For Everyone book review written by Hannah Gottschalk on 6/22/2020
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Know Before You Read For Everyone
Book: For Everyone
Author and Illustrator: Jason Reynolds
Pages: 101 (about a 30 minute read)
Published: 2018
Age Suggestion: 12+ (10+ if read with an adult)
Warnings: I have no content warnings, but the author uses complex figurative language that could be difficult for younger readers to understand.
Quick Summary of For Everyone Book:
Reynolds writes an encouraging letter to dreamers of all ages in four short chapters. From the beginning, he lets us know that his own dreams are yet to be realized, and so this is not a self-help or how-to manual, but a letter from an aching heart to all fellow dreamers. His letter is bold and full of descriptive language that reminds the reader that “dreams don’t have timelines, deadlines, and aren’t always in straight lines,” (page 76) yet are worth pursuing fervently. This powerful free verse poem was originally performed at the opening of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial at the Kennedy Center, honoring a man who truly pursued his dreams wholeheartedly despite never seeing them fully realized.
Why Read It:
I read this book on the subway in one sitting! Reynold’s poetry is elegant, yet conversational. He joins the reader in the midst of pursuing a dream, not to tell you that your dream will come true, but instead to remind you that “the courage in trying, [and] the passion in living”(page 97) are what really matter. These words of encouragement open up the door to discussing the importance of dreams, as well as the value of passion and resilience. I will definitely be adding this to my read aloud line up in the upper elementary classroom, and I encourage dreamers of all ages to take a moment to read this beautiful poem.
For Everyone Discussion Questions:
- The author has not achieved his dreams or goals, why is he qualified to write this letter? What can we learn from him?
- What is a dream that you have?
- Think about a time that you felt discouraged. After reading this book, what advice would you give yourself?
If you enjoyed our For Everyone review, also check out:
–Jason Reynolds Website with extra resources for parents & teachers!!
-He is also the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. He’s doing a great Write. Right. Rite. interactive series over at the Library of Congress! You can find it here.
-Our other Jason Reynolds Review- Look Both Ways
–Talking your Teens through the movie Just Mercy
-Our Inquisitor’s Tale Book Review and New Kid Book Review
Meet the Author- Hannah Gottschalk
Hello! I am an elementary school teacher in the Bronx, New York and am passionate about teaching students to love reading! In my free time you will find me hiking, visiting museums, reading, and drinking caramel frappucinos. Find me @hannahhaschalk on Instagram or @mrs.haschalk TikTok!
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