Don’t nobody believe nothing these days, which is why I haven’t told nobody the story I’m about to tell you. You probably ain’t gon’ believe it either, gon’ think I’m lying or I’m losing it, but I’m telling you . . .

This story is true.

It happened to me.

This is my second time reading Jason Reynolds' work and as with the first time, I was blown away by his writing. In Long Way Down, I thought I was going to be reading a graphic novel that would entertain me, but it do so much more than that. It made me tear up and also think about the Black children who live and die by gun violence.

The story begins with an introduction to the narrator and main character, William Holloman, Will for short. He has just lost his older brother Shawn to gun violence and wants revenge. Because when it comes to shootings, there are rules: don't cry, don't snitch and if you know who did the shooting, take revenge. Will makes a plan and sets it in motion. Little does he know that he is about to experience a life-changing elevator ride.

I cannot tell you how moved I was reading this graphic novel. Jason Reynolds not only created an incredible piece of work, he also wrote a story that is too familiar to way too many of us. The elevator ride Will took weaved a tale of how gun violence is a never-ending cycle, taking fathers, brothers, uncles, friends and innocent children just having fun on the playground. How Black people and children are killed by revenge, mistaken identity, wrong-place-wrong-time and stray bullets finding everyone but the intended target. I thought about all of the young Black children who are conditioned to run or drop down to the ground when they hear gunshots, the fear they feel when cops are around, and not knowing if they'll make it to their next birthday. I could not go to sleep after reading this book because my mind was going crazy thinking about these babies.

If I could say anything to Jason Reynolds, it would be Thank You. I would thank him for writing such a beautiful and sad and heartbreaking story. For thinking about those children and putting their stories out there.

I cannot end this review without mentioning Danica Novgorodoff's beautiful illustrations. She made each part of the story come alive, even when you want to look away from what is happening. The facial expressions are especially gorgeous, giving each part of the story even more depth and feeling. The illustrations are stunning.

I implore my readers to pick up Long Way Down. And don't rush through it. Really sit with it and read it so you can experience every part of Will’s story.

Where to buy: The Lit. Bar Loyalty Bookstores Indiebound Amazon