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Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds

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In Long Way Down, did you enjoy ...

... a goal-driven quest for justice in a high-stakes, real-world situation?

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

If you were compelled by Will’s urgent journey to make an irreversible choice in Long Way Down, you’ll be drawn into Starr Carter’s courageous pursuit of justice after she witnesses a police shooting. Like Will, Starr must decide how to act in the face of immense pressure and danger, making this a gripping read driven by a powerful objective.

... intimate, emotionally resonant stories told through verse?

Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo

If the verse narrative and emotional immediacy of Long Way Down spoke to you, you’ll love Clap When You Land. Acevedo uses spare, poetic language to tell the intersecting stories of two sisters grappling with grief and family secrets, drawing you close to their experiences with every line.

... characters wrestling with moral ambiguity and the weight of their choices?

Monster by Walter Dean Myers

If you were intrigued by Will’s struggle with right and wrong in Long Way Down, you’ll find Steve Harmon’s journey in Monster equally powerful. As Steve stands trial for murder, he confronts deep questions about guilt, innocence, and identity—blurring the line between hero and anti-hero.

... psychological depth and raw exploration of trauma and social pressure?

Dear Martin by Nic Stone

If you appreciated how Long Way Down dives into Will’s internal turmoil and emotional weight, you’ll connect with Justyce McAllister in Dear Martin. The novel delves deep into Justyce’s thoughts as he grapples with racial injustice, self-doubt, and what it means to do the right thing in a world that feels stacked against him.

... coming-of-age journeys marked by personal growth and self-discovery?

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

If Will’s transformation over the course of a single elevator ride in Long Way Down resonated with you, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe will capture your heart. Follow Ari as he learns to open up, confront his fears, and come to terms with his identity through a beautifully rendered, deeply personal coming-of-age story.

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