Long Way Down

There are so many great engaging multicultural books that give students perspective on what life is like for African Americans in the United States and the problems they face in their communities. Dear Martin by Nic Stone, I Am Alfonso Jones by Tony Medina, Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes, The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas, and Tight by Torrey Maldonado confront all sorts of difficult topics like police brutality, racism, prejudice, gangs, and living in black bodies.

Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds is a masterful novel written in verse. It was a very quick but engaging read all about Will's decision to try to avenge his brother who shot on the streets of their neighborhood. Should he follow the rules he's been taught his whole life or should he stop the cycle of violence? The majority of the novel takes place in a short elevator ride from his apartment to the ground floor with a gun tucked in his waistband. He's visited by the ghosts of people he's lost in his life as he descends between floors. 

This novel powerfully highlights the violence that is prevalent in many neighborhoods. Reynolds based this novel on much of what he experienced growing up and losing his own friends. 

I've been looking to pair this book with The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton, a novel that we normally teach to our seventh graders. I think that this would put the gang violence in a more modern perspective for students. In fights between the socs and the greasers there are rules, just like the rules Will learned from his peers--no crying, no snitching, and always seek revenge. 

It does have violence, of course, but also some language so young readers and sensitive types, beware! But I think the quality of this novel in verse and the way that it humanizes gang violence is such excellent writing. Jason Reynolds has so many other amazing books that are as equally compelling reads for teens. One of my favorite's is his book Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You which is a young reader version of Ibram X. Kendi's book. 

I think this book would be a great choice for those looking to read an engaging YA novel, super quick read, written in verse, and something to expand empathy and really make you think. You can purchase a copy of Long Way Down here.