From long way down by Jason reynolds
EACH ENTRY IN YOUR READER'S NOTEBOOK WILL HAVE
4 SECTIONS:
1. PLOT SUMMARY
2. CHARACTERIZATION PRACTICE
3. KEY MOMENT QUOTE
4. idea for a drawing
1. PLOT SUMMARY
"Long Way Down" by Jason Reynolds is a gripping and evocative novel-in-verse that covers the 60-second journey of 15-year-old Will, as he rides the elevator from his apartment on the seventh floor to the lobby, contemplating revenge after his older brother Shawn's murder. Each floor brings a different ghost from Will's tragic past, who confronts him with the brutal cycle of violence in which he's been trapped, and pushes him to question the unwritten rules that his community lives by.
2. CHARACTERIZATION PRACTICE
The protagonist, Will, starts off as a typical teenager mourning his brother's death and seeking revenge. However, as he encounters the spirits he's personally connected with, he evolves into a more introspective and uncertain character. Shawn, though killed before the narrative begins, is painted as a protective figure in Will's life, embodying the cultural norm derived from the 'rules'. Each ghost, including Buck, Daddy, and Uncle Mark, symbolizes a different facet of the violent cycle that imprisons them, reflecting the harsh realities of their world in nuanced ways.
3. KEY MOMENT QUOTE
"If the blood inside you is on the inside of
someone else,
you never want to
see it on the outside of
them." - This profound stanza reflects the consequential internal dilemma Will faces as he grapples with the thought of shedding blood for revenge.
4. IDEA FOR A DRAWING
A powerful drawing could illustrate Will inside the elevator, split into seven floors. Each floor could show a different ghost he encounters - Buck, his father, his uncle, etc. Their expressions could range from regret to pain to defiance, showcasing the complexities of their lives and deaths. The last frame could depict the lobby empty - no one to receive the bullet - symbolizing Will's potential transformation.
1. Plot Summary:
"Long Way Down" by Jason Reynolds is a novel in verse that follows the story of Will, a 15-year-old African-American boy who seeks to avenge his brother's murder. The book takes place in a single elevator ride, during which Will encounters different people from his past who have been victims of gun violence. As he descends floor by floor, Will contemplates whether he should follow the "rules" and seek revenge or break the cycle of violence.
2. Characterization Practice:
The characters in "Long Way Down" are complex and undergo significant development throughout the story. One effective way to practice characterization is by focusing on the thoughts, actions, and dialogue of the characters. Pay attention to their motivations, conflicts, and changes over the course of the book. For example, explore how Will's emotions evolve during his elevator journey and how the other characters he encounters contribute to his internal struggle.
3. Key Moment Quote:
"In the elevator, as I'm falling, I think
I don't understand
why everyone is laughing
as I descend
to the scene
of the crime" (Reynolds, p. 17).
This quote represents a key moment in the book when Will questions why those who have experienced gun violence seem to find humor in it. It highlights the confusion and frustration he feels as he descends to confront the reality of his brother's murder, eager to seek retribution.
4. Idea for a Drawing:
You could create a powerful illustration based on the key elevator scene in the story. Depict Will standing amidst a crowd of people who have been affected by gun violence. Use shadows and light to convey the emotional intensity of the moment. Consider incorporating the repetition of the elevator buttons and the sense of descending to capture the tension and uncertainty experienced by the characters.
To complete an entry in your reader's notebook for the book "Long Way Down" by Jason Reynolds, you will need to include the following sections:
1. Plot Summary:
In this section, you should write a brief summary of the plot. Include the main events, conflicts, and resolutions of the story. Be sure to avoid spoilers if you are summarizing for others who have not yet read the book.
2. Characterization Practice:
In this section, you can explore the characters in the book. Choose one or more characters and describe their traits, motivations, and actions. You can also analyze how the author develops their personalities throughout the story. Consider their interactions with other characters and how they evolve over time.
3. Key Moment Quote:
Here, you should select a significant quote from the book that captures an important moment or theme in the story. This quote should be meaningful and reflect the overall tone or message of the book. Explain why you chose this quote and how it relates to the plot or characters.
4. Idea for a Drawing:
In this final section, you can explore your creativity and suggest an idea for a drawing based on the book. Think about a scene, character, or symbol that stood out to you while reading. Describe what you would draw and how it represents an element of the story.
By including these four sections in your reader's notebook entry, you will provide a comprehensive analysis of the book "Long Way Down" and engage more deeply with its plot, characters, and themes.