Decisions In 'All American Boys'

December 14, 2022
Sometimes you need to follow your own path, even if by doing that you may be disappointing others. When faced with an issue, you mustn't let what others think cloud your ability to determine the definition between right and wrong. In All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendon Kiely, Quinn is faced with a tough decision when he witnesses Rashad, one of his classmates, get assaulted by a police officer, Paul, who is his best friend’s older brother, and Quinn’s role model. He comes to realize that he must do what is right, regardless of what his family thinks. One must follow their own path, and make their own choices; even if people that are close to them don’t agree with it.
Although Quinn witnessed the assaulting

Quinn, in the beginning of the story, witnesses Rashad getting assaulted by Paul. But, because of his fear of disappointing his family, he doesn’t do anything about what he saw. Infact, he argued against Rashad, and said things that he regretted. But, in the end, Quinn overcomes his fears and does what’s right. Quinn has to overcome his fears of disappointing his family and Paul, in order to do what’s right. Likewise, one must follow their own path, even if others may not approve of it. In order to follow what they think, one might have to disappoint others by doing what’s morally right.

Teacher Use
Literary Essay Grading Checklist
Criteria for Success:
Emerging
Developing
Demonstrating
Develop a thesis statement that argues for a belief/position/stance on character or theme.

✔

Examine at least four specific and different scenes from the middle to end of the book and cite at least four relevant quotes from each scene (minimum two quotes per body paragraph)

✔

Apply at least two reading strategies to make inferences and draw critical conclusions about the book as a whole and specifically about each chosen scene in support of the thesis statement.

✔

Write an introductory paragraph, several body paragraphs, and a concluding paragraph, which follows the writing process and skills (i.e. the organization, structure, and development) taught in class.

Focus on one

A
Your writing demonstrates all of the skills outlined in the criteria for success.
A-
Your writing demonstrates most of the skills outlined in the criteria for success, yet may show that one skill is still developing.
B+
Your writing demonstrates some of the skills outlined in the criteria for success, yet shows that two skills are still developing.
B
Your writing reflects that all of the skills are still developing.
B-
Your writing reflects that some skills are developing, and one or more skills are emerging.
C+
Your writing reflects that all of the skills are still emerging.
C
Your writing reflects inconsistencies and/or contains misunderstandings that do not demonstrate the skills outlined in the criteria for success.

GLOW: What is one thing this writer has done well?
Jacob, Strong and meaningful thesis statement. You establish the central idea in your introduction and stay on point through your essay. The essay follows the organization and structure taught in class.
GROW: What is one thing the writer should review and