Content warning for explicit descriptions of gun violence
“An ode to Put the Damn Guns Down, this is New York Times bestseller Jason Reynolds’s fiercely stunning novel that takes place in sixty potent seconds—the time it takes a kid to decide whether or not he’s going to murder the guy who killed his brother.” – Goodreads
Sixteen-year-old Will’s brother has just been shot. Chronicling the moments immediately surrounding the shooting as well as the desperate elevator ride on his way to get revenge, Will is cycling through the Rules of his community:
- No crying.
- No snitching.
- Revenge.
Along the way, Will stops at each floor during this elevator ride and is confronted with someone else he knew who was lost to gun violence as well.
This book was told in absolutely stunning verse, with short, staccato lines, beautifully brushed light artwork throughout, and word choices that will take your breath away. Reynolds pulls no punches with his descriptions of violence, a powerful choice that really brings his message home. This is a quick read and an incredibly important one that is not to be missed!
Awards for it include:
Newbery Medal Nominee (2018), National Book Award Nominee for Young People’s Literature (2017), Odyssey Award Nominee (2018), Los Angeles Times Book Prize Nominee for Young Adult Literature (2017), Edgar Award for Best Young Adult (2018)
Posted by Pietrus Victoria at 4:49 pm