Review Detail

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.