My Name is Jason. Mine Too. Our Story. Our Way.

Peach’s Picks Rating


Title:
My Name Is Jason. Mine Too. Our Story. Our Way.

Author:
Jason Reynolds and Jason Griffin

Illustrator:
Illustrated by authors

ISBN:
978-0-06-154788-1

Publisher:
New York: Harper Collins/Joanna Cotler Books

Copyright:
2009

Length:
unpaged

Plot Summary:
Jason and Jason met in college. Both are artists; one a poet, the other a painter. They are also performance artists. After graduating from college the two Jasons move to New York with plans to make it BIG. But, making it BIG is not happening as they hoped. The Jasons have lots of dreams, but reality is a nightmare. They are hungry and cold, worry about paying rent, experience the serious illness of a mother, their talents are unrecognized, and they doubt themselves. One Jason is African-American and the other Jason is white. Even though their skin color is different, they share the same hopes and dreams – that of becoming men regarded for their talent and creativity. Jason and Jason share the universal experience of young men struggling to find themselves and fit into society and the world. The reader sees their individual experiences and mutual experiences as they struggle to make their way in the adult world. The book is told in a poetic manner similar to a novel in verse.

Critical Evaluation:
This is a beautiful graffiti-like work of poetry and art that will resonate with older teens and emerging adults; male or female, artist or jock. It is a fit-in-your-hand size book with glossy colored pages created in mixed media. The verse flows free reflecting the experiences of a young black man and a young white man who are best friends and consider themselves emotional brothers. It is self indulgent in an appealing young adult manner, mixing angst with hope. The text and colorful illustrations complement one another and the book moves with speed reflecting the young men’s emotions. It is not an autobiography or a memoir; rather it reflects the emotional life of two young men. Jason, of African-American heritage, seems more transparent in the book while Jason, of white heritage, hides himself; he creates a wall between himself and the reader by wearing sunglasses and clothing that seems like a costume. The only down side to the book is that the reader is left desiring more – more of their reflective work and wondering where life will take them next. This book is highly recommended as a browsing book for emerging adults. It is an excellent tool to use when exploring self-identity. The poetry is short and concise and the artwork enhances the emotion of the words.

Reader’s Annotation:
Two guys graduate from college and move to New York City as roommates seeking fame and fortune. They are artists who are hungry, poor, share the same first name and emotions, but not the same color skin.

Author Information:
Jason Reynolds – lives in Brooklyn, NY; grew up in Oxon Hill, MD; attended the University of Maryland at College Park; loves all music, especially Jimi Hendrix; favorite book is The Autobiography of Malcolm X
Jason Griffin – none available

Genre:
Poetry

Curriculum Ties:
Literature class
Art class
Creative writing class
Diversity discussions

Booktalking Ideas:
Take a look at what life is like after graduating from college.
Examine the blending of spoken word and art.
The words and pictures of two young men give one heartrending story.

Reading Level/Interest Age:
High school

Additional Books by Author:
None

Challenge Issues:
Interracial friendship
Deal with challenge by having a challenge policy in place, selection policy in place (ALA policies). Meet with library administration if necessary. Provide positive review(s) from professional publications.

Why this work is included in Peach’s Picks:
The book receives five peaches because it hits the soul of 18 to 21-year-old angst. It is a wonderfully illustrated account of two young men’s hopes, dreams, and ongoing struggles to become successful adults who respect themselves. It crosses socio-economic, racial, and gender borders to touch the heart of young adults. It received a starred review in School Library Journal and is nominated for a 2010 NUSPA Award in the “Best Poetry Book” category.

Amazon link:
http://www.amazon.com/My-Name-Jason-Mine-Too/dp/0061547883/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1271287232&sr=1-1

References:
Griffin, J. (2010). “Big News, Big News, Big News!!!” Increase/Decrease. Retrieved April 14, 2010, from http://increase-decrease.com/2010/04/

Reynolds, J. (2010). “Jason Reynolds”. Myspace. Retrieved March 10, 2010, from http://www.myspace.com/48393653