Long Way Down (The Graphic Novel) Winner, Kate Greenaway Award — Content Guide for Parents

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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
The award-winning, bestselling verse novel is now a stunning graphic novel with illustrations by Danica Novgorodoff.
'A masterpiece from beginning to end.' Angie Thomas, author of The Hate U Give
AND THEN THERE WERE SHOTS
Everybody
ran,
ducked,
hid, tucked
themselves tight.
Pressed our lips to the
pavement and prayed
the boom, followed by
the buzz of a bullet,
didn't meet us.
After Will's brother is shot in a gang crime, he knows the next steps. Don't cry. Don't snitch. Get revenge. So he gets in the lift with Shawn's gun, determined to follow The Rules. Only when the lift door opens, Buck walks in, Will's friend who died years ago. And Dani, who was shot years before that. As more people from his past arrive, Will has to ask himself if he really knows what he's doing.
This haunting, lyrical, powerful verse novel will blow you away.
'A heartrending and convincing blank verse narrative.' Sunday Times, BOOKS OF THE YEAR
'Astonishing.' Kirkus Reviews
'A tour de force.' P ublishers Weekly
'Will attract teenagers who don't consider themselves 'readers'.' The Inis Reading Guide
Frequently asked questions
Is Long Way Down (The Graphic Novel) Winner, Kate Greenaway Award appropriate for a 7-year-old?
The book addresses themes of gun violence and revenge, as the protagonist, Will, grapples with the murder of his brother and contemplates committing murder himself. Each chapter depicts a shooting, and the illustrations can be disturbing. The graphic novel includes disturbing illustrations and themes of gun violence, which may be frightening for younger readers. The protagonist's internal conflict about revenge adds to the tension.
Does Long Way Down (The Graphic Novel) Winner, Kate Greenaway Award have violence?
The book addresses themes of gun violence and revenge, as the protagonist, Will, grapples with the murder of his brother and contemplates committing murder himself. Each chapter depicts a shooting, and the illustrations can be disturbing.
Does Long Way Down (The Graphic Novel) Winner, Kate Greenaway Award have scary content?
The graphic novel includes disturbing illustrations and themes of gun violence, which may be frightening for younger readers. The protagonist's internal conflict about revenge adds to the tension.
Does Long Way Down (The Graphic Novel) Winner, Kate Greenaway Award have religious themes?
No religious content detected in the search results.
Does Long Way Down (The Graphic Novel) Winner, Kate Greenaway Award have racial/cultural content?
The story centers on an African American teen boy navigating the impact of violence in his community, highlighting issues of race and systemic violence. The narrative reflects on the experiences of Black individuals in relation to gun violence.
Does Long Way Down (The Graphic Novel) Winner, Kate Greenaway Award have profanity?
The book contains mild swearing with one or two instances of 'hell,' 'damn,' and 's--t.'
Does Long Way Down (The Graphic Novel) Winner, Kate Greenaway Award have climate change?
No climate themes detected in the search results.
Does Long Way Down (The Graphic Novel) Winner, Kate Greenaway Award have sexual identity?
There is little sexual content, with only a reference to boys bragging about their experiences with girls. Mild swearing is present, including instances of 'hell,' 'damn,' and 's--t.'
Does Long Way Down (The Graphic Novel) Winner, Kate Greenaway Award have gender roles?
No specific themes related to gender roles detected in the search results.
Does Long Way Down (The Graphic Novel) Winner, Kate Greenaway Award have lgbtq+ themes?
No LGBTQ+ themes or characters detected in the search results.



