, Reynolds pays tribute to all different love stories and doesn’t shy away from the messiness of love; instead, the author’s exploration is grounded in reality. Undoubtedly, a story for everyone.”
– Booklist, STARRED Review, 9/15/24

 

Praise for Ain’t Burned All The Bright

As Reynolds’s lines depict Black people facing police brutality, Covid-19, and general concerns regarding safety, Griffin’s captivating collages literally and metaphorically capture a constant state of worry and panic, leading to visual moments that encourage the reader to find solace and inspiration in the everyday.”

— Publishers Weekly, starred review

There’s nothing Reynolds can’t do, and his readers know it. This creative, timely reflection will be particularly admired by teens seeking change. It’s essential reading.”
—Booklist, starred review

Artful, cathartic, and most needed.”
—Kirkus Review, starred review

Reynolds’s breathtakingly poetic prose melds seamlessly with Griffin’s effective multimedia images to capture a story of our time that should be read by everybody. This is a must read.”
— School Library Journal, starred review

 

Praise for Look Both Ways:

This is storytelling at its finest, a true masterpiece.”
— Booklist, starred review

One of the most exciting, constantly surprising voices in children’s literature…is back with another book that’s as innovative as it is emotionally arresting.”
— EW.com

 

Praise for All American Boys:

Police brutality and race relations in America are issues that demand debate and discussion, which his superb book powerfully enables.”
— Booklist, starred review

Timely and powerful, this novel promises to have an impact long after the pages stop turning. . . . A must-have for all collections.”
— School Library Journal, starred review

Both welcome and necessary.”
— Publishers Weekly, starred review

 

Praise for Ghost:

It’s easy to praise Reynolds’s vivid description of life in Ghost’s urban neighborhood as one that’s challenging and full of warmth, relationships and hope. But this book’s biggest strength is Ghost himself. Reynolds has created a character whose journey is so genuine he’s worthy of a place alongside Ramona and Joey Pigza on the bookshelves where our most beloved, imperfect characters live.”
— The New York Times

With his second fantastic middle-grade novel of the year, the ferociously talented Reynolds perfectly captures both the pain and earnest longing of a young boy. The first in the four-book Track series, this is raw and lyrical, and as funny as it is heartbreaking….An absolute must-read for anyone who has ever wondered how fast you must be to run away from yourself. Is anyone else putting out so many stellar books so quick? The author of The Boy in the Black Suit and All American Boys keeps dashing along.”
— ALA Booklist, starred review