Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds

Have you ever read a book that focuses only one 60 seconds of the main character's life? Seems kind of crazy, but Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds is a book that is mostly about one 60 elevator ride.

First you need to know that Will's brother Shawn has just been shot. You also need to know that the neighborhood rules are the following:

• Don't cry. 
• Don't snitch. 
• Do get revenge. 

Will is in the elevator on his way down so he can follow the neighborhood rules and get revenge when he is stopped at each floor by ghosts.

This novel told in verse is a quick but powerful read. At its heart, this is a story about grief and a neighborhood. I highly recommend this book to all students, but if you are someone who had witnessed or experienced neighborhood violence, this book may speak to you in a powerful way. This book is currently available at GVHS, ECHS, and BCHS, but students at any school can request it.

Other books written by Jason Reynolds include the following:

• All American Boys
• The Boy in the Black Suit
• Ghost
• Miles Morales
• When I Was the Greatest

Come to your library to check them out or put them on hold!