Look Both Ways

Take a step in a new direction. This story was going to begin like all the best stories. With a school bus falling from the sky. But no one saw it happen – they were all too busy. Washington, D.C. area native, New York Times best-selling author, and Kennedy Center Next 50 leader Jason Reynolds conjures 10 tales (1 per block) about what happens after the dismissal bell rings.

10 blocks. 10 unique tales. There’s something for everyone across these 10 vignettes about identity, compassion, fear, and friendship—as told through puppetry, dance, music, projections, audience participation, kamishibai (paper theater), and more. This faithful stage adaptation of Reynolds’ award-winning book (Carnegie Medal, Coretta Scott King Author Honor Book, National Book Award for Young People’s Literature finalist, and more) encourages audiences to look both ways not only when crossing the street, but also when acknowledging the people walking by. This world premiere family play is a co-production with Theater Alliance, adapted by El Chelito and Raymond O. Caldwell, and directed by Caldwell. 

A script is available upon request for review by administrators, educators and homeschool parents.

Best suited for grades 5+
Curriculum subjects: Language Arts, Character/Creativity
Study Guide:  Available here