All the Feels, All the Noise: A Must-Read Debut That Hits Hard and Heals: "All the Noise At Once"
- Kim Bartosch
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Sometimes a book takes longer to review—not because it’s forgettable, but because it deserves to be finished, digested, and appreciated fully. That’s exactly what happened with All the Noise at Once by Deandra Davis. Though I’m a bit late getting this review up, it was important to me to take the time to sit with the story and reflect. As a Behavioral Technician who works daily with children on the autism spectrum, I found this book both emotionally resonant and profoundly authentic. Davis delivers a stunning debut that’s not just timely—it’s timeless.
Thank you to the author and Atheneum Books for Young Readers for the book and my honest review. Read below for my full review and where to find the book!
Title: All the Noise at Once
Author: Deandra Davis
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Rel. Date: April 16, 2024
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary / Social Issues
Synopsis:
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. With Brandon’s trial inching closer, Aiden is desperate to find a way to clear his brother’s name while also trying to answer the one looming question plaguing his brain: what does it mean to be Black and autistic?
My Review of "All the Noise at Once" by Deandra Davis
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 stars)
One of the standout achievements of All the Noise at Once is its authentic portrayal of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). As someone who works with kids on the spectrum, I could immediately tell that Davis wrote from experience and deep understanding. Aiden, the protagonist, is a fully realized character whose neurodivergence is neither tokenized nor overly dramatized. His sensory sensitivities, social challenges, and quiet resilience mirror what I see in real life. Davis avoids stereotypes, offering readers a nuanced and deeply human representation of what it's like to navigate the world as an autistic teen.
This isn't just a book about autism—it's a book that includes autism in a broader, more intersectional conversation. Davis's portrayal reminds us that there’s still so much societal misunderstanding about ASD, especially when intersecting with race, masculinity, and public perception.
🏈 Football, Family, and Fighting for Justice
At its core, the story is about two brothers—Aiden and Brandon—whose bond is tested when Brandon is wrongfully arrested after a high school football game spirals into chaos. Aiden's long-time dream of playing football is finally within reach, but his big moment collides with public misunderstanding and systemic prejudice. Brandon, once cheered by the crowd, is vilified the next moment simply for standing up for his brother.
The story is tightly woven, emotionally charged, and fast-paced—exactly what you'd want in a YA contemporary. But it also has emotional layers that dig much deeper than your typical sports drama. It's about trust, community, and resilience. It’s about what happens when you’re seen as "other"—and how love and loyalty can rise above the noise.
🧠 A Voice That Feels Fresh and Real
Deandra Davis’s writing is vibrant and heartfelt. Her voice feels seasoned, even though this is her debut. Drawing from her own experience as a Black, neurodivergent woman and mother, Davis crafts characters who feel like real people. The dialogue is sharp and believable, and the emotional beats hit with force. I especially appreciated how Davis handles both small, intimate moments between family members and larger social commentaries with equal skill.
Aiden’s internal monologue is particularly well done. Readers are invited into his mind in a way that feels natural and respectful, not forced. The humor sprinkled throughout lightens the heavy moments and makes the characters even more lovable.
🏫 A Must for Classrooms and School Libraries
This book should be required reading in schools—not only for its excellent storytelling but for the conversations it can spark. It’s ideal for middle and high school classrooms, particularly those exploring social justice, identity, or neurodiversity. It’s also a fantastic choice for educators looking to diversify their bookshelves with stories that reflect real-life struggles and triumphs.
As an educator and advocate myself, I can't recommend it enough. It’s the kind of book I would hand to both students and fellow professionals without hesitation.
Final Thoughts: Beautiful, Brave, and Brilliant
All the Noise at Once is the kind of book that stays with you. It’s beautifully written, bravely told, and brilliantly important. Deandra Davis doesn’t shy away from difficult topics—instead, she leans into them with care and purpose. This book is a beacon for those who’ve felt unseen, misunderstood, or mislabeled. And for those of us who work with individuals on the spectrum every day, it’s an invaluable mirror and reminder of why representation matters.
Whether you're picking it up for the story, the message, or the representation, you won’t be disappointed. And if you're like me, you’ll be glad you took your time with it.
Meet The Author:
DeAndra Davis, an autistic and neurodivergent Jamaican-American author, has been reading since she could remember and writing since anyone put a pen in her hand. When she isn't delving into fantasy worlds or scaring herself with thrilling tales, she is playing some role-playing game (probably The Witcher series). A young adult novelist, she enjoys exploring the intersections of different identities as much as she enjoys exploring her own.
DeAndra graduated with her BA in English Literature from Minot State University and her MFA in Creative Writing from Florida International University. She is an Instructor of English at Florida Atlantic University where she regularly teaches creative writing, literature, and composition courses.
She is a married mother of five, not including her beloved Goldendoodle, Luna, and English Mastiff, Zeke.
DeAndra can be found on most socials @DeAndraWrites.
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