Long Way Down

A powerful novel-in-verse following 15-year-old Will who enters an elevator with his brother's gun, planning to avenge his murder according to the neighborhood's unwritten rules. During the long elevator ride down, Will encounters ghosts from his past who challenge his understanding of the cycle of violence. The story explores themes of grief, revenge, family loyalty, and the devastating impact of gun violence on communities, particularly focusing on African American experiences in urban settings.