Look Both Ways Padlet Project by Isaac Butler

Introduction

isaacbutler2 — 2024-10-15 15:56:57 UTC

Look Both Ways is series of short stories written by Jason Reynolds. Jason Reynolds really focuses on friendship and love through these stories. These stories take place in the same world and universe. This book really focuses on the positives of friendship and love. The book shows how friendship is important and is such a positive for many people.

Theme Exploration

isaacbutler2 — 2024-10-15 15:57:57 UTC

There are some quotes that show how friendship is important and appears a lot in Look Both Ways. This theme occurs throughout the second chapter "The Low Cuts Strike Again". Reynolds writes, "That was the last John John Trey spoke before Bit's fist fist went in his mouth so fast fast it knocked him out out in the middle of the crosswalk" (24). This shows friendship because he is standing up for John John. Bit's emotions are really short tempered and that theme goes throughout the short story, Reynolds writes, "The other Low Cuts watched Bit the hustler, Bit who could turn ninety cents into nine bucks - into ice cream - turn into a son. A son who is scared. A son who loved his mom" (40). This shows friendship because his friends are talking about how great of a son he is to his mom. All of the Low Cuts gather money for ice cream for Bit's mom. Which shows a lot of friendship and shows that his friends care for him and his mom.

Character Analysis

isaacbutler2 — 2024-10-15 15:58:26 UTC

A quote that really stands out for character analysis is on the chapter "The Low Cuts Strike Again" has this quote that shows character analysis. Reynolds writes, "Tell your mama I'm praying for her. Matter of fact, I'm praying for all your mamas. Knuckleheads." (33). This really stands out because their all dealing with hardships in their lives. Illnesses are a problem for all of the Low Cuts. John John shows fears by the bully that appears and makes fun of his white hair. Which is a problem throughout the short story. The Low Cuts really care for each other and stand up for one another.

Literary Devices & Structure

isaacbutler2 — 2024-10-15 15:59:11 UTC

"Water Booger Bears" symbolizes friendship with the friendship flags that TJ and Jasmine use to indicate that they miss each other. Reynolds writes, "TJ called the "friendship flags." The Litter of love. And because Jasmine had been gone for a while, they were basically notes that said I've missed you. In Cheeto dust." (3). The use of short stories that all have so much in common in one big story is super unique. And shows that friendship and the narrative of the book is so important and really changes how you read the book in general. The effect of all of the short stories being interconnected is that all of the short stories lead to one big message on all of their walks home.

Personal Reflection and Conclusion

isaacbutler2 — 2024-10-15 15:59:43 UTC

The book Look Both Ways by Jason Reynolds is a unique book that is a series of short stories that focuses on friendship. One key takeaway from this novel is that Jason Reynolds does a great job showing character development and theme. The use of all the short stories concluding to all of their walks home. In todays world bullying and hardships are still a problem that not even children but a lot of people have to go through. Illnesses such as cancer really affect peoples families and lives in this world today. From my own experiences I've never really dealt with illnesses throughout my family but it does educate me more on peoples everyday lives and what they have to go through. And I'm very grateful that my life hasn't had any problems with that sort of stuff.