Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks

The title of the novel alludes to a familiar parental warning meant to protect a child from venturing into a dangerous street. Reynolds employs this reference throughout the novel in Fatima’s strict adherence to the guidance of her parents and in Ms. Post’s position as a crossing guard who serves to ensure the safety of the children. Reynolds expands upon the title’s meaning as he places his characters in situations that require them to look outside of themselves and view their world through a new perspective. These situations enlighten the characters and widen their understanding of the world around them and themselves.

Through the character of Britton (Bit) Burns, Reynolds subverts the societal stereotyping of young Black men and offers a new perspective into their fully-formed humanity. Known as a hustler, Bit leads the Low Cuts who have a reputation for stealing. Throughout Chapter 2, Reynolds leads the reader along with Bit and his friends as they eagerly work to accomplish a mission to upcharge candy and buy ice cream. Just as the reader celebrates with the mischievous Low Cuts with their four cups of ice cream, Reynolds adds in another perspective that unveils the true reason for Bit’s plan: to buy ice cream for his mother who is recovering from chemotherapy. With this addition, the reader’s perspective on the entire chapter shifts. The actions of troubled Bit transform into the actions of empathetic and caring Bit who sacrifices his time, money, and energy all to provide a little comfort to his mother. Reynolds complicates his characters to reflect the nuanced ways of real life where various perspectives abound in truth and validity.