52 pages • 1 hour read
Jason ReynoldsLong Way Down
Fiction | Novel/Book in Verse | YA | Published in 2017A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In Jason Reynolds’s Long Way Down, 15-year-old Will Holloman grapples with the murder of his brother Shawn and plans to seek revenge. As he rides his building's elevator to confront the supposed killer, he is visited by ghosts from his past who challenge his understanding of violence and revenge, leading him to reconsider his choices in a powerful narrative that ends on a cliffhanger.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds is widely praised for its powerful, poetic verse and raw, emotional narrative. The novel effectively captures the protagonist's internal struggle and the impact of violence. Critics commend its gripping, timely themes and innovative storytelling. However, some note the story's brevity might leave readers wanting deeper character development.
Who Should Read Long Way Down?
A reader who would enjoy Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds is typically a young adult interested in contemporary, poignant narratives tackling themes like violence, grief, and morality. Comparable to readers of Angie Thomas' The Hate U Give and Nic Stone's Dear Martin, they appreciate powerful, thought-provoking storytelling in verse form.
RecommendedReading Age
12-18yearsLexile Level
HL720LBook Details
Realistic Fiction
Modern Classic Fiction
Grief / Death
Relationships: Family