Long Way Down: Graphic Novel by Jason Reynolds; Illustrations by Danica Novgorodoff
Bibliography:
Novgorodoff, D., & Reynolds, J. (2022). Long way down: The graphic novel. Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books.
Plot Summary:
Adapted from the author's novel of the same title.;"A Caitlyn Dlouhy book." As Will, fifteen, sets out to avenge his brother Shawn's fatal shooting, seven ghosts who knew Shawn board the elevator and reveal truths Will needs to know.
Critical Analysis:
I read the original Long Way Down as an audiobook last year and it blew me away. It was such a haunting, unforgettable read, so naturally I decided to pick this up.
I loved the art style, but I think this works best as a re-read. If you're reading this story for the first time, I'd strongly suggest to listen to the audiobook while reading the physical story (I've only listened to the audio, but I've heard that the formatting of the physical book adds so much to the story). The audio is absolutely brilliant because it's narrated by the author and I got chills the first time I read it. But if you've already read Long Way Down and want to experience the story in a new format, I would highly recommend this.
Kirkus (starred review)
A moving rendition that stands on its own.
BCCB (starred review)
Novgorodoff’s watercolors, which bleed at the edges like pavement stains, match the text in mood and fluency, and by putting faces to characters, they tacitly untangle the web of revenge killings and mistaken identities foundational to the plot.
Booklist (starred review)
Far more than just an illustration of the events of the novel, Novgorodoff’s iteration powerfully cultivates the tone and mood of its source material, demonstrating just how effective and artful comics can be.
Connections:
Using the original and graphic novel in a illustration unit with writing
A unit on graphic novels
Coming of age book for all boys - Boy book unit!
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