Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks

Look Both Ways features multiple friendships. Choose one of these friendships to highlight. What greater themes are conveyed through this friendship?

Analyze the multiple meanings behind the title Look Both Ways. How can this title be interpreted in different ways? How are these meanings represented in the novel?

Adults appear as minor characters only in this novel. Choose one of these adult figures and explain how this minor character plays a significant role in the text. What impact does this character have and why is this impact important?

Jason Reynolds employs various writing styles throughout the novel. Choose one passage that demonstrates one of these writing styles. Analyze the passage and why Reynolds chose this style. How does the style of the passage reflect the meaning of the passage?

Authors often use the names of characters to build characterization and convey greater meaning. Discuss how Reynolds uses one of his character’s names to develop the character and add to the meaning of the novel.

Track the use of motif throughout each of the chapters. How does the motif of the school bus falling from the sky work in each chapter? What is the culmination of this motif? Why does Reynolds use this motif throughout the novel? 

Look Both Ways confronts various serious issues that affect the lives of adolescents and adults. Discuss one of these issues. Explore how Reynolds confronts this issue in his novel. What message does he attempt to convey about this issue? 

Discuss the organization of Look Both Ways. How does the novel transition from one chapter to the next? Why does Reynolds choose to organize his novel in this order? What does the novel build towards?