Summary
Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds tackles the complex issues of gun violence and revenge through the eyes of a 15-year-old boy. The novel's innovative structure unfolds over just 60 seconds as the protagonist rides an elevator, grappling with the decision to avenge his brother's death. Reynolds's sparse yet impactful verse brings a raw urgency to the narrative, making it a compelling read for both young adults and mature readers.
Published in 2017, Long Way Down became a New York Times bestseller and received the Newbery Honor, Printz Honor, and Coretta Scott King Honor. In 2021, Reynolds’s poignant story was adapted into a critically acclaimed graphic novel, illustrated by Danica Novgorodoff.
Plot
In Long Way Down, 15-year-old Will is devastated by the shooting death of his older brother, Shawn. Guided by the rules of his neighborhood—no crying, no snitching, and always seek revenge—Will takes Shawn's gun and gets on an elevator, intending to kill the person he believes is responsible for his brother's death.
As the elevator descends, it stops on each floor and someone connected to Shawn's life and death enters. The first is Buck, who gave Shawn the gun. Buck reveals that one bullet is missing from the gun, suggesting Shawn had used it. Will is confused, as Buck himself is actually dead.
On subsequent floors, more people from Will's past enter the elevator, including a girl he knew as a child who was hit by a stray bullet. Each new encounter provides Will with additional pieces of information about his brother and the circumstances surrounding his death, complicating Will's understanding of the situation and his planned act of vengeance.
Throughout the elevator ride, Will grapples with his commitment to following “the rules.” As he learns more about the complex web of violence and its consequences, he must decide whether to continue with his plan or break the cycle when the elevator reaches the ground floor.
Themes
Cycle of violence and revenge
Impact of gun culture on young people
Grief and coping with loss
Family loyalty and expectations
Power of choices and consequences
Influence of community rules and norms
Journey of self-discovery and moral reckoning
Setting
Long Way Down unfolds in a contemporary urban setting, likely within the last few decades. While the exact year is not stated, the story's themes and context suggest a modern era where gun violence and strict neighborhood codes of conduct are prevalent issues affecting youth.
The action is primarily confined to a single apartment building, specifically its elevator. As the protagonist Will descends from the 7th floor, each stop represents a pivotal moment in the narrative. This claustrophobic setting creates a sense of tension and immediacy as Will grapples with his decision to seek revenge for his brother's murder.
Beyond the elevator, the story alludes to a broader urban landscape characterized by poverty, violence, and tight-knit community bonds. References to playgrounds, street corners, and unspoken neighborhood rules paint a picture of a challenging environment where young people like Will must navigate complex social dynamics and the ever-present threat of violence.
Characters
Will: The 15-year-old protagonist and narrator. Will's older brother Shawn was recently murdered, and he plans to follow “the rules” by seeking revenge. Throughout his elevator ride, Will encounters ghosts from his past that make him question his decision. He is thoughtful, conflicted, and deeply affected by the cycle of violence in his community.
Shawn: Will's protective older brother who was recently shot and killed. Though dead, Shawn's presence and outlook looms large in Will's mind.
Buck: The friend who gave Shawn the gun that Will now possesses. Buck appears as a ghost on the elevator, revealing information about Shawn's death. He represents the continuation of the cycle of violence.
Dani: An old friend of Will who was killed by a stray bullet when they were eight years old. She appears as a ghost, reminding Will of the innocent victims of gun violence.
Uncle Mark: Will's uncle who was shot and killed years ago. He appears as a ghost, representing another link in the chain of violence affecting Will's family.
Frick: A friend of Shawn who was shot and killed. He appears as a ghost on the elevator, adding to the voices urging Will to reconsider his actions.
Will's Mother: Though not physically present in the elevator, Will's mother is mentioned and her influence is felt. She represents the worry and pain experienced by families affected by gun violence.
Riggs: The person Will believes killed Shawn and his intended target for revenge. Riggs doesn't appear directly but is central to Will's motivation.
Quick facts
Jason Reynolds was inspired to write Long Way Down by his experiences growing up in a neighborhood affected by gun violence.
Reynolds wrote the first draft of the novel in just 19 days.
The entire novel takes place over just 60 seconds as the main character rides an elevator down seven floors.
Each floor of the elevator represents a different stage of grief.
Long Way Down is written in free verse poetry.
The novel won a Newbery Honor, Printz Honor, and Coretta Scott King Honor.
Long Way Down became a #1 New York Times bestseller.
A graphic novel adaptation illustrated by Danica Novgorodoff was published in 2020.
The audiobook version is narrated by Jason Reynolds himself.
Long Way Down has been widely used in schools to spark discussions about gun violence and its impacts.
About the Author
Jason Reynolds is an American author known for his young adult and middle-grade novels. Born and raised in Washington, DC, Reynolds initially struggled with reading but found his passion for storytelling through poetry and rap music. This background heavily influences his writing style, which aims to captivate reluctant readers, particularly young boys who may find traditional literature uninteresting.
Reynolds's commitment to creating accessible, relatable stories has earned him numerous accolades, including multiple Newbery Honors and Coretta Scott King Awards. His works, including critically acclaimed Long Way Down and Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You, a collaboration with Ibram X. Kendi, often tackle challenging themes such as gun violence, racism, and identity. As the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, Reynolds has become a prominent voice in children's literature. His mission to not write boring books has resonated with readers and educators alike, leading to appearances on popular television shows and speaking engagements across the country. Reynolds' ability to connect with young audiences through his authentic voice and relevant subject matter has made him a transformative figure in contemporary young adult literature.
Beyond his novels, Reynolds serves on the faculty at Lesley University in the Writing for Young People MFA Program. He continues to reside in Washington, DC, where he often draws inspiration for his stories from his daily walks and interactions with the community.
