All The Noise At Once

What a fantastic debut novel from DeAndra Davis! All The Noise At Once is a gripping story that tackles race, social justice, and disability. While the subject matter in the story is a bit heavy, Davis handles these themes with care and also opens a larger conversation for readers to sit with long after reading the story.

Reading the novel reminded me of Angie Thomas’ The Hate You Give because of its similar themes, but there is more of a focus on autism and brotherhood. Aiden and Brandon’s relationship feels so real and I appreciated that even though they have a close relationship the novel shows how these bonds can be tested. Brandon’s arrest causes a rift between the two as well as the entire family. There are many quiet moments of introspection and high emotions as each person carries the guilt of events that have transpired.

Davis has such a way with words, and her writing style makes the story captivating and engaging. It encourages the reader to challenge their way of thinking as do the characters in the novel. I felt that Aiden’s autism and discussions that come from in the novel are handled with compassion and break down some of the stereotypes that surround being on the spectrum. Readers will be engrossed with Aiden’s self-discovery journey and watching him coming into his own.

Though the novel is focused on racism and police brutality, it is balanced out with the positive representation of black families, identity, and fostering new relationships. This book has many nuanced conversations that are not only important for its intended YA audience, but also older readers as well. I highly recommend this novel and hope to see more works from Davis in the future.

What I Liked: This is a book that will stick with me for a while after I finish the last page. It is one that I am recommending to everyone around me especially the neurotypical people in my life. This portrayal of Autism was realistic and shows the range of the spectrum and how Autistic people differ from one another and have various needs. This book showcases the importance of friends and family when navigating various systems.

There are many important conversations that appear throughout this book, such as the conversations regarding race, police brutality, being Autistic, and how that impacts the individual as well as those around them, and doing the right thing even when it is hard. This book touches on how, regardless of economic status, Black people are still treated differently and have a harder time navigating the world. Aiden’s parents wanted to protect him, so they moved to a more affluent and predominantly White neighborhood, yet Aiden points out that this didn’t make a difference because his brother still got arrested and is being tried as an adult for things he didn’t do.

There are various moments in which Aiden uses the skills that he learned from his family and friends to support others, such as the knowledge that deep pressure helps calm him down. Without providing y'all with spoilers, there is a moment on the field in which emotions are heightened, yet Aiden remains calm and provides his team with the tools they need to regulate their emotions. It is in this moment that Aiden realizes his importance to the team, but also that the team recognizes and sees him.

Final Verdict: All The Noise at Once is an intriguing read that covers many heavy topics with grace, the topics that are covered are racism, police brutality, being on the spectrum, the intersectionality of being Black and Autistic, and more. This is a must read for anyone aged 14 and up to read a genuine portrayal of an Autistic teen who is navigating high school, as social stigma and racial injustice surround him.