Long Way Down The Graphic Novel — Content Guide for Parents
Themes present
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Content themes
Factual summary of themes present in this book. No opinion — just the facts.
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Religious themes
PRESENTContains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.
About this book
Jason Reynolds’s Newbery Honor, Printz Honor, and Coretta Scott King Honor–winning, #1 New York Times bestselling novel Long Way Down is now a gripping, galvanizing graphic novel, with haunting artwork by Danica Novgorodoff.
Will’s older brother, Shawn, has been shot.
Dead.
Will feels a sadness so great, he can’t explain it. But in his neighborhood, there are THE RULES:
No. 1: Crying.
Don’t.
No matter what.
No. 2: Snitching
Don’t.
No matter what.
No. 3: Revenge
Do.
No matter what.
But bullets miss. You can get the wrong guy. And there’s always someone else who knows to follow the rules…
Frequently asked questions
Is Long Way Down The Graphic Novel appropriate for a 7-year-old?
The narrative involves gun violence, as the main character, Will, is intent on avenging his brother's death with a gun. Each chapter depicts a shooting, and the story explores the emotional consequences of violence. The graphic novel contains disturbing illustrations depicting shootings, which may be unsettling for sensitive readers. The overall theme of revenge and violence contributes to a tense atmosphere.
Does Long Way Down The Graphic Novel have violence?
The narrative involves gun violence, as the main character, Will, is intent on avenging his brother's death with a gun. Each chapter depicts a shooting, and the story explores the emotional consequences of violence.
Does Long Way Down The Graphic Novel have scary content?
The graphic novel contains disturbing illustrations depicting shootings, which may be unsettling for sensitive readers. The overall theme of revenge and violence contributes to a tense atmosphere.
Does Long Way Down The Graphic Novel have religious themes?
No religious content detected in the narrative. The story centers on themes of violence and revenge without reference to religious beliefs or practices.
Does Long Way Down The Graphic Novel have racial/cultural content?
The story centers on an African American teen boy, Will, and addresses themes of race and gun violence in his community. It highlights the societal pressures and 'rules' surrounding violence in his neighborhood.
Does Long Way Down The Graphic Novel have profanity?
Mild swearing is present, including instances of 'hell', 'damn', and 's--t'. This is noted in the context of the characters' experiences and emotional states.
Does Long Way Down The Graphic Novel have climate change?
No climate themes detected in the narrative. The story focuses on personal and societal issues related to violence and grief.
Does Long Way Down The Graphic Novel have sexual identity?
There is little sexual content, with only a reference to boys bragging about their experiences with girls. The primary focus is on violence and revenge rather than sexual themes.
Does Long Way Down The Graphic Novel have gender roles?
No specific gender roles are explored in the narrative. The focus is primarily on the protagonist's emotional journey and the consequences of violence.
Does Long Way Down The Graphic Novel have lgbtq+ themes?
No LGBTQ+ themes detected in the search results. The focus is on the main character's struggle with grief and revenge following his brother's murder.
