In For Every One, the pursuit of dreams takes center stage. Jason Reynolds portrays the pursuit as an intricate and multifaceted process marked by determination, persistent striving, and the profound quest for personal fulfillment. He emphasizes that the pursuit transcends mere achievement. Rather, it catalyzes personal growth and resilience amid uncertainties.

Reynolds sees dreams as an integral part of human existence and development. He emphasizes that the essence of dreaming goes beyond specific aspirations; rather, it lies in the pursuit itself. Reynolds refers to the dream as “the nugget of thin air” that he “cling[s] tight to” to survive (4). Just as humans cannot exist without air, the human spirit cannot thrive without dreams. They are necessary for our existence, vitality, and for human survival. Reynolds’s comparison of dreams to physical features, such as a “mole” behind the ear, portrays them as innate and distinctive characteristics. By likening dreams to distinct physical attributes, Reynolds emphasizes that dreams are an integral and inseparable aspect of every person’s being. They are inherent, unique to each individual.

Reynolds suggests that having a dream contributes to an individual’s uniqueness and makes them “special.” However, true greatness arises from the pursuit rather than the mere possession or accomplishment of the dream.