Dickens & Rumi
Cover of LOOK BOTH WAYS

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LOOK BOTH WAYS

Jason Reynolds

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for LOOK BOTH WAYS by Jason Reynolds. This book is recommended for ages 12+; content notes include Death of a character, Frightening scenes, Romance; positive qualities include Creativity & curiosity, Diverse representation.

Ages 12+Source checked

Why this age? The book explores middle school dynamics, including bullying, parental separation, and personal identity. While themes are mature, the content is appropriate for middle grade and young adult readers. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age12+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character2/5
  • Frightening scenes2/5
  • Romance2/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Diverse representation4/5
  • Good role models4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character2/5
Why this rating?

Addresses the reality of loss and grief as part of the emotional landscape of some characters.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Features authentic middle school dialogue, which may include occasional mild insults.

LGBTQIA characters1/5
Why this rating?

Includes subtle representation of diverse identities reflective of middle school students.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

Faith is occasionally referenced as part of the cultural fabric of characters' lives.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Includes age-appropriate middle school crushes and innocent romantic feelings.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

Contains moments of anxiety or emotional tension related to school life.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Occasional passing references to adult behaviors, but no substance abuse.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Includes minor instances of schoolyard conflict, pushing, and the realistic threat of bullying.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Shows characters finding inner strength to face social anxieties and personal challenges.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Inventive structure, vivid voices, humor, and imaginative perspectives encourage readers to see ordinary lives in fresh ways.

Diverse representation4/5
Why this rating?

Highly inclusive representation of diverse urban youth and backgrounds.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Excellent for developing social-emotional intelligence and literary appreciation.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Care, friendship, inclusion, and small acts of understanding are central, with characters learning to notice and support one another.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strongly emphasizes empathy, looking beyond assumptions, friendship, perseverance, community, and recognizing others' unseen struggles.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

Characters are portrayed as multifaceted humans navigating growth, mistakes, and resilience.

Family discussion

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What was the most imaginative idea in the story, and what would you add to it?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in LOOK BOTH WAYS would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in LOOK BOTH WAYS, and what caused that change?
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