“Long Way Down” was a finalist for the National Book Award.ĭe Luca is an Oscar nominee whose credits include the “Fifty Shades” trilogy, “The Social Network,” and “Moneyball.” Legend is best known for his work as a singer and songwriter, but he has also racked up some major film credits, appearing in the likes of “La La Land” and “Soul Men,” and winning the Academy Award for best original song in 2015 for writing “Glory” from the film “Selma.” Reynolds’ novels include “All American Boy” and “As Brave as You. It is time for him to take his brothers place on the street. Another dash of unorthodoxy: the book unspools in free verse and is set in an elevator. It is the story of Will who has just seen his brother shot and killed due to gang crime. Long Way Down, then, speaks to the culture of loyalty, revenge, and violence that exists in some American neighborhoods, especially those with gang violence or drug activity. Parents need to know that Jason Reynolds Long Way Down won a 2018 Newbery Honor, Coretta Scott King Author Honor, and Michael L. They all have a lot to lose, but they also have a lot to prove, not only to each other, but to themselves. The story takes place in 60 seconds, as a young man struggles to decide whether or not he’s going to murder the guy who killed his brother. A fast but fiery group of kids from wildly different backgrounds, chosen to compete on an elite track team. Told in verse, it follows Will, a 15-year-old boy out for revenge after his older brother is shot dead. Jason Reynolds’ book, which has an unusual premise, was a hit with young adult readers. Now one of Reynolds’s books, Long Way Down, is being released in the UK. A fast but fiery group of kids from wildly different backgrounds, chosen to compete on an elite track team.

Universal has optioned the rights to “Long Way Down,” beating out several other studios for the chance to make a movie based on the best-selling novel.Īs part of the package, Michael De Luca will produce alongside John Legend for their respective banners, Michael De Luca Productions and Get Lifted Film Co.

A long way down by jason reynolds