I loved the original version of this book, so I was really excited to read the graphic novel version. I was not disappointed. The storyline is there, ghosts and all, along with beautiful watercolor illustrations that help to tell the story. The illustrations really help to make this story come alive on the pages and are such a great addition to tell this story of heartbreak and gun violence.

When I first read Long Way Down, I found myself wishing for a graphic novel adaptation. Then, last year, The Crossover by Kwame Alexander paved the way for graphic novels to represent the content of verse novels, and I wished again for this adaptation. It’s as though the publisher heard my wish and granted it.

The words of Jason Reynolds could be on a blank page, interwoven in a tapestry, or be handwritten on a napkin and be beautiful. The source material shows this is the case, and I recommend experiencing Long Way Down in its original form — and this new juxtaposed text.

The art in this adaptation is lovely in its composition while also conveying raw energy and power. The topic of the text is relevant and speaks to representation and issues that are very current. As one may expect, the work is poetic, imagistic, and so highly recommended.

Both the verse novel and the graphic novel Long Way Down need to be in the hands of young readers and older readers, too. There’s lightning in this book that needs to be shared and felt, and the text connects with classrooms of empathy and hope.

A great, moving book, made even more resonant by the gorgeous pictures.

A great graphic novel for young adult readers.

I have loved this author and the book since the first time I read it, and the pictures bring the plot and characters even more to life.

Students will love this and think about this book long after reading.

I loved the original version of Long Way Down, so I was excited to check out this new rendition, and I have to say I'm really loving the way this story was re-imagined for this graphic novel. The watercolor artwork just functions so well to aid in the storytelling, especially since the story itself is a little wispy around the edges with the ghosts, the high emotions, and the lack of knowing what exactly is going on at times. I think this was a beautiful new take on a really important, incredible, heart-breaking novel in verse and I highly recommend picking up either version (or both!).

I wasn't sure how I would feel about the graphic novel version of a book I love. However, anything attached to Jason Reynolds is clearly going to be excellent. Danica Novgorodoff's artwork is exquisite and paints the perfect tone. A visually compelling story. Give to everyone.

Long Way Down is already a stunning, compelling, and haunting read. The graphic novel format only makes it that much stronger. I will be purchasing a copy of this book for my teen library collection.

This graphic novel version of Jason Reynold's Long Way Down novel was just as powerful and moving. Novgorodoff's imagery and artwork fit the story perfectly. Readers will develop a strong connection to the story so much so that they will be thinking about days after they finish. In some cases they will pick up the novel version as well.

This graphic novel representation of Jason Reynold's *Long Way Down* is incredibly done. The poignant moments of the fiction novel are visually explained and the reader is drawn to notice each aspect of the moment. Novgorodoff's visual representations mirrors Reynold's writing style and craft to make a masterpiece.

I’ve just been hit upside the head.
Long Way Down is excellent as a novel.
But the power of the images in this graphic novel adaptation—
the way Jason Reynolds’ words and Danica Novgorodoff’s illustrations complement each other— brings a fresh and hard-hitting urgency to the original.

Thanks to Simon & Schuster and to NetGalley for the advance readers copy.

Jason's writing is always a step (or several) above the rest. This powerful story is now that much more powerful for the strong illustrations. This is a book all schools and libraries should purchase. I'm so glad this will reach even more people, particularly kids who are wary of reading traditional novels but enjoy graphic novels and comic books.

Mr. Jason Reynolds words with Danica Novgorodoff's artistry is amazing! The struggle the main character goes through is even more apparent with the visual context. Wonderfully done.

This graphic novel version of Long Way Down is very powerful. This book is important and now can be experienced by even more readers. I will be adding a copy of this to my school library as soon as possible and will be recommending it to students and colleagues.

Just when you think perfect can’t get any better... The illustrations accompanying Jason Reynolds’ amazing verse pump the emotional intensity of this story up tenfold. Brilliant.

Long Way Down will be a literary classic 10 years down the road, and this graphic novel will be right beside it. The novel told the same story but added a more poignant feel of the cramped coffin-like elevator in a way I could not imagine it before. This will be a huge hit with my teens eager for more Jason Reynolds.

The novel in verse, Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds was a gripping and powerful story. When a graphic novel of the same story was to be release, I was intrigued to see a visual interpretation of this great book.

Where do I begin? The original novel in verse was moving created a lot of discussion amongst those who read it at my school. I suggested it to many students and the topic, although challenging to discuss brought teachers and students together. The graphic novel, in my opinion is far more moving. The water colors are just wonderfully done and story is so much stronger with the images attached. I didn't think that the graphic novel would capture the story and was concerned that the art would take away from it. I was completely wrong. The artist, Danica Novgorodoff, did an excellent job and although I would not say the graphic novel is better than the novel in verse, it is just as good!

Jason Reynolds is a powerful storyteller. Long Way Down was the first novel I read by him and it lead me to grab other books from my library stacks that he had authored. Overall, the story still stand strong and the illustrations just enhance the book. I don't like to say that I love this book because of the material it covers, but I do think Jason Reynolds is an amazing author and I look forward to reading his books in the future. Will also keep an eye out for graphic novels illustrated by Danica Novgorodoff.

Thanks to Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division and Netgalley for this ARC. I am looking forward to sharing this story with my students (and teachers) at school when it is officially released!

I equally love both versions. Love how the illustrations bought the story to life. Fantastic novel. Buy all the copies Oct. 13!

WOW! This graphic novel adaptation knocks it out of the park. The illustrations are stunning and capture the mood perfectly. Can’t wait to recommend this to my students.

Better left to imagination

I loved the book. I actually listened to the audio version which was so well done. I could see the characters in my mind. I don’t like the cartoonish look of the graphic novel. This is such a serious, heavy read and the graphics don’t seem to represent the story well. I would rather read and imagine on my own, in this particular case.

I thought the illustrators did a great job translating Reynolds' book into a graphic novel version. There were many visual and artistic choices that brought the story to life. (But honestly, the novel is still better, in my opinion, and I would be more likely to continue to recommend the original version to my high school readers, even the reluctant ones).
Thanks for the ARC!

AHHH!! Long awaited and much appreciated graphic novel edition of celebrated author Jason Reynold's Long Way Down. I have both read the story a couple times and listened to the author read it too, so I could simply enjoy the illustrations and color contrast within the pages while I skimmed the story. The illustrations vary between color and monochromatic and are grave yet not graphic. The color of the text varies a little as well - from light gray to black. Is the author/illustrator's intent to highlight inner monologue or offer contrast within the page for the reader to pick up cues? I can't wait to get a couple copies of this graphic novel on my shelf. Thanks to #netgalley for the opportunity to preview the graphic jovel #LongWayDown by Jason Reynolds. I definitely am looking forward to other works - Ghost series - being made into this format.