I first read Long Way Down two years ago. At the time, I had just graduated from high school and my daily routine included waking up and reading until my eyes grew too heavy to continue. I read a lot of books that summer, but this one always stuck out to me.

The way that Jason Reynolds crafts a story is absolutely enticing. There's never a dull moment. Each word has an impact. Each scene is to be remembered. Danica Novgorodoff did an amazing job of bringing that to light in her illustrations.

This is a book that needs to be in every middle and high school library. It should hold a spot in classroom libraries. It needs to be accessible to ALL students, especially the ones who can relate to Will's story.

https://educatednegra.blog/

This graphic novel interpretation is just as powerful as the original text. The artwork was beautiful and rich. Brought tears to my eyes again.

I am beginning to think that the best novels to adapt to graphic form are novels in verse, because this was just as wonderful as the graphic novelization of Kwame Alexander's The Crossover. This story was already a gut-punch in its original form. The addition of the art does add something visceral to the narrative, and the art itself is really beautifully done.

Excellence.

Damn. Just as good as the original book, but comes to life with gorgeous watercolor art. Violence begets violence and this book does such a beautiful job of bringing you into a world of a dark legacy. I love the ending, which still gives me chills. I had a teen throw the original book at me once (not hard and he immediately apologized and then we got into a nice discussion) bc he was so emotional about the conclusion. Best compliment I ever received for a recommendation.

The graphic novel will not disappoint. The lush illustrations combined with the elevator ride stand tall. The dialogue is sharp and crisp and the end asks that ever so important question that begs for discussion.