For Every One

By: Jason Reynolds

Narrated by: Jason Reynolds

Length: 25 mins

Publisher's summary

Selected as one of the Young Adult Library Services Association’s 2019 Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults!

Originally performed at the Kennedy Center for the unveiling of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and later as a tribute to Walter Dean Myers, this stirring and inspirational poem is New York Times best-selling author and National Book Award finalist Jason Reynolds' rallying cry to the dreamers of the world. 

For Every One is just that: for every one. For every one person. For every one dream. But especially for every one kid. The kids who dream of being better than they are. Kids who dream of doing more than they almost dare to dream. Kids who are like Jason Reynolds, a self-professed dreamer. Jason does not claim to know how to make dreams come true; he has, in fact, been fighting on the front line of his own battle to make his own dreams a reality. He expected to make it when he was 16. Then 18. Then 25. Now, some of those expectations have been realized. But others, the most important ones, lay ahead, and a lot of them involve kids, how to inspire them. All the kids who are scared to dream, or don't know how to dream, or don't dare to dream because they've never seen a dream come true. Jason wants kids to know that dreams take time. They involve countless struggles. But no matter how many times a dreamer gets beat down, the drive and the passion and the hope never fully extinguish - because just having the dream is the start you need, or you won't get anywhere anyway, and that is when you have to take a leap of faith. 

©2018 Jason Reynolds (P)2018 Simon & Schuster Audio

Critic reviews

"Jason Reynolds performed this poem at the Kennedy Center for the unveiling of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. Now he brings its stirring words to audio, his voice as rich as his powerful message.... His deep voice is as calming as his realization that it's just having the dream that's important." (AudioFile) 

enter headline for review

It was cool really cool for a short 20 something minute book

(need more words need more words)

Underrated read! Incredible transparent!!

If you’re a dreamer, read this!
If you’re a creator, read this!
If you’re a artist, read this!
If you’re a human, read this!

I was searching for a quick read when I stumbled upon this to help boost my end-of-year book goals...and wow! Definitely surpasses any expectation I had. The author made a fan out of me with this one. So awesome 👍

In Order to Fly...We Must be Willing to Jump

For Every One, written and narrated by the amazing Jason Reynolds, is a half hour of inspiration, encouragement, goosebumps, and love to those who choose to listen. Regardless of age, gender, race, SES...these words are for you. No matter where you are in life, where you hoped to be by now, or where you are headed...he's speaking to you. From those who no longer believe in dreams to the motivated who make those dreams come true...this book is for you. His words are real and from the heart, and he doesn't claim to have the answers. But, through personal experience he has learned we must have courage; if we want to fly, we must be willing to jump.

Listening to Jason Reynolds narrate this audiobook isn't just hearing words on a page. It's an experience...an opportunity to really hear his message and feel his love. His controlled voice and tone are exactly what listeners need to absorb the meaning and beauty of his words, which flow together, uninterrupted.

Without hesitation, I give a very deserving 5 out of 5 stars to For Every One, written and narrated by Jason Reynolds. His meaningful words are real, relevant, and relatable. Not only does his message stick with you long after it ends, but with each additional listen, I'm confident you will also take away something new. If you are a visual person, your overall experience will be heightened if you pair this audiobook with the print version, as each page of the book strategically presents these words in a stunning and engaging display that perfectly matches his reading. Like all of J.R.'s work, I plan to share this with my high school students. He is our favorite author; his words live inside our classroom, and his messages live inside our minds and hearts.

Thank you so much for all you do, Mr. Reynolds. We wouldn't be who we are today without your love, inspiration, honesty, and support. Thank you for believing in us. :-)

Thank you for reading my review. I hope it was helpful.

Inspired

I listened to this book because it’s part of summer reading for my rising 6th grader. I wanted to be able to discuss the book with him. I was inspired by Mr. Reynolds’ words. His words are kindling to my dreams. Thank you.