Common Sense Media Review
By Terreece Clarke
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Gripping, unnerving story of teen boy contemplating revenge.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 9 parent reviews
Based on 23 kid reviews
Kids say the book elicits mixed reactions, ranging from enthusiastic praise for its poignant exploration of grief and violence to criticism over its mature themes and strong language. Many readers appreciate the unique narrative style and emotional depth, while some caution that its content may not be suitable for younger audiences.
- emotional depth
- strong language
- maturity required
- impactful themes
- unique narrative
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In Long Way Down, Will has known about The Rules for a long time. No one he knows invented them, they've just always existed: No Crying, No Snitching, Get Revenge. When his big brother Shawn is killed, Will knows what he has to do -- he has to follow The Rules, right? The 60-second trip down the elevator from his apartment to the killer is among the longest of his life. When his past offers a different perspective on The Rules, Will has to make a tough decision: Will he go through with it?
Is It Any Good?
A stellar creepy, engaging, heartbreaking novel in verse, Long Way Down is another example of what author Jason Reynolds does best: Put voice to real-life issues teens face. The entire book takes place over 60 seconds of the main character's life, enough time for him to question everything he's been taught and change his life forever. Sixty seconds in this book is the difference between life and death, and readers are along for the ride from the first bing of the elevator button.
The emotions Will experiences are striking, and readers are gripped tight in the chest the entire time they're in the elevator with him. Like Will's elevator ride, the novel-in-verse's style is short and hard-hitting. Reynolds doesn't give readers a happily-ever-after ending, just the knowledge that there are choices people make every day that can put them in the hereafter before they can even blink.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about gun violence in Long Way Down. How is gun violence portrayed in movies and on TV? Have you seen guns portrayed as cool and fun? How do you think that affects kids?
Have you ever lost someone close to you? Did you have someone you could talk with about your feelings?
Have you ever thought about doing something harmful to get revenge? Did something stop you?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Contemporary Fiction
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , School ( High School )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books
- Publication date : October 24, 2017
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 18
- Number of pages : 320
- Available on : Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Awards : ALA Best and Notable Books , Coretta Scott King Medal and Honors , Newbery Medal and Honors
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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