DeAndra Davis’s debut novel “All the Noise at Once” isn’t just another YA book about sports and family—it’s a masterfully crafted exploration of what it means to navigate the world as a Black autistic teenager in America. This isn’t the sanitized, feel-good story you might expect; it’s raw, honest, and sometimes deeply uncomfortable to read. And that’s exactly what makes it so powerful.
A Voice That Rings True
The most striking aspect of Davis’s writing in “All the Noise at Once” is how authentically she captures Aiden’s voice. This isn’t autism portrayed through a neurotypical lens—it’s the real thing. When Aiden counts his steps (2,392 to get home), when he notes the exact number of seconds that pass in uncomfortable moments, or when he methodically analyzes social situations through his “emotion cards,” we’re not just reading about autism—we’re experiencing it.
Davis employs a unique narrative structure with Aiden’s internal notes and definitions scattered throughout the text. These moments of clinical observation serve a dual purpose: they provide insight into how Aiden processes the world while also offering readers a crash course in understanding neurodiversity. The author’s decision to let Aiden define “guilty” in the midst of emotional turmoil reveals layers of complexity that elevate this book beyond typical young adult fiction.
More Than a Story About Brothers
While the central relationship between Aiden and Brandon drives the narrative, Davis weaves in broader themes that resonate far beyond the football field. The brothers’ dynamic is beautifully complex—Brandon, the star quarterback who’s been protecting and speaking for Aiden their whole lives, must confront his own need for space and recognition. Aiden, meanwhile, discovers his own voice and independence through the chaos of his brother’s arrest.
The way Davis handles their evolution together is particularly compelling. Brandon’s character arc, from the seemingly perfect big brother to someone grappling with the weight of constant expectation, adds depth to what could have been a one-dimensional protective figure. His frustration about “taking up space” and being perfect feels achingly real, especially as we watch him lose everything he’s worked for.
Tackling Race and Privilege Without Pulling Punches
Where “All the Noise at Once” truly shines—and where it might make some readers uncomfortable—is in its unflinching examination of race and privilege in America. The scene where Brandon explains to Aiden why he mentioned their connection to Coach Davis when stopped by a cop is masterful: “Making who we are clear lets them know that if something happens, there might be coaches looking for us.”
Davis doesn’t shy away from showing how Blackness and autism compound the dangers Aiden and Brandon face. The contrast between how Carter (white) and Brandon (Black) are treated by police is stark, and the author trusts her readers to understand the implications without over-explaining. The conversation about moving to West Gate to be “the exception, not the rule” among Black people is particularly thought-provoking, revealing the impossible calculations families make to survive.
Characters That Live and Breathe
The supporting cast, from Coach Davis to Marcia to Isabella, feels fully realized rather than merely functional. Isabella’s character development—from cheerful sidekick to complex individual grappling with her own past—adds romantic tension that feels organic to the story. The way Davis handles Aiden’s first romantic feelings is tender and realistic, avoiding the trope of the autism-as-obstacle narrative.
Marcia’s journey from complicit bystander to reluctant witness provides one of the book’s most compelling character arcs. Her internal struggle between protecting her father and doing what’s right creates genuine dramatic tension, and Davis resists the urge to make her transformation too easy or too neat.
The Weight of Responsibility
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is how it explores the burden of being the “good” Black family—the pressure to be perfect to survive. Aiden’s parents’ explanations about why they chose to live where they do, how they’ve trained their sons to interact with police, and their calculated approach to protection paint a devastating picture of the reality many Black families face.
The scene where Aiden’s mother eats cake off the floor after learning about the all-white jury hits harder than any amount of explanation could. These moments of vulnerability from adult characters add weight to an already heavy narrative.
Areas Where the Balance Tips
While the book’s authenticity is its greatest strength, there are moments where the pacing suffers under the weight of its ambitions. Some of the middle chapters, particularly those dealing with the job project subplot, feel less urgently connected to the main narrative. The romance between Aiden and Isabella, while sweet, occasionally becomes a convenient distraction from the heavier themes rather than an integral part of Aiden’s growth.
Additionally, while Davis does an admirable job avoiding stereotypes about autism, some secondary characters—particularly Carter in the early chapters—veer toward caricature rather than nuance. The resolution of his character arc, while satisfying, feels somewhat rushed compared to the careful development given to others.
The Football Metaphor That Works
Davis uses football as more than just backdrop—it becomes a metaphor for belonging, strategy, and knowing your position on a team larger than yourself. The detailed game sequences might overwhelm non-sports readers, but they serve to illustrate Aiden’s unique way of seeing patterns and possibilities that others miss. The final game, where Aiden comes inches short of a touchdown, perfectly captures the theme of near-misses and the arbitrary nature of success and failure.
A Debut That Announces an Important Voice
“All the Noise at Once” marks DeAndra Davis as a debut author to watch. Her ability to balance multiple heavy themes while maintaining a compelling narrative shows remarkable skill. The book’s greatest achievement is making readers uncomfortable in the best possible way—forcing us to confront our assumptions about autism, race, and the intersection of the two.
The ending, while hopeful, doesn’t tie everything up in a neat bow. Brandon’s future remains uncertain, Aiden’s journey toward independence continues, and the systemic issues they’ve faced persist. This refusal to provide easy answers elevates the book from problem novel to literary exploration.
Final Verdict: A Must-Read with Minor Hitches
“All the Noise at Once” deserves its place among important young adult literature addressing social justice issues. While it occasionally stumbles under the weight of its ambitions and some plot threads feel less developed than others, the book’s emotional honesty and complex characterization more than compensate for these minor flaws.
Davis has crafted a story that will resonate with young readers navigating their own identities while opening eyes and hearts among those who haven’t walked in these shoes. It’s a book that demands to be read, discussed, and recommended—not despite its difficult moments, but because of them.
For readers seeking authentically told stories about the intersection of race and disability, family dynamics, and the courage it takes to stand up for what’s right, “All the Noise at Once” delivers with heart, intelligence, and a remarkable debut author’s voice that promises even more powerful stories to come.
Note: As this is DeAndra Davis’s debut novel, there are no previous works to compare. Readers who appreciate this book might also enjoy “The 57 Bus” by Dashka Slater, “Dear Martin” by Nic Stone, or “The Black Flamingo” by Dean Atta for similar explorations of identity, social justice, and young adult coming-of-age narratives.