Long Way Down (book)
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Literature |
| Founded | October 24, 2017 |
| Founder | Jason Reynolds |
| Products | Young adult supernatural drama novel, graphic novel adaptation |
Long Way Down is a young adult supernatural drama novel written in verse by Jason Reynolds, initially published on October 24, 2017, through Atheneum Books. The novel was included on the longlist for the National Book Award and earned multiple distinctions such as the Printz Honor Book, Coretta Scott King Honor Book, and Newbery Medal Honor Book, along with various other accolades and favorable critiques.
An illustrated graphic novel version, featuring artwork by Danica Novgorodoff, was launched on October 13, 2020.
Background
The inspiration for Long Way Down originated years prior to its creation, stemming from the 2003 killing of a friend when Reynolds was 19 years old. He recounted this event as igniting a spreading anger that profoundly affected him and his peers, stirring an atmosphere charged with potential violence. Reynolds stated that the novel seeks to expose the complex weight surrounding gun violence—encompassing not just anger but also community codes, family expectations, cultural traditions, fear, and systemic challenges impacting Black and Brown youth. He highlighted the broader societal pressures of poverty, illiteracy, and discrimination that sustain cycles of violence and marginalization.
Plot
The story follows William Holloman as he grapples with avenging the murder of his older brother Shawn. During his descent in an elevator from his eighth-floor apartment, spirits board at each level, each sharing narratives connected to three local rules:
- No crying.
- No snitching.
- Seek revenge.
These spectral accounts emphasize the third rule, portraying a relentless cycle where one act of violence begets another in retaliation.
The core storyline transpires within approximately one minute, although the opening scenes cover several days.
Reception
Long Way Down achieved status as a New York Times bestseller and was selected by the Junior Library Guild. It received starred reviews from publications including Booklist, Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, Horn Book, Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, and School Library Journal, alongside positive mentions in Shelf Awareness.
Reviewers praised the work using terms such as "astonishing," "a tour de force," "powerful," and "intense."
The novel was listed among the top young adult books of 2017 by sources like Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, New York Public Library, Chicago Public Library, Entertainment Weekly, Vulture, Paste, BuzzFeed, Horn Book, and School Library Journal. Additionally, it appeared on The Washington Post's "50 Notable Works of Fiction 2017."
TIME included it in its compilation of the "100 Best YA Books of All Time," while BuzzFeed recognized it as one of the best 30 young adult books released during the decade.
Awards and honors
Graphic novel
The graphic novel adaptation, featuring artwork by Danica Novgorodoff, was released on October 13, 2020, through Atheneum. This version earned the prestigious 2022 Kate Greenaway Medal.
Patrick Gall from Horn Book commended the visual presentation, noting that the illustrations effectively convey Will’s emotional experience via intricate, fragmented compositions and design elements such as Polaroid images and video screen motifs. The portrayal of violent moments is unflinchingly raw, underscoring the nuanced and challenging nature of Will’s circumstances.
In 2021, the American Library Association recognized Long Way Down: The Graphic Novel as one of their Great Graphic Novels for Teens.