All American Boys

When Quinn is first introduced, he feels pressure to be the “All-American” boy. How does Quinn define “All-American” at the beginning of the novel? Does he believe in the concept of “All-American” wholeheartedly, or does he show disillusionment as well? How does Quinn’s definition of “All-American” shift as the novel continues?

According to Rashad, his father, David, is “all about discipline” and believes “that if you work hard, good things happen to you no matter what” (51). How does David’s viewpoint influence his reaction to the violence perpetrated against his son? Does David’s perspective shift as the novel continues?

Compare the reactions of David and SpoonyButler to Rashad’s beating. How do these characters represent two different responses to racism? Does the novel favor one response over the other, and if so, why?

After witnessing Rashad being beaten, Quinn gradually realizes that his status as a white American is a “shield” (180) that has protected him his entire life. What has this “shield” offered Quinn in the past, and what does it provide him with throughout the book? Why do you think Quinn ultimately chooses to reject this shield?

Quinn remembers Paul beating up another kid, Marc Blair, a bully who bothered Quinn when he was younger. What is the significance of this incident, and particularly of Quinn’s part in it? The authors never explicitly state whether Marc is black or white. Do you think this was a conscious choice, and if so, why do you think the authors chose to leave this detail ambiguous?

As Rashad’s friends, family, and community organize a protest of the beating, Rashad realizes that the situation has become “bigger than [him]” (203). What does Rashad mean by this statement? What larger ideas, people, and/or situations has the protest come to represent? Does the violence Rashad suffered become more or less significant in light of this larger-scale focus?

The social media hashtag #RashadIsAbsentAgainToday becomes an important symbol throughout the novel. How do characters use social media to fight back against what happened to Rashad? How do the internet and social media transform the way communities respond to injustice?

All American Boys takes place over the span of just one week. Why do you think the authors chose to confine the novel to such a tight timeframe? What does this narrowed focus accomplish? What important events might have been left out? Overall, do you think the novel is more or less effective because it covers such a specific period of time?