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For Every One
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Poetry (2018)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 bestselling author and National Book Award finalist Jason Reynolds’s rallying cry to the young 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 sixteen. Then eighteen. Then twenty-five. 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.
A pitch-perfect graduation, baby, or inspirational gift for anyone who needs to me reminded of their own abilities—to dream.
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 sixteen. Then eighteen. Then twenty-five. 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.
A pitch-perfect graduation, baby, or inspirational gift for anyone who needs to me reminded of their own abilities—to dream.
102 pages, Hardcover
First published April 10, 2018
192 people are currently reading
14331 people want to read
About the author
Jason Reynolds
76 books10.1k followersJason Reynolds is an American author of novels and poetry for young adult and middle-grade audience. After earning a BA in English from The University of Maryland, College Park, Jason Reynolds moved to Brooklyn, New York, where you can often find him walking the four blocks from the train to his apartment talking to himself. Well, not really talking to himself, but just repeating character names and plot lines he thought of on the train, over and over again, because he’s afraid he’ll forget it all before he gets home.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,666 reviews
November 10, 2018
I saw this in the Goodreads Choice Award nominations for Best Poetry and thought I'd check it out!
It's a super quick read - thirty minutes max. - but it's pretty hard-hitting without being cheesy. That's the one reason I can never get into "motivational" reads: it's almost always super cheesy, carpe diem-type stuff. Reynolds, however, doesn't truss it up. His raw and sparse poetry is to the point and unsentimental. Moments like this one are occasional centre pieces, not the foundation of the poem:
Which make them more meaningful and less irksome when they do appear.
I enjoyed it. It's a sweet - but not too sweet - letter to those out there working on a dream, no matter their age or circumstances. More than a "you can do it", it is best described as a "I'm trying to do it like you're trying to do it; maybe I'm going to fail; maybe you're going to fail; let's keep trying and failing together". And I think there's something heart-warming in that.
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It's a super quick read - thirty minutes max. - but it's pretty hard-hitting without being cheesy. That's the one reason I can never get into "motivational" reads: it's almost always super cheesy, carpe diem-type stuff. Reynolds, however, doesn't truss it up. His raw and sparse poetry is to the point and unsentimental. Moments like this one are occasional centre pieces, not the foundation of the poem:
Dreamer,
if you are like me,
YOU
JUMP
ANYWAY.
Which make them more meaningful and less irksome when they do appear.
I enjoyed it. It's a sweet - but not too sweet - letter to those out there working on a dream, no matter their age or circumstances. More than a "you can do it", it is best described as a "I'm trying to do it like you're trying to do it; maybe I'm going to fail; maybe you're going to fail; let's keep trying and failing together". And I think there's something heart-warming in that.
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May 2, 2018Simply inspiring! Jason Reynolds is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine.
December 18, 2022
Haven't even been awake for an hour and I'm already in tears. A letter dedicated to dreamers and the reality of how dreams become manifest. Something I am sure all us creatives or people who dream big need to hear.
Jason Reynolds just has a way of making you feel things so deeply, that your only emotional response is to burst into tears. Safe to say the audiobook for this is fantastic, and it's only 25 minutes.
Jason Reynolds just has a way of making you feel things so deeply, that your only emotional response is to burst into tears. Safe to say the audiobook for this is fantastic, and it's only 25 minutes.
January 29, 2018
3.5 Stars
Netgalley provided me an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
I'm a simple woman: I see anything by Jason Reynolds, I pounce on it.
This is a poem/letter for "dreamers" in the world. It's as much of testament of Reynolds' trials and errors as much as it is a call-to-action for the readers. The writing style is very clean and this probably only took me 10 minutes to read because it's barely over 100 pages and it's designed in a neat format on the page that plays around with font and spacing.
The only disconnect I had from this is that it's pretty surface-level. I'm sure to teens this book will be empowering, but I've read books and seen TEDTalks that are much more in depth than this. I give this book a lot of credit because I know Reynolds' story and I respect him so much as a person and what he's been through and what his writing stands for, and I know that his fans will find some great inspiration in this book, but it just wasn't groundbreaking to me.
Netgalley provided me an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
I'm a simple woman: I see anything by Jason Reynolds, I pounce on it.
This is a poem/letter for "dreamers" in the world. It's as much of testament of Reynolds' trials and errors as much as it is a call-to-action for the readers. The writing style is very clean and this probably only took me 10 minutes to read because it's barely over 100 pages and it's designed in a neat format on the page that plays around with font and spacing.
The only disconnect I had from this is that it's pretty surface-level. I'm sure to teens this book will be empowering, but I've read books and seen TEDTalks that are much more in depth than this. I give this book a lot of credit because I know Reynolds' story and I respect him so much as a person and what he's been through and what his writing stands for, and I know that his fans will find some great inspiration in this book, but it just wasn't groundbreaking to me.
November 6, 2018
4 stars
Jason Reynolds is an author I've been meaning to read for a while now. Usually I am not one for poetry but I've been trying to set aside my prejudices of it lately. Reynolds delivers a powerful letter, one that speaks to all kinds of readers. I really enjoyed this small book, it took about 20 minutes to read and I found myself reading slower to savor the words.
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Jason Reynolds is an author I've been meaning to read for a while now. Usually I am not one for poetry but I've been trying to set aside my prejudices of it lately. Reynolds delivers a powerful letter, one that speaks to all kinds of readers. I really enjoyed this small book, it took about 20 minutes to read and I found myself reading slower to savor the words.
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August 9, 2019
Well, I think I should stop trying to enjoy poetry lol
I don't think this is a particular bad one or anything, it just wasn't for me.
I don't think this is a particular bad one or anything, it just wasn't for me.
May 13, 2018
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 short speech by great performer and children’s author Reynolds is vaguely titled, but it is addressed to young people about the importance of dreams. In it the now successful Reynolds reveals how he was unsuccessful most of his life, and never gave up. His principal accomplishment seems to be the fact that he is an inspiration to thousands of kids. He seems to be one who has taken up the torch held by Walter Dean Myers.
I was looking for a video version, haven’t found it yet, but did find this similarly themed one:
Letter to a Dreamer:
https://vimeo.com/75461662
Here is Reynolds on poetry:
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/vide...
I was looking for a video version, haven’t found it yet, but did find this similarly themed one:
Letter to a Dreamer:
https://vimeo.com/75461662
Here is Reynolds on poetry:
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/vide...
October 11, 2020
This is exactly why I'm in love with this man. He has such a beautiful soul. Just a few weeks ago I was feeling like I haven't accomplished anything or I haven't really reached my goals. I was so close to giving up, but hearing this made me realize that no matter your age you can reach your dreams or goals at any time. It made me look at life with a refreshed perspective. It made me realize how much longer I have to keep going to achieve my dreams. I really think that people don't take enough advantage of Jason Reynolds and his ability to reach into your heart and speak what you feel. This man is so talented and I'm so happy I met him this year. I can't wait to read this rest of his books.
March 5, 2019
Short and sweet and inspiring. I listened to the audiobook which was only 25 minutes long, and it was the perfect pick me up. You can tell Jason Reynolds is a great writer and has a true passion for it and I love that. I love the fact that he’s not preaching at you because he’s super successful, he just wants to continue to motivate himself and achieve his dreams, and I found this short book very inspiring and motivating. :)
April 18, 2021
If you want a book to read in under 10 minutes, this one is for you.
Thanks Jason, from an“almost twenty-eight” year old.
Thanks Jason, from an“almost twenty-eight” year old.
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June 17, 2018this was......underwhelming. and i feel bad saying that because he has a bit at the end directed towards those who didn't like his book/letter/poem (lol) but it was very surface-level, empty rhetoric about dreams and how you shouldn't give up. it feels like literally anyone could have written this and includes sentiments and phrases that i'm sure tons of people have shared before. it wasn't anything knew, he used too many metaphors in strange ways and i couldn't always keep track of which metaphor he meant to reference. bland. not very inspirational. the only good thing about this is that it only took about 20 minutes to read. if you want to read something about dreaming and never giving up, look elsewhere.
December 7, 2018
The truth is
our dreams could be
as far away as forever
or as close as lunchtime.
our dreams could be
as far away as forever
or as close as lunchtime.
July 27, 2019
This is a letter/poem to all the dreamers out there. Reynolds explores the theme of uncertainty but he also wants this letter to be an encouragement for all the people trying to make their dream come true. It’s a testament of his dream too, of how difficult it is to make it and also of him not giving up what he believes in.
I think the message this little book wants to send is an honorable one but I just wasn’t blown away by it. This book is good, but I think there could have been more to it.
I think the message this little book wants to send is an honorable one but I just wasn’t blown away by it. This book is good, but I think there could have been more to it.
April 10, 2021
“Dreams don't have timelines, deadlines, and aren't always in straight lines.”
For Every One is a broad and inspiring piece that speaks directly to the dreamers of the world. Jason Reynolds never fails to impress me with his stories, so it was nice to read something he wrote when he was young, to turn his frustrations into ambition.
The audiobook narration was lovely, especially since its read by the author himself. For Every One is only around 100 pages (or 25 minutes to listen to), and still manages to pack a great punch. Reynolds doesn’t intend to target a specific age or ethnic group, he speaks to anyone who has ever wanted to achieve something (whether miniscule or grand). I listened to this at the perfect time in my life, and was hit with a desire to work harder for the things I hope to accomplish. Such a wonderful book that I’d recommend to all!
For Every One is a broad and inspiring piece that speaks directly to the dreamers of the world. Jason Reynolds never fails to impress me with his stories, so it was nice to read something he wrote when he was young, to turn his frustrations into ambition.
The audiobook narration was lovely, especially since its read by the author himself. For Every One is only around 100 pages (or 25 minutes to listen to), and still manages to pack a great punch. Reynolds doesn’t intend to target a specific age or ethnic group, he speaks to anyone who has ever wanted to achieve something (whether miniscule or grand). I listened to this at the perfect time in my life, and was hit with a desire to work harder for the things I hope to accomplish. Such a wonderful book that I’d recommend to all!
May 1, 2019
This is exactly what I needed. In fact, it's exactly what everyone needs at any point in time.
It's a short (30 minutes max) pep talk to all the dreamers out there. No, you do not need to be an artist or have an affinity to the arts to be a dreamer. If you have a goal, whether short-term or long-term, small or big, this is for you. It is encouraging and understanding. It is a warm hug that lets you know you are not alone so go ahead and dream.
There are a plethora of valuable lines in this little gem, but I don't want to spoil Reynolds' possible impact on anyone. Trust that if you are insecure, down, or doubtful of what your future will shape out to be: this book is for you.
It's a short (30 minutes max) pep talk to all the dreamers out there. No, you do not need to be an artist or have an affinity to the arts to be a dreamer. If you have a goal, whether short-term or long-term, small or big, this is for you. It is encouraging and understanding. It is a warm hug that lets you know you are not alone so go ahead and dream.
There are a plethora of valuable lines in this little gem, but I don't want to spoil Reynolds' possible impact on anyone. Trust that if you are insecure, down, or doubtful of what your future will shape out to be: this book is for you.
June 9, 2018
A quick read of an inspirational poem aimed at younger readers, exhorting them to dream, to have courage, and to take action.
The words, while not groundbreaking, are heartfelt, and I would have liked to have read the sentiments when I was much younger and wondering what direction I should go.
The words, while not groundbreaking, are heartfelt, and I would have liked to have read the sentiments when I was much younger and wondering what direction I should go.
January 12, 2018
Beautiful. Everyone would benefit from reading this letter/poem of dreaming and jumping and persisting and accepting.
"Your dream is the mole
behind your ear,
that chip in your
front tooth,
your freckles.
It's the thing that makes
you special,
but not the thing that makes
you great.
The courage in trying,
the passion in living,
and the acknowledgement
and appreciation of
the beauty happening around
you does that."
Jason Reynolds, I love you.
*eARC Netgalley*
"Your dream is the mole
behind your ear,
that chip in your
front tooth,
your freckles.
It's the thing that makes
you special,
but not the thing that makes
you great.
The courage in trying,
the passion in living,
and the acknowledgement
and appreciation of
the beauty happening around
you does that."
Jason Reynolds, I love you.
*eARC Netgalley*
December 30, 2018
I read Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds this year and absolutely loved it.
I'm not a fan of self help books. But this was nominated for best poetry in the in the Goodreads Choice Awards and I wanted to read more of Jason Reynolds.
There's something very magical about the way he writes. It's art. This letter to a dreamer is so short yet hard hitting. There's so much meaning and so much feeling behind this. It's beautiful.
This book is For Every One!
I'm not a fan of self help books. But this was nominated for best poetry in the in the Goodreads Choice Awards and I wanted to read more of Jason Reynolds.
There's something very magical about the way he writes. It's art. This letter to a dreamer is so short yet hard hitting. There's so much meaning and so much feeling behind this. It's beautiful.
This book is For Every One!
June 7, 2018
2.5 stars
January 6, 2021
Flawless!!!
I really loved this one.
So. Damn. Inspiring!
The whole book has been written as a letter in words like four line poems : short, clear and delivering👍
The basic theme is to go for your dreams NO MATTER WHAT AND HOW OLD YOU ARE.
I so needed to read something like this.
And hellaluyah! I got this at the perfect time.
The lines are so pure and so damn motivating.
There's no turning back when you pick up this one.
Kudos to Jason👍
I really loved this one.
So. Damn. Inspiring!
The whole book has been written as a letter in words like four line poems : short, clear and delivering👍
The basic theme is to go for your dreams NO MATTER WHAT AND HOW OLD YOU ARE.
I so needed to read something like this.
And hellaluyah! I got this at the perfect time.
The lines are so pure and so damn motivating.
There's no turning back when you pick up this one.
Kudos to Jason👍
August 5, 2018
Comforting and inspirational!
October 1, 2020
Inspiring.
February 22, 2019
Every time I think I can’t love him more than I already do, Jason Reynolds makes me love him more than I already do. I want to read this book/letter/poem to every single one of my students—past and present— read it out loud to myself every day, read it from a loud speaker as I drive down the road, read it everywhere to everyone. This book is for every one.
March 27, 2022
i don’t know if it was because i read this book around 2 am but i was sobbing from page one to the end of this book. everything jason reynolds said in his letter directed towards us just spoke to me.
03/26/22 Reread: Finished this book with tears in my eyes again. I just needed that little push of encouragement to continue to follow my dreams and this book was perfect for that.
03/26/22 Reread: Finished this book with tears in my eyes again. I just needed that little push of encouragement to continue to follow my dreams and this book was perfect for that.
May 22, 2018
A letter of encouragement for dreamers, and for anyone thinking of giving up on a dream.
February 23, 2022
Super duper short, but extremely inspiring and wonderful.
November 26, 2020
Using pain to connect to people and inspire them is a beautiful thing. Jason Reynolds is unmatched in his raw, poetic, wise beyond his years words and I have a huge crush on him 😅
December 15, 2022
Jason Reynolds is an overall incredible human. He has a flawless voice for narration and knows how to write the most beautifully inspiring words. I'm glad I took the time to listen to these poems about hopes & dreams.
January 1, 2023
"The truth is, finding that beast may or may not happen. But the treasures I've discovered under the heavy stones and behind the massive trees and deep in the dark caves have created the hunger and the human that I am." This beast is your dream.
There are lots of self-help books out there that may require lots of reading and planning. This is a great first-step book to remind everyone to not be duped into a fantasy life-goal of needing to “make it” by age 25. (Money, Fame). Life is a continuous journey. Any good dream is WORTH chasing and overcoming obstacles.
The author encourages the reader to respect these dreams, and jump. Take chances in pursuit. This is what life is all about.
The book has a great layout. I also bet the audio-book is very well read. I think I'll check it out from my library and listen to this advice again.
Update - I checked out the audiobook from the library. Great to re-read this with the author's help and emphasis. <30 minutes, so easy to listen to this advice.
Reflecting more...
I'm reading "Me" by Elton John. Clearly the funnest time of his life was in his younger days of high struggles. When I read about famous scientists, they talk about staying up late and working weekends with a passion. Fame brings interviews and interruptions. The fun can evaporate. Money brings fake-friends who will say what they think you want to hear.
Jason Reynolds has some of this reflection at the end of the audio book, saying how he wrote this poem ~10 years ago, and can really understand the life path more clearly now.
There are lots of self-help books out there that may require lots of reading and planning. This is a great first-step book to remind everyone to not be duped into a fantasy life-goal of needing to “make it” by age 25. (Money, Fame). Life is a continuous journey. Any good dream is WORTH chasing and overcoming obstacles.
The author encourages the reader to respect these dreams, and jump. Take chances in pursuit. This is what life is all about.
The book has a great layout. I also bet the audio-book is very well read. I think I'll check it out from my library and listen to this advice again.
Update - I checked out the audiobook from the library. Great to re-read this with the author's help and emphasis. <30 minutes, so easy to listen to this advice.
Reflecting more...
I'm reading "Me" by Elton John. Clearly the funnest time of his life was in his younger days of high struggles. When I read about famous scientists, they talk about staying up late and working weekends with a passion. Fame brings interviews and interruptions. The fun can evaporate. Money brings fake-friends who will say what they think you want to hear.
Jason Reynolds has some of this reflection at the end of the audio book, saying how he wrote this poem ~10 years ago, and can really understand the life path more clearly now.
March 4, 2018
This review originally appeared on Novel Ink.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
This poem/letter came along at exactly the time I needed to read it. I had been through a rough few weeks, and this was just… everything I needed to keep me going. (Once again, Jason Reynolds saves the day.) But seriously, this was a fantastic poem I think everyone would benefit from reading. Reynolds’s poetry is so measured and thoughtful. His language has a way of evoking real emotions. By the second “chapter,” I was crying uncontrollably because these words hit me so close to home. For Every One is a love letter to dreamers of all ages, the kind of book you hold tight and return to when things look bleak. The overriding theme is: keep going. keep going. keep going. I can’t wait to buy this for all of my friends as graduation gifts this year. Seriously, this one is a must-read.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
This poem/letter came along at exactly the time I needed to read it. I had been through a rough few weeks, and this was just… everything I needed to keep me going. (Once again, Jason Reynolds saves the day.) But seriously, this was a fantastic poem I think everyone would benefit from reading. Reynolds’s poetry is so measured and thoughtful. His language has a way of evoking real emotions. By the second “chapter,” I was crying uncontrollably because these words hit me so close to home. For Every One is a love letter to dreamers of all ages, the kind of book you hold tight and return to when things look bleak. The overriding theme is: keep going. keep going. keep going. I can’t wait to buy this for all of my friends as graduation gifts this year. Seriously, this one is a must-read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,666 reviews