Play Book Tag discussion

Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds - 4* - My Review

This is a graphic novel written in verse that explores themes of grief, revenge, and gun/gang violence in the US. The story follows Will Holloman, a 15-year-old boy living in a rough urban neighborhood. Will's older brother, Shawn, has been shot and killed, leaving Will devastated. According to the rules of the street, there are three rules Will must follow: no crying, no snitching, and always seek revenge. The novel is set over the course of 60 seconds as Will takes an elevator ride down from his apartment on the seventh floor. Will has found a gun that he does not know how to use but the rules say he must use it. During the elevator ride, he encounters ghosts of people from his past, each of whom tells him their stories and provides information he did not know about their violent ends. Will must decide whether to continue to seek revenge or to break the cycle of violence. It is very effective in setting the scene and putting the reader in Will’s shoes. In the afterword, Reynolds explains that he has visited youths in juvenile detention centers and based this poetic response on the stories they have related. It is a powerful way to make a statement about an issue that impacts many lives. I found it gripping.

PBT Steeplechase - tagged "graphic novels" x38:
https://www.goodreads.com/work/shelve...

PBT June BWF Extra R - fits letter not tag

Well said ! I was really wowed by this book when I read it this year. I heard it discussed on pbs years ago, but I had no idea how powerful and entertaining it could be. Every stop on the way brought a new revelation. I’m glad you liked it too.

This is a fabulous book that I would never have discovered without the Steeplechase challenge!