Bibliographic Data
Reynolds, J. (2017). Long way down. Atheneum.
Summary
This is the story about Will whose older brother Shawn was shot and killed. In Will’s World there are 3 Rules. #1 Crying (Don’t), #2 Snitching (Don’t), #3 Revenge (Do). Will begins an elevator ride beginning at the 8th floor down to the lobby to follow through with rule #3. He encounters “people” that he has lost due to gun violence, and he must decide when he gets to the bottom floor if he is following through.
Critical Analysis
Jason Reynolds has created a story that leaves the reader with many thoughts and questions. The reader feels that grief of Will losing his brother Shawn. The reader understands the struggle that Will is facing when trying to follow the rules that have been taught by his brother and his relatives before. Will is shown the other side of the consequences of following the rules by “people” who visit him in the metal coffin called an elevator as he rides the elevator down and the author leaves the reader with the final question “You coming?”. This question alone is one that is worth discussing with others who have read the book.
Reviews and Awards
Horn Book Guide Starred, 04/01/2018
The poetry in this high-stakes moral thriller is stark, fluently using line breaks and page turns for dramatic effect.
Publishers Weekly Starred, 07/31/2017
As Will makes his way to the ground floor of his building, the elevator stops to accept passengers, each an important figure from his past, all victims of gun violence. Are these ghosts? Or is it Will’s subconscious at work, forcing him to think about what he intends to do and what it will accomplish?
School Library Journal Starred, 07/01/2017
Teens are left with an unresolved ending that goes beyond the simple question of whether Will will seek revenge. Told in verse, this title is fabulistic in its simplicity and begs to be discussed.
Awards
Printz Award Honor 2018
John Newberry Medal Honor 2018
Coretta Scott King Award Author Honor 2018
Connections
Long Way Down Discussion Guide
Consider reading The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
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