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- Published
- 2017
- Ages
- 14–18
About the book
About the book
A boy in a neighborhood plagued by gun violence takes an elevator ride down to get revenge for his brother's murder and is visited by ghosts of people he knew who were also victims of violence.
AI summary
A boy in a neighborhood plagued by gun violence takes an elevator ride down to get revenge for his brother's murder and is visited by ghosts of people he knew who were also victims of violence.
Why parents choose this book
What makes Long Way Down worth choosing
An honest, parent-first look at who this book suits, what it offers, and what to know before you buy.
Best for
- Age range: 14–18 (fits siblings across a range).
- Reading maturity: Young adult — teen protagonists and more nuanced themes.
- Kids who tend to love it: Contemporary.
- Personality fit: kids ages 14–18 who enjoy a good story.
Parents love this book because
- Written by Jason Reynolds, whose books parents return to for consistently thoughtful storytelling.
Your child will probably enjoy Long Way Down if they…
- Enjoy stories written for kids around ages 14–18
This book helps develop
Vocabulary, sustained attention, and reading confidence for the 14–18 age band.
Things parents should know
- Violence: clear on-page conflict without lingering detail.
- Language: occasional mild words for the older end of the band.
Reading commitment
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Why we recommend it
We recommend Long Way Down for the 14–18 age band with a small heads-up on content — worth previewing or discussing. It leans into contemporary in a way that feels genuine, not formulaic. Jason Reynolds's voice is what makes it stick: readable, respectful of kids, and easy to hand to the next child in the family.
Content ratings
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What parents say
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