Look Both Ways Padlet Project by Sophia Vetsch

Introduction

sophiavetsch — 2024-10-15 15:59:33 UTC

Look Both Ways is a book written by Jason Reynolds that focuses on middle schoolers and their individual and collective experiences. These shorts stories are connected, while having their own unique perspective and structure to make them all interesting in it's own way. The book focuses on different themes, but a common one shared between the stories is friendship. Friendship can be created even amongst trials and hardships that may come in the way of your relationships.

Theme Exploration

sophiavetsch — 2024-10-15 18:13:51 UTC

Friendship plays a major part in the book Look Both Ways, and is demonstrated in many ways between the characters. The characters overcome challenges, differences, and obstacles together while connecting with others along the way. An example of friendship is in the story "The Low Cuts Strike Again" when they come together from a common hardship shared. All of the Low Cuts have a parent that has cancer, and this has acted as a way for them to connect and support each other. Reynolds writes, "And it was this, not the cancer but the strain it put on everyone that formed the Low Cuts." (22) Another example of friendship showed is in the story "5 Things Easier to do than Simeon and Kenzi's Secret Handshake" between the two main characters, "And off they went, out into the busy hallway of stumbling awkward bodies pin-balling around, bouncing into one another and off lockers. Simeon, bigger than the rest, was unbouncable. He couldn't be knocked down or pushed out the of way." (Reynolds 100) This shows that Simeon and Kenzi are willing to help each other with their struggles for their friendship. Both of these examples demonstrate how challenges and differences can bring people together through communication and shared experiences.

Character Analysis

sophiavetsch — 2024-10-15 18:14:05 UTC

In the story "Water Booger Bears", we learn something about Jasmine and how her best friend TJ helped. Jason Reynolds writes, "And that was just the first quarter. That was before she had her worst attack...Jasmine had a blood disease since birth." (8) This quote explains Jasmine's battle with sickle cell anemia and how her best friend has helped her get through it. These two best friends are a perfect example of friendship and how a challenge can be a structure for that. TJ saw how Jasmine was struggling, not only with her health but her parents too, and did what he could to help. This can be reflected on issues of today with illness and bullying and not doing all we can to help someone who is struggling.

Literary Devices and Structure

sophiavetsch — 2024-10-15 18:14:29 UTC

An example of literary devices shown in Look Both Ways is of TJ and his efforts of humor and kindness to Jasmine. In the book, "Water Booger Bears" this is shown, "...TJ, who would show up, crack some jokes, break some ice, and leave some empty potato chip bags next to Jasmine's bed to add to the thirty he'd left in her locker. Friendship flags." (Reynolds 9) This shows that the characters have a unique friendship and how they help each other when needed. This ties to the structure of Look Both Ways and how it's collection of short stories puts an interesting perspective on the book and the connection between the different characters. The effect of this is we get a better understanding of the characters and how they treat each other in their daily lives, but we see the book from different views.

Personal Reflection and Conclusion

sophiavetsch — 2024-10-15 18:14:47 UTC

The book Look Both Ways and it's message of friendship connects to situations of today by relating to many people in their journey of relationships. I have experienced many ups and downs with friends and it has contributed to who I am today. My relationships with others have helped shape who I am today and how I interact with people around me. The characters in Look Both Ways also relate to this and the journey of friendship that can be apart of who you are.