ParentsPick

Long Way Down — Content Guide for Parents

By Jason ReynoldsSimon & Schuster Audio2022-03ISBN 9781508241591
Long Way Down

Themes present

Violence
Scary content
Racial/cultural content
Profanity
Sexual identity

Not found

Religious themesClimate changeGender rolesLGBTQ+ themes

Content themes

Factual summary of themes present in this book. No opinion — just the facts.

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Religious themes

PRESENT

Contains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.

About this book

National Book Award finalist and New York Times bestseller Jason Reynolds's fiercely stunning novel takes place in sixty potent seconds, the time it takes a kid to decide whether or not he's going to murder the guy who killed his brother.

Frequently asked questions

  • Is Long Way Down appropriate for a 7-year-old?

    The book contains multiple incidents of shootings and death, as it revolves around the main character's intent to take revenge for his brother's murder. The narrative addresses themes of gun violence and grief. The book is described as creepy and engaging, with disturbing illustrations in the graphic novel adaptation that depict shootings. It addresses heavy themes that may unsettle some readers.

  • Does Long Way Down have violence?

    The book contains multiple incidents of shootings and death, as it revolves around the main character's intent to take revenge for his brother's murder. The narrative addresses themes of gun violence and grief.

  • Does Long Way Down have scary content?

    The book is described as creepy and engaging, with disturbing illustrations in the graphic novel adaptation that depict shootings. It addresses heavy themes that may unsettle some readers.

  • Does Long Way Down have religious themes?

    No religious content detected in search results.

  • Does Long Way Down have racial/cultural content?

    The story centers on a Black teenager navigating the consequences of violence in his community, highlighting issues related to race and gun violence. The narrative reflects on systemic issues affecting Black individuals.

  • Does Long Way Down have profanity?

    The book includes mild swearing, with instances of words like 'hell', 'damn', and 's--t'. Parents should be prepared for this mature content.

  • Does Long Way Down have climate change?

    No climate themes detected in search results.

  • Does Long Way Down have sexual identity?

    There is little sexual content, with only a reference to boys bragging about their experiences with girls. The graphic novel adaptation includes mild swearing and depicts shootings, which may be disturbing.

  • Does Long Way Down have gender roles?

    No specific gender roles or themes related to gender roles detected in search results.

  • Does Long Way Down have lgbtq+ themes?

    No LGBTQ+ themes detected in search results.