54 pages • 1 hour read
Kekla MagoonHow It Went Down
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2014A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
After Tariq Johnson, a 16-year-old Black teenager, is fatally shot by a white man named Jack Franklin, the community of Underhill confronts varying narratives and perspectives on Tariq's character and the events leading to his death, exploring themes like racial bias, justice, and gang culture through multiple viewpoints. The narrative includes descriptions of violent acts and racial bias.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Kekla Magoon's How It Went Down has been praised for its nuanced exploration of race and violence through multiple perspectives, offering a gripping narrative and well-developed characters. However, some critics feel the multitude of voices can be overwhelming, potentially diluting the storyline's impact. Overall, the novel is recognized for its thought-provoking and timely themes.
Who Should Read How It Went Down?
Readers who would enjoy Kekla Magoon's How It Went Down are often fans of socially relevant, emotionally impactful stories. They appreciate books like Angie Thomas' The Hate U Give and Jason Reynolds' All American Boys, which explore racial tensions, social justice, and community perspectives, appealing to both teens and adults interested in contemporary issues.
RecommendedReading Age
14-18yearsLexile Level
HL560LBook Details
Realistic Fiction
Mystery / Crime Fiction
Modern Classic Fiction
Identity: Race
Relationships: Teams
Race / Racism
Social Justice