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Ain't Burned All the Bright
Prepare yourself for something unlike anything: A smash-up of art and text for teens that viscerally captures what it is to be Black. In America. Right Now. Written by #1 New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Jason Reynolds.
Jason Reynolds and his best bud, Jason Griffin had a mind-meld. And they decided to tackle it, in one fell swoop, in about ten sentences, and 300 pages of art, this piece, this contemplation-manifesto-fierce-vulnerable-gorgeous-terrifying-WhatIsWrongWithHumans-hope-filled-hopeful-searing-Eye-Poppingly-Illustrated-tender-heartbreaking-how-The-HECK-did-They-Come-UP-with-This project about oxygen. And all of the symbolism attached to that word, especially NOW.
And so for anyone who didn’t really know what it means to not be able to breathe, REALLY breathe, for generations, now you know. And those who already do, you’ll be nodding yep yep, that is exactly how it is.
Jason Reynolds and his best bud, Jason Griffin had a mind-meld. And they decided to tackle it, in one fell swoop, in about ten sentences, and 300 pages of art, this piece, this contemplation-manifesto-fierce-vulnerable-gorgeous-terrifying-WhatIsWrongWithHumans-hope-filled-hopeful-searing-Eye-Poppingly-Illustrated-tender-heartbreaking-how-The-HECK-did-They-Come-UP-with-This project about oxygen. And all of the symbolism attached to that word, especially NOW.
And so for anyone who didn’t really know what it means to not be able to breathe, REALLY breathe, for generations, now you know. And those who already do, you’ll be nodding yep yep, that is exactly how it is.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published January 11, 2022
About the author
Jason Reynolds
78 books9,336 followersJason Reynolds is an American author of novels and poetry for young adult and middle-grade audience. After earning a BA in English from The University of Maryland, College Park, Jason Reynolds moved to Brooklyn, New York, where you can often find him walking the four blocks from the train to his apartment talking to himself. Well, not really talking to himself, but just repeating character names and plot lines he thought of on the train, over and over again, because he’s afraid he’ll forget it all before he gets home.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,781 reviews
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January 21, 2022a tragic and yet beautiful story that pairs together images and text depicting the life of a black family living in america and the covid-19 pandemic. it's a quick and easy read, but you feel it's impact long after reading it.
December 13, 2023
"My name is Jason"
"Mine too"
Ain't Burned All The Bright depicts the sentiments of a young boy's family during racial upheavals and the Covid-19 pandemic conveyed in the style of a notebook written by the young boy himself.
I have to say, I was expecting a strong writing but this book imbued more of canvas arts; which is equally stunning. Regardless of the expectation, the storyline was built on poetic lines, along with the thread revolving the murders of George Floyd and Eric Garner. The author and illustrator connect the horror of those deaths, the violence implied in the way the pandemic unfolded, and a metaphorical sense of individuals unable to breathe freely in our society through the concept of breathing.
Despite its simplicity, the depth and intricacy of the notions will prevail most readers. On the whole, this is one beautiful and compelling read.
April 29, 2022
Jason Reynolds is a national treasure. Named the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature in 2020 by the Library of Congress, Reynolds has frequently been nominated—and often won—practically every youth literature award. He has a natural gift to connect with young people and frequently tours the US speaking to underrepresented communities and getting kids everywhere excited about books. All this helps to see how Ain’t Burned All the Bright, a gorgeous artistic collaboration with Jason Griffin is such a powerful work that reaches out to comfort in the mess of fear, confusion and grief that has occured the past few years. Written in three long sentences over 300 pages of striking artwork, all done on pocket notebooks with Reynolds’ words cut out and pasted on them, Reynolds words carry the sentiments that prevailed during the pandemic years and embody the fatigue and fear surrounding everyone, as well as capturing the experience of a Black family when the news is full of another Black man murdered by police and people angry that protestors would ask to be allowed to live in peace. Yet this is not a message of despair, but one of hope, comfort, and finding your voice, breath, and smile.
Breath is a key element in this book. This singular word holds so many disparate ideas in relation to one another and the events of 2020, from those dying from lack of breath in hospital beds or choked out by police, the feeling of being unable to breath from the panic, feeling suffocated by the daily tragedies on the news, yet also the reminder to breath in, breath out and face each new day. Reynolds text weaves 2020 together and reminds us that it is okay to have these feelings, and it is okay to wonder what is next. Which is very comforting, especially seeing how responses to the fear manifested in many ways. Written from the perspective of a young person watching their family, from hearing his sister discuss going to a BLM protest to watching ‘my brother never lifts his head from the game/ while his hands jut around moving in a panic as he fights/ for an extra life,’ Reynolds perfectly captures this moment in time in a way that will resonate with any reader.
The artwork is quite extraordinary as well. With motifs centering on images of fire and waves that capture the emotional current of 2020, and plenty of images of houses to remind us of the increased time we all spent at home. The art is simple yet emotionally complex, using bright colors (most frequently blue, orange and red), and has a weathered look that seems inspired by the fatigue and trying to keep everything together we all experienced. The art feels very alive and dynamic, looking like a craft you see being built right before your eyes, and the way Reynolds text punctuates each page culminates into a rather moving effect.
This is a quick read, but one that has a very lasting effect. Even those who are hesitant to revisit the experiences of 2020 may find comfort within these pages, and learn that the comfort we can give each other makes all the difference. Definitely read this.
January 12, 2022
Each page it's own work of art.
Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful.
Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful.
March 15, 2023
I was reading this on 'device free day' in the school library I currently work at. Through teary eyes I was telling kids they need to pack up their card games and chess sets because the bell was about to ring. Another amazing book by Jason that shines a light on important issues and feelings and it totally moved me. The phenomenal artwork by Jason Griffin added another layer of meaning and made the story-telling all the more powerful.
November 8, 2021
Ain't Burned All the Bright is a really soft, poignant, sweet look at a family living through two tragedies: the COVID-19 pandemic, and living as a Black family in the US. Our narrator is telling two stories consecutively, both of watching how his family is coping with the pandemic and their father's own experience with COVID-19, as well as wondering at his mother's reasoning for staying glued to the news as she watches stories about police killings and protests.
There's very little text in this book as it's primarily a few words here on there on pages full of artwork, but I've learned from reading his work before that Jason Reynolds has a way of putting across incredibly complex and layered stories with very little actual speaking, and he didn't disappoint me here.
It's an emotional, authentic, painful story, but it's interwoven with familial love and the hopeful reminder that tough days are easier to face when we have our people with us. I highly recommend this book and hope it gets the love it deserves when it releases. This book absolutely needs to be on the shelves of every classroom and library.
✨ Representation: the narrator and his family are Black
✨ Content warnings for:
Thank you so much to the publisher for providing me with this review copy in exchange for an honest review!
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There's very little text in this book as it's primarily a few words here on there on pages full of artwork, but I've learned from reading his work before that Jason Reynolds has a way of putting across incredibly complex and layered stories with very little actual speaking, and he didn't disappoint me here.
It's an emotional, authentic, painful story, but it's interwoven with familial love and the hopeful reminder that tough days are easier to face when we have our people with us. I highly recommend this book and hope it gets the love it deserves when it releases. This book absolutely needs to be on the shelves of every classroom and library.
✨ Representation: the narrator and his family are Black
✨ Content warnings for:
Thank you so much to the publisher for providing me with this review copy in exchange for an honest review!
———
twitter | booktok | bookstagram | blog
April 8, 2024
The air grows thin and the weight of life presses upon the soul. An extra-ordinary breath, a silent specter, seeping through the cracks, suffocating hope. The oxygen mask, a fragile lifeline, an object of both salvation and despair. The world outside fades, leaving only the flicker of memories. The world awaits, suspended between exhale and inhale, between memory and oblivion.
Jason Griffin’s illustrations mirror the stark poetic prose, each stroke etching the ache of isolation, frustration and hope.
“Oxygen Mask” is a requiem of our fractured times, a whispered promise that even when the air grows thin, we persist.
4.6/5
Jason Griffin’s illustrations mirror the stark poetic prose, each stroke etching the ache of isolation, frustration and hope.
“Oxygen Mask” is a requiem of our fractured times, a whispered promise that even when the air grows thin, we persist.
4.6/5
March 6, 2022
This was very beautiful, particularly to look at. I also liked the extended breathing metaphor, and the way it was brought through violence against Black people, COVID-19 and creativity in hard times. I will say that this is very, very few words. It is three run-on sentences that it will take you a few minutes to read. I had to force myself to slow down and really look at the art.
You have to go into this for an experience rather than a story.
December 29, 2021
I had no idea what to expect and this book made me feel deeply. I'm not sure I "got" it all, but i was really moved by the art and the use of a langue and the way the pages were organized. I just felt things. I special reflection on 2020 that doesn't feel like a reflection on 2020.
January 12, 2022
I don't know how 3 sentences can provide this sort of power, but combined with Griffin's powerful work, this book is a necessary gut punch. I read it in one sitting and will probably re-read in several more sittings. There is so much to absorb here.
March 31, 2022
The incomparable Jason Reynolds has bestowed upon us yet another uniquely powerful gem. The weight of the book itself is our first clue that we are holding something intransmutable, and indeed, we are. The heaviness of the pandemic forcing people to remain inside (glued to their tvs and phones) is brilliantly juxtaposed with the outside protests against violence committed upon Black Americans. The combination of Reynolds' spare, but deeply affecting prose and Griffin's evocative artwork transports the reader into the mind of a young Black boy, who can't quite understand why we as a nation are so stuck and broken. This is gorgeously rendered, painfully accurate, and sorely needed.
5 stars
5 stars
July 26, 2022
I listened to the audiobook while following along in the hardcover book. The collaboration between wordsmith and artist is amazing! They have captured the experience of Covid and beyond. As Griffin states in the afterword: "We've changed and we've remained the same."
July 2, 2022
5 stars
Being a very big fan of Jason Reynolds I wish he had been around when I was younger. He has such a talent for telling important stories in such a simplistic and vibrating way. This book is no exception. I am happy to see Reynolds and Jason Griffin - a long time friend and illustrator - teaming up to do books.
This book is done in about seven sentences - albeit long sentences - over 384 pages. Those words by Reynolds are put over some wonderful illustrations by Griffin. Each page gives you pause and enriches the story being told.
It is very gratifying to read the work of Reynolds knowing that today's youth has the advantage of his work. This particular book is more on the graphic book style, but he also has poetry, that is outstanding and my personal favorite, along with regular story telling. I have yet to pick up one of his books that did not tell a story that needed telling and done in a very rich and enlightening way.
Being a very big fan of Jason Reynolds I wish he had been around when I was younger. He has such a talent for telling important stories in such a simplistic and vibrating way. This book is no exception. I am happy to see Reynolds and Jason Griffin - a long time friend and illustrator - teaming up to do books.
This book is done in about seven sentences - albeit long sentences - over 384 pages. Those words by Reynolds are put over some wonderful illustrations by Griffin. Each page gives you pause and enriches the story being told.
It is very gratifying to read the work of Reynolds knowing that today's youth has the advantage of his work. This particular book is more on the graphic book style, but he also has poetry, that is outstanding and my personal favorite, along with regular story telling. I have yet to pick up one of his books that did not tell a story that needed telling and done in a very rich and enlightening way.
March 17, 2022
“And I’m sitting here wondering why my mother won’t change the channel, and the news won’t change the story, and why the story won’t change into something new.”
A direct excerpt from the blurb: For anyone who didn’t really know what it means to not be able to breathe, REALLY breathe, for generations, now you know. And those who already do, you’ll be nodding yep, yep that’s exactly how it is. This is a story of what it is to be Black . In America. Right now.
This book is told in three breaths, and each breath is written as one very long sentence. It’s the story of a Black family living in America during the pandemic and the BLM movement. It is a story about how, when one is desperately searching for air, it is often the people and things in our closest circle that can serve as our oxygen masks.
There isn’t much to say about this book other than it was heart-wrenching and beautiful and managed to be both of those things and still ultimately provide optimism and hope.
The art (courtesy of Jason Griffin) is really beautiful, and originally done in a Moleskin journal. It feels in part frantic and sketchbook-y which only adds to Jason Reynold’s writing.
There is (obviously) no meme or playlist today - but a strong encouragement to pick up this book wherever you source them.
Note: i am rating this five stars because I want to reflect well on this book in GoodReads’ algorithm, but I do not generally rate books whose story is and has been a work of non-fiction for so many people.
A direct excerpt from the blurb: For anyone who didn’t really know what it means to not be able to breathe, REALLY breathe, for generations, now you know. And those who already do, you’ll be nodding yep, yep that’s exactly how it is. This is a story of what it is to be Black . In America. Right now.
This book is told in three breaths, and each breath is written as one very long sentence. It’s the story of a Black family living in America during the pandemic and the BLM movement. It is a story about how, when one is desperately searching for air, it is often the people and things in our closest circle that can serve as our oxygen masks.
There isn’t much to say about this book other than it was heart-wrenching and beautiful and managed to be both of those things and still ultimately provide optimism and hope.
The art (courtesy of Jason Griffin) is really beautiful, and originally done in a Moleskin journal. It feels in part frantic and sketchbook-y which only adds to Jason Reynold’s writing.
There is (obviously) no meme or playlist today - but a strong encouragement to pick up this book wherever you source them.
Note: i am rating this five stars because I want to reflect well on this book in GoodReads’ algorithm, but I do not generally rate books whose story is and has been a work of non-fiction for so many people.
February 3, 2022
AUDIOBOOK VERSION IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
I can listen to Jason Reynolds all day 🙌🏽. Accolades to the full cast of the audiobook, so lyrical, so soothing, magical, and incredible. The illustrations too were so captivating and beautiful. I almost gave way to tears because of its message.
It's incredible how simple the words and dissertation are, but carries so much weight and depth that pierced into the heart.
"I'm sitting here wondering why my mother won't change the channel and why the news won't change the story and why the story won't change into something new instead of the every-hour rerun about how we won't change the world or the way we treat the world or the way we treat each other. "
Best believe I'll be using this for a meditation session 🧘🏽♀️.
A mash-up of art and text for teens that viscerally captures what it is to be Black. In America. A book for everyone's who has endured 2020 (when the pandemic began).
I can listen to Jason Reynolds all day 🙌🏽. Accolades to the full cast of the audiobook, so lyrical, so soothing, magical, and incredible. The illustrations too were so captivating and beautiful. I almost gave way to tears because of its message.
It's incredible how simple the words and dissertation are, but carries so much weight and depth that pierced into the heart.
"I'm sitting here wondering why my mother won't change the channel and why the news won't change the story and why the story won't change into something new instead of the every-hour rerun about how we won't change the world or the way we treat the world or the way we treat each other. "
Best believe I'll be using this for a meditation session 🧘🏽♀️.
A mash-up of art and text for teens that viscerally captures what it is to be Black. In America. A book for everyone's who has endured 2020 (when the pandemic began).
November 12, 2022
Wow. Simplistic yet profound.
I’m in constant awe of Reynolds and was moved by this manifesto that combines simplistic illustrations and few words. I can only imagine how this strikes as a Black reader - the truths of the past, present and future. I hope tomorrow brings change, light and love for us all.
Get yourself a friend like Michelle, who preorders and shares books like this.
I’m in constant awe of Reynolds and was moved by this manifesto that combines simplistic illustrations and few words. I can only imagine how this strikes as a Black reader - the truths of the past, present and future. I hope tomorrow brings change, light and love for us all.
Get yourself a friend like Michelle, who preorders and shares books like this.
January 12, 2022
A realistic perception of what kids went through during the pandemic. The wording and artistry are masterful. Jason’s mind is brilliant and anyone can relate to this iconic and legendary piece.
March 17, 2022
absolutely stunning art+poetry 🥲 i almost cried pls the fact that its so serious yet so sad at the same time 😫
this book is seperated into 3 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘴 - focuses on BLM protests, conflicts & covid 19. apart from the important topics, its definitely something for people who can appreciate visual art which comes along with it. i was absolutely blown away with the captivating collages that capture v well with the words, in my opinion.
i also honestly think its a book that is meant to be read slowly in order to take in every single page even though its actually relatively short and can be read in a day. it took me awhile to get used to the texts tho ((sort of reminded me of magnetic poetry)) - probably its part of the poet's creative expression but definitely something that some readers would have to take some time to get used to reading.
such a work of art not to be missed ✨
𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐬𝐞
𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡
this book is seperated into 3 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘴 - focuses on BLM protests, conflicts & covid 19. apart from the important topics, its definitely something for people who can appreciate visual art which comes along with it. i was absolutely blown away with the captivating collages that capture v well with the words, in my opinion.
i also honestly think its a book that is meant to be read slowly in order to take in every single page even though its actually relatively short and can be read in a day. it took me awhile to get used to the texts tho ((sort of reminded me of magnetic poetry)) - probably its part of the poet's creative expression but definitely something that some readers would have to take some time to get used to reading.
such a work of art not to be missed ✨
𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐬𝐞
𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡
February 20, 2022
Really don't have words for how amazing this one is.
February 19, 2022
2020 - through the eyes of a young black man. His father ill and quarantined in a bedroom, his mother tied to the news coverage of George Floyd's murder, and he and each of his siblings coping in their own way. This is a mix of words and art that flow seamlessly and so effectively together. Both heartbreaking and hopeful, this is an exquisite read and the book is an incredible work of visual art.
It is evocative, thought provoking, and a perfect stepping off point for both discussion around the topics explored in the work as well as for discussion about how art helps us process and express complicated emotions. Highly recommend picking this one up.
It is evocative, thought provoking, and a perfect stepping off point for both discussion around the topics explored in the work as well as for discussion about how art helps us process and express complicated emotions. Highly recommend picking this one up.
January 23, 2022
I am glad that I read this book. I actually read this out loud to my children and we had a nice discussion about it. This book is not only filled with words, but its also filled with art that is so beautiful. This book touches on the topic on the topic of black families in America and also during the time of Covid. I hope that this book reaches libraries and schools because if you can't understand the words that are flowing through these pages... then I am sure that you can understand and appreciate the art that shows great detail and also makes you think.
January 2, 2023
HOPE IS THE THING
I could see the starred reviews stacking up, but when I got close to checking what it was all about, It seemed gimmicky and odd. I didn’t expect what I found. It is gimmicky and odd, but in the best of ways, giving us the promise of hope after the grimness of the past two years. Not the false hope that big problems will be mended out of the clear blue sky, but the hope that we have it within our imperfect selves to find a better path.
Popsugar23 - #50 - A book with alliteration in the title
I could see the starred reviews stacking up, but when I got close to checking what it was all about, It seemed gimmicky and odd. I didn’t expect what I found. It is gimmicky and odd, but in the best of ways, giving us the promise of hope after the grimness of the past two years. Not the false hope that big problems will be mended out of the clear blue sky, but the hope that we have it within our imperfect selves to find a better path.
Popsugar23 - #50 - A book with alliteration in the title
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April 3, 2022Three incredible, gut-punching sentences, paired with incredible, moving art.
July 9, 2022
...and she wipes weary from her eyes
still glued to the no-good
glued to the high definition glare
of low-definition life
still glued to the no-good
glued to the high definition glare
of low-definition life
October 23, 2021
5 stars
As a long-time Jason Reynolds fan and as a person who has been teaching his work for years, I expect to enjoy anything he produces. What I did not expect is how novel the presentation would be in this one. It's a top recommendation.
One of many aspects to love about Reynolds is what a prolific speaker he is. A particularly favorite video is his discussion of books as time capsules of the period in which they are produced, and I could not stop thinking about that particular connection the whole time I engaged with this piece.
Like many of Reynolds's works, this is not a light read. It's about a number of current events and circumstances, including but not limited to race relations, Covid, stay-at-home orders, the horrors of the nightly news, and tech dependency. The main character is in a state of focusing on breath: breathing in, breathing out, and not being able to breath. It's impossible to interact with this work - especially with the addition of the complementary art - and not feel these characters' pain...and access our own.
This is another stellar work from one of the greatest writers of our time, but in many ways, for me, this one stands out from the rest. I'll be recommending this - and perhaps teaching it - for years to come.
*Thanks to NetGalley and Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
As a long-time Jason Reynolds fan and as a person who has been teaching his work for years, I expect to enjoy anything he produces. What I did not expect is how novel the presentation would be in this one. It's a top recommendation.
One of many aspects to love about Reynolds is what a prolific speaker he is. A particularly favorite video is his discussion of books as time capsules of the period in which they are produced, and I could not stop thinking about that particular connection the whole time I engaged with this piece.
Like many of Reynolds's works, this is not a light read. It's about a number of current events and circumstances, including but not limited to race relations, Covid, stay-at-home orders, the horrors of the nightly news, and tech dependency. The main character is in a state of focusing on breath: breathing in, breathing out, and not being able to breath. It's impossible to interact with this work - especially with the addition of the complementary art - and not feel these characters' pain...and access our own.
This is another stellar work from one of the greatest writers of our time, but in many ways, for me, this one stands out from the rest. I'll be recommending this - and perhaps teaching it - for years to come.
*Thanks to NetGalley and Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
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January 30, 2022Ain’t Burned All the Bright is a long poem by Jason Reynolds about 2020, the year of being stuck–stuck at home; stuck in the America of violence, racism, pandemic, protests, and screens; stuck with being stuck. With his imagery and familiar details, Reynolds finds and reveals the symbolic and real-world possibilities of breath, change, and family. But even in these tough times, young people leave room for hope, and Reynolds honors that idealism in this book. The audio production available from Libro.fm is exceptional. Its thirty-seven minutes include a reading of the text by Jason Reynolds, another reading of the text with a full cast of young voices, and a conversation between Reynolds and illustrator Jason Griffin.
November 12, 2022
Poetry in the form of three run-on sentences splayed out over nearly 400 pages of symbolic and roughly-hewn illustrations. It's one of those hybrid things that's somewhere between a graphic novel and illustrated text. I like the sentiments being expressed, but rather than dwell on them, the format had me just flipping pages as fast as possible in order to just be done with it.
I think I was too set on this being less an abstract expression of feelings and more a concrete story like Long Way Down.
I think I was too set on this being less an abstract expression of feelings and more a concrete story like Long Way Down.
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January 23, 2022this book is an experience above anything else. the imagery and writing combined together awoke something inside of me and even though the contents are (intentionally) vague, they made something inside if me ache.
impossible to rate so just: wow.
impossible to rate so just: wow.
February 21, 2022
The confluence of COVID -19 and the BLM demonstrations is explored in this unique and thought-provoking title. It's more like a work of art than a traditional book. Really unique and memorable!
July 4, 2022
3.5⭐️ - This was both heartbreaking and hopeful, a truly poetic expression of the past few years
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