conceptuallysound's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
I Am Alfonso Jones was not what I expected. Thus fictitious story of a teenaged black male killed by a police officer with true evidence of a weapon. The relationship with his classmates and his teachers create is nice to see as they look to learn unconventionally. The illustrations are different and in black & white. It provides a different perspective as it could be Alfonso retelling his story through a dream.
This graphic novel stands apart with the acknowledgement of his ancestors. Knowing he is not alone from the otherside was nice addition, in my opinion, to an unfortunately familiar story.
This graphic novel stands apart with the acknowledgement of his ancestors. Knowing he is not alone from the otherside was nice addition, in my opinion, to an unfortunately familiar story.
kamsha's review against another edition
5.0
I Am Alfonso Jones takes a creative approach to exploring our nation's epidemic of police violence against unarmed citizens, especially young black boys and young men. The authors ventured into a myriad of topics and themes, using poetry and prose to pose the ultimate question "do our lives matter"? We are taken on a journey through time and space; the past and the present to try and find some answers. I appreciate the various character's perspectives and the illustrations are a feast for the eyes. This is an emotional ride, well worth the price of admission.
lispylibrarian's review against another edition
2.0
A good story of an African American boy who was shot and killed by a police officer who mistook a coat hanger for a gun and the events that occur in his neighborhood because of it. It definitely demonstrates how others are affected and how a crowd mindset results from these events. The illustrations were only in black and white and I thought distracted from the story because I couldn’t keep the characters straight despite the cast list in the beginning. Also, a lot of the dialogue seems to be in rap or mimicking Shakespeare because the students in the story are putting on Hamlet, so it gets confusing. Two stars overall.
monica_c's review against another edition
3.0
Wow. For such a tiny little thing, it certainly tells a powerful story
collkay10's review against another edition
3.0
In general I have mixed feelings about graphic novels. I typically find them interesting but hard to follow. This one is no exception. In fact, it was EXTREMELY difficult to follow. There are a lot of characters and the graphics are very busy. Overall, it is a great message about the ever-present issue of police brutality.
apiphanyreads's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I loved the message behind this graphic novel. it is about a young boy who lost his life due to a security guard mistaking him for shoplifting. It follows the events afterwards ands Alphonso finding peace after his death. I’m giving it a 5, but it was a little hard to follow the narrative at times due to the payee layout and verse.
afro8921's review against another edition
4.0
This was an interesting title I picked up after it was presented at a conference. I love the graphic novel format of the story and also the story line is so poignant. Great read for teens and tweens who like realistic fiction or graphic novels.
biblioemily's review against another edition
4.0
So good. Adds important cultural & historical context to the Black Lives Matter movement. Would be great in a history class. It's also a beautiful and haunting graphic novel.