All American Boys tells the story of an incident of police brutality through the eyes of two high schoolers, Rashad and Quinn. When Rashad goes to buy a bag of chips at a convenience store, he is wrongly accused of stealing and assaulting a white woman. Ignoring Rashad’s protests of innocence, a police officer drags Rashad outside and ruthlessly beats him. Quinn witnesses the entire scene; he realizes the police officer is Paul Galluzzo, the brother of his best friend Guzzo. The book is set over the course of a week. Rashad spends almost the entirety of that week in the hospital, recovering from his injuries. Quinn is left to wrestle with what he witnessed, as their entire community is wrapped up in a debate over issues of police brutality and racism.
Rashad finds himself thrust into the spotlight of a national debate. His instinct is to lay low, but when video footage surfaces of Rashad getting beaten, his older brother Spoony sends it to a news outlet. Spoony is furious; he wants to ensure that what happened is not swept under the rug. Quinn initially tries to ignore what happened, keeping secret the fact that he witnessed the beating. He’s close to Paul, the police officer, but Quinn cannot ignore the feeling that Paul’s actions are unjustifiable. Quinn confides in Jill, Guzzo and Paul’s cousin. Like Quinn, Jill cannot condone Paul’s actions. The two grow closer as they’re forced to wrestle with the reality of systemic racism and police brutality in their community, even as their decision costs them family and friendships.
When Rashad’s friend writes “Rashad was absent again today” on the steps of their high school it becomes a rallying cry for students. The message gives students a space to share their opinions about the event and becomes a hashtag on social media. As the week progresses, political divisions grow. Guzzo accuses Quinn of betraying him and Paul. Quinn takes action in solidarity with Rashad; tension builds between the two friends, culminating when Guzzo punches Quinn and the two declare their friendship over.
Students plan a protest in support of Rashad. Rashad is scared to go, but recognizes that it’s not just for him but for all Black youth who’ve suffered violence at the hands of law enforcement. His family and friends agree to go with him, with the exception of his father. Rashad’s father is a former police officer, and confides in Rashad he too was guilty of using excessive force: while breaking up a fight, he shot a Black teen, who became paralyzed. Rashad is shocked by the revelation.
Thousands show up on the day of the protest. With Rashad in front, they march past the convenience store where Rashad was arrested. Police are heavily militarized along the protest route, even though the protesters are peaceful. The crowd stages a die-in in front of the police station. As everyone lies on the ground, the names of Black victims of police violence are read off. In the final scene, Rashad and Quinn make eye contact, acknowledging each other and the significance of the moment.
