Long Way Down (book) facts for kids
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| Author | Jason Reynolds |
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| Publisher | Simon and Schuster |
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Publication date
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October 24, 2017 |
| Pages | 306 |
| Awards | Printz Honor Book, Coretta Scott King author award, Newbery Honor |
| ISBN | 978-1-48143-825-4 |
| OCLC | 972216719 |
Long Way Down is a powerful young adult book written by Jason Reynolds. It was published in 2017. The story is told in a special style called free verse, which means it reads like a poem but without a strict rhythm or rhyme. This book has been praised by many and has won several important awards.
What the Story is About
The book follows a teenager named William Holloman, often called Will. Will is dealing with a very difficult situation. His older brother, Shawn, has been tragically killed. Will feels a strong need to respond to this event. He believes he knows who is responsible.
The Elevator Ride
The main part of the story happens as Will rides an elevator down from his apartment on the eighth floor. On each floor, the elevator stops. A new person gets on, but these are not ordinary people. Each person who steps onto the elevator is someone from Will's past who has also died due to violence.
As the elevator goes down, each of these people shares their own story. They talk about their lives and the difficult choices they faced. These stories help Will think about his own situation. He starts to wonder about the path he is choosing. The book explores themes of grief, family, and the cycle of violence. It makes readers think about how we react to tough times.
About the Author
Jason Reynolds is a very popular American author. He writes many books for young readers. His stories often focus on the lives of young Black characters. He explores important topics like friendship, family, and growing up. Reynolds is known for his unique writing style. He often uses free verse, which makes his books feel very real and engaging.
Awards and Recognition
Long Way Down has received many honors. These awards show how important and well-loved the book is.
- It was named a Printz Honor Book. This award recognizes excellent books for young adults.
- It won the Coretta Scott King author award. This award celebrates African American authors and illustrators.
- It also received a Newbery Honor. The Newbery Medal is one of the most famous awards for children's literature.
These awards highlight the book's strong story and its important message.
