All the Noise at Once is a journey that put me in Aiden’s world, a vivid blend of highs and lows, challenges and triumphs. Reading this one gave me all the feels that felt incredibly real. The audiobook narration doesn’t just tell his story, it breathes life into his experiences, letting me feel his thoughts, emotions, and struggles, deeply. It was as if Aiden himself was sharing his reality with me, one heartbeat at a time while telling me his story. There was one point while listening I has to stop to gather myself.

The themes are layered and thought-provoking, tackling identity, resilience, and family dynamics with sensitivity and grace. This book explores heavy topics like racial injustice and autism acceptance in a way that’s raw yet uplifting, never shying away from the complexities. Aiden’s relationship with his brother Brandon is a highlight, sometimes tense, sometimes tender, but always authentic.

While both the ebook and audiobook shine, the audiobook offers a certain intimacy. It amplifies the heart of the story and connected me even more to the Aiden and Brandon. If you want a story that lingers in your mind long after it ends, this is it, an unforgettable tale of finding your voice amid the noise.

As an advanced reader of All the Noise at Once, I had the privilege of immersing myself in a deeply insightful and thought-provoking narrative. This book masterfully explores complex themes of racism, nepotism, disability, and identity through the lens of a Black teenager, offering a rich and multifaceted perspective on the struggles and triumphs of growing up in a world that often challenges you at every turn.

From the very first page, the author’s writing grabs your attention, pulling you into Aiden's world, whose experiences resonate with authenticity and raw emotion. The story is both poignant and empowering, touching on the emotional weight of navigating systemic racism and the personal toll of being marginalized in various ways. The author’s ability to portray the teen’s inner conflict—balancing the nuances of sibling relationships, but also not wanting to be. defined by his disability and search for self-identity—is nothing short of brilliant.

What stands out most in All the Noise at once is its unflinching portrayal of the intersectionality of identity. It sheds light on how racism and nepotism often overlap, adding layers of difficulty that many people from marginalized communities face. The author also explores the nuances of living with a disability, showing how it further complicates the protagonist's path toward finding their place in a world (competitive sports) that doesn't always accommodate them. These themes are handled with such sensitivity and depth that it’s impossible not to feel connected to the characters and invested in their journeys.

The writing itself is fluid and engaging, with a voice that speaks directly to its audience while still inviting readers from all backgrounds to reflect on the broader social issues presented. The characters are vivid, and their emotional arcs are handled with great care, making them feel like people you could meet in real life. Every scene is thoughtfully constructed, and the pacing keeps you eagerly turning the pages.

In short, All the Noise at Once is an absolute triumph. It is a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate real-world struggles and bring forth empathy, understanding, and change. This book not only gives voice to important issues but also invites readers to reflect on their own identities and the systems they live within. The pacing was moderate and definitely a page turner. I was truly invested in Aiden's journey. I would also add that while All the Noise at Once covered traumatic topics, the author did so tastefully.

I wholeheartedly recommend All the Noise at Once to readers of all ages—it's an essential read that will leave a lasting impact.

Thank you to Simon Teen for providing me with a digital ARC of this title as part of their influencer program. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I rated this book 4 stars. Honestly, this book grabbed me from the first page and never let go. All the Noise at Once by DeAndra Davis introduces us to Aiden, who is portrayed with so much realness, offering a genuine look at what it means to be Black and autistic. I loved every bit of his journey. Brandon, his amazing brother, is equally well drawn, and the exploration of their bond is simply stunning. The side characters fit in perfectly, adding just the right depth without stealing the spotlight.

The narrative has a serious vibe, yet it sprinkles in moments of levity that make everything feel more human. It tackles heavy topics like identity, race, and police brutality in a way that really resonates. I found myself laughing, feeling sad, and even smiling at the tender interactions between Aiden and Isabella. The inclusion of queer characters also adds an extra layer of authenticity to the story.

All in all, All the Noise at Once is a moving and thought-provoking read that stays with you long after you finish. I can’t wait to see more stories that challenge and inspire.

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 predominately 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 yall 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.

It has been a long, long time since a book has captivated me so deeply. Aiden and Brandon’s brotherly love is beautiful while still being complicated and real. The suspense is masterfully woven. The depiction of Autism is skillful and nuanced. I will be forever touched by this book that made me smile, cry, grimace and cheer as I devoured it in less than 24 hours. A gorgeous, stunning, touching debut that is the first book in what I imagine will be an extraordinary career.

what a masterpiece from DeAndra Davis. this is such a thoughtful and meaningful novel that tells the important story of Blackness, ASD, and police injustice. Aiden is such a powerful character and you get to see how he perseveres. this is a story of family, community, defying the odds, and resistance.

It is Brandon's senior year of high school and he is the star quarterback of his high school football team. Aiden, Brandon's younger brother, makes the decision to join the football team for Brandon's last year. When a fight breaks out between Aiden and another member of the football team, the cops are called and Brandon is arrested, threatening the bright future he has been working towards his entire life. This book tackles difficult topics in a nuanced and approachable way from Aiden's autism to implicit bias, racism, police discrimination, and family dynamics. Readers will fall in love with the characters and the relationship between the brothers. This is an insightful, lived lens perspective that is highly recommended addition to any young adult collection.

I loved this book so much. I did not want it to end. Aiden will stay with me forever. The author did a great job of describing the reality of a black autistic teen. I loved the relationship between Aiden and Brandon. I loved their family dynamics. This is one of those books that everyone should read.

Long review. Thank you NetGalley, Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, and Atheneum Books for Young Readers for the digital arc.

“This is real for you today, but Blackness is not your reality.”

Wow! DeAndra was writing in this. You can tell her pen is blessed. She wrote the autism representation with so much care and strength. This book is so amazing. She did a really good job of capturing what it's like to be black in America. Especially for a black man at any age and it doesn't matter what disability you have because all they see first is, black. These friends, coaches and so on seen Brandon as the one to make them look good with football and how they look good being linked to him. The moment something horrible happens they all turn their backs.

I really love this family. Brandon and Aiden are such a beautiful bond of brotherly love and kindness. I enjoyed, while also being hurt, how we get to experience first hand how this is effecting each member of the family. We see the change as the trial starts. Also see how people would rather hide the truth knowing that this moment can destroy someone’s future before it even begins. All because they rather not be exposed for the privilege they use day in and day out. Care more about protecting a nasty parasite in your family, in your community than focusing on right vs wrong no matter who it is.

Aiden was a stellar character. I absolutely loved his growth and honesty. I mean the he was serving those other characters up with things to make them think and expose them for who they are. You want to talk about proud. I don’t know if I’ve ever been more proud of a character. This book deserves every blessing.

Quotes/moments:
-“Is his freedom worth less than your comfort?”
-When Aiden spoke facts at football practice and in the locker room with the coach.
-Aiden and Isabella ♥️.
-When Marica told Aiden she was sorry and he said “Yes. You are.”
-When Aiden had to break down autism to Carter.
-“When have you had to be perfect, Aiden? You get to mess up! You get to mess up and keep messing up and Mom and Dad will accept it, they’ll even expect it. I’m the one who has to be perfect. I have to be the perfect son, the easy one. I have to be the perfect brother to be—” Brandon presses his lips together.
-I am used to people making assumptions about me the second they find out that I am autistic. People who believe I am either a problem to be had or fixed. People who believe I am either incapable or somehow super capable due to autism being some “secret superpower.” I am used to watching that shift from a normal interaction to a stereotypical one the second the word “autism” is uttered.

All the Noise at Once is a deeply moving, beautifully written novel that felt incredibly personal to me. As a mother to a son who is autistic, this book resonated with me so much. The author captured the nuances of navigating this world with tenderness, honesty, and authenticity that hit me straight in the heart.

This book places us directly in the mind of Aiden, a young African-American teenager living with autism. Through his perspective, we’re offered an intimate look at how he processes the world—his fears, frustrations, and quiet moments of clarity. As a mother to a child on the spectrum, this story gave me a deeper understanding and helped me imagine how my son might be feeling in situations he can’t always put into words. It was incredibly insightful, and I truly value the way the author captured Aiden’s inner world with such care.

From the very first page, I was completely immersed. I found myself rooting for Aiden and Brandon throughout every challenge, triumph and moment of growth. The emotional depth of the story is unmatched—it doesn’t shy away from the hard parts of life, yet it never loses its sense of hope.

What really stood out to me was how the author balanced such a serious, emotional subject with small but impactful moments of humor. It never felt out of place—if anything, those glimpses of levity made the story feel even more human and relatable.

This is a novel that lingers long after you turn the final page. It’s one I’ll be recommending to friends, and family. I’m so grateful this story exists—it made me feel seen.

The blurb:
"All Aiden ever wanted to do was play football just like his star quarterback brother, Brandon. Unfortunately, due to Aiden’s autism, summer football tryouts did not go well when Aiden finds himself at the bottom of a pile-up resulting in an over-stimulation meltdown. But when the school year starts, a spot on the team opens urgently needing to be filled. Aiden finally gets his chance to play the game he loves most.
However, not every team member is happy about Aiden’s position on the team, wary of how his autism will present itself on game day. Tensions rise. A fight breaks out. Cops are called.
When Brandon tries to interfere on behalf of his brother, he is arrested by the very same cops who, just hours earlier, were chanting his name from the bleachers. When trumped up charges appear for felony assault on an officer, everything Brandon has worked for starts to slip away and the brothers’ relationship is tested."

I learned a lot about the various forms of annoyance that the autistic brother could not tolerate and those things that those without autism could do when interacting with a person on the autism spectrum. Beyond that, this novel was written so well with fully dimensional characters. There's a lot of interior monologue that gives the reader insight into how the brothers relate to each other, their strengths as a family and they friendships they make.

I believe YA readers and adults will gain from reading this engrossing novel. If readers are football fans they'll love the play by play action. If readers are parents, they'll learn much of how one family navigates the stresses of the situation their oldest son goes through. What is of significance is that the author is herself autistic, so the story is authentic and delves deep into the emotions of the main character.

Great story. Aiden is an autistic black junior in high school and all he wants to do is play football with his brother Brandon as this is Brandon’s last year in high school, and he will be going off to college. One celebration after a football game gets the boys in trouble and that dream gets placed on hold. The author did a great job with representation of autism. The Author also did a good job talking about racism, police brutality and family bonds. I loved Aiden and Brandon brother relationship. The bond that they had was everything. I love how Brandon was always including Aiden in everything that he did and he loved his brother. Aiden was so smart and honest. Aiden was my favorite character.

I loved so much about this book! The bond between brothers Aiden and Brandon was so heartfelt. I love football, so I thought the football references were a great touch. I appreciated how the story explored race, social justice, and privilege, but what stood out most to me was the autism representation. It really made me think about how being both Black and autistic can shape the way someone experiences the world and how the world experiences them. There were some moments that were really sweet and funny and brought a bit of levity to the story. This was a quick read for me, but also a deeply profound one. I really enjoyed it and look forward to more from this author. Thank you to Simon Teen for the eARC!

Okay, this story had me crying so hard and so much a lot of times. I felt horrible for the poor autistic child navigating through this situation and feeling helpless. I loved the pacing in this and I loved hoe this whole story played out. I had such a great time reading it.

Thank you so much to Simon Teen for a copy of this e-ARC! This is an AMAZING YA story. Although this book stressed and even angered me, I loved the representation of autism. I really appreciated how this story shed light on the challenges of living on the spectrum while also dealing with daily biases and racism as a Black person.

One of my favorite aspects of this book was the brotherhood, as well as the questions around fairness and privilege. I truly felt for both Brandon and Aiden. The conflicting emotions they each experienced really tugged at my heartstrings. This will be a book I will forever recommend, especially to anyone who is a fan of YA. Read if you enjoy:

-Books with neurodivergent representation
-Brotherhood bonds
-Books that address social injustices

I would’ve been into the race and social justice plots by themselves, BUT I absolutely love and believe the autistic representation made the story so much better! I really enjoyed getting to know Aiden. Being picked on for being autistic set off this domino effect of bad things, but through it all, I loved seeing the people around Aiden learn to accept him. Also, seeing Aiden learn to be accepted. I was just so happy for him. Of course, the other parts of the plot are heavy as well. Brandon’s experience was difficult to read, but his story reflects real life and needs to be told. Also, the very serious representation of how Black people are treated by cops in general, but being Black and autistic is a whole other level of challenging and an important reality to portray. My heart really hurt for Aiden during the cop scene. I flew through this book and I hope everyone gets to read it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC!

This book is a game-winning touchdown of a book! DeAndra Davis has written an absolute gem in All the Noise at Once. Aiden’s POV narration is an inviting window into the mind of an autistic boy and sings with Davis’s lived experience as an autistic person. I’m neurodivergent, too, and I felt held by so many parts of this story. I know it is going to mean so much to neurodivergent teens—especially boys. The sibling story at the heart of the book is also moving and real, showing all the parts of siblinghood. I just really loved this one. It’s going big places—I can feel it!

And just on a silly personal note—I am not a football person at all, but I found myself cheering during each on-page game for this book. Sports knowledge is not needed to enjoy this at all. It’s accessible even to chronic indoor kids (like me).

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was so close to DNFing this book or just putting it aside for a little bit but I knew that it had potential so I wanted to give it more of a chance and once I got to the 50% mark, I ended up just flying through the book. I really loved the main character Aiden, and I loved his connection with his older brother. I loved the representation and how reflective it was in a very simple and realistic way. I also appreciated the important conversations that were brought up, and the way that all the characters were able to come together and do the right thing considering all the context and circumstances. Obviously this wasn’t like my favorite book in the entire world, but I highly recommend it and overall just think it’s important for people to read. There are a lot of topics and conversations that are talked about in this book that are very relevant in our world today and those are the kinds of books we should be reading right now.

𐙚 - 🅣🅗🅞🅤🅖🅗🅣🅢: Such a great read✨
Wow! This story of brotherhood and identity was just so gripping. It highlights the unfortunate reality of social injustice. With Black autistic rep at the center of the story, Davis takes you on a journey that has you feeling like these are your own sons learning to navigate the challenges and struggles that someone like them may face in this world despite the choices made to protect them from these realities. Packed with emotions, there moments of pride, anxiety, frustration, fear, love, and so much more.

✨🗣️Shout out to Brandon. He was everything the Aiden’s of this world need and more. Even through his own journey, he provided such a beautiful comfort in his brotherhood to Aiden. ✨

Did I ever think I would enjoy a book that had football in it? Nope. But guess what?! This book was great! I would read it again, for sure.

Aiden is a black autistic teenager who just wants to be on the football team with his big brother. There is an incident, and Aiden tries to help find out the truth and get justice for his brother all while navigating his own emotions about everything going on around him.

I loved the autism representation in this book!