Reviews with content warning for Gun violence - Long Way Down: The Graphic Novel

Reviews tagging 'Gun violence'

Long Way Down: The Graphic Novel by Jason Reynolds

69 reviews

eddieboy's review against another edition

3.5

challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Content Warnings

heidijo16's review against another edition

4.25

reflective fast-paced

Long Way Down was a very quick read. Most of the book takes place on a two-minute elevator ride. The culture of the characters in their black neighborhood with gang violence, drugs, and mistrust of the police, is far removed from my lived experience, which lets me see a different perspective. In the book, Will sets out to get revenge on the man he thinks killed his brother. On his way, he is visited by the ghosts of many killed by gun violence. I found the approach unique and interesting. The book is left open-ended, allowing the reader to draw their own conclusions. I think it brings up some important ideas about perpetuating violence.

Content Warnings

bfarahay's review against another edition

5.0

dark funny medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Content Warnings

thebookkeepers's review against another edition

4.5

dark emotional sad medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I’ve read the original of this story in verse and was excited to get a copy of the graphic novel for Christmas. The water color illustrations were beautiful and done in a way that enhances the ominous and haunting tone of this story. I forgot how the author chose to end this story & was immersed quickly back in the story to see what Will chooses to do. I think this story is powerful in that it forces the reader to think and evaluate right from wrong. It challenged the Rules of the streets but indirectly and with a clever way. It’s a sad story, but intentional and with strong lessons that I think many kids need to hear - especially ones within this cycle of gangs, drug dealing, or gun violence.

Content Warnings

sideknee's review against another edition

5.0

emotional sad tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Content Warnings

patriciaburnside's review against another edition

5.0

dark emotional informative sad tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Glad I read it. Interesting to look at the subject matter in this unique way.

Content Warnings

hollydyer328's review against another edition

5.0

challenging dark emotional reflective sad fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This was crazy emotional! Such a powerful and important message about gun violence, but also grief, fear and anger. Hope that this graphic adaptation makes this message more accessible to young people. Illustrations were excellent!

Content Warnings