The material covered by this extraordinary book is nothing new: gang activity in poor neighbourhoods in the US, with deaths by shooting commonplace. But the way in which it’s written is groundbreaking.

Long Way Down mainly consists of short verses. Their staccato form seems to mimic the gunshot theme - and the changes of pace makes it easy to read and stimulating.

I will be re-reading Long Way Down to revisit its wealth of nuances. It is a beautiful, rare thing: a librarian’s and students’ favourite.

Natalia Marshall is manager of the learning resource centre at The Compton School, North London

Pupil reviews

Haunting, lyrical and full of insight

‘A book aimed at people who hate reading’

If you’re looking for something different, this book is for you. It is aimed at people who love reading books and people who hate reading them as well.

Jason Reynolds understands that some people find books boring and captures the interest of everyone, not just book-lovers.

Mustafa, Year 10

‘Left me open-mouthed’

This book had me gripped, right from the first page. I loved the way it was written in verse and the sheer detail of some of the descriptions.

The author really captured the feeling of losing someone special. I was less sure about the ambiguity of the ending, although it did allow my imagination to fill in the gaps.

The whole book left me open-mouthed. I didn’t expect it to be so surprising, and it gave me insight into what some boys might go through. It made me realise that I shouldn’t take people for granted.

Timera, Year 10

‘Deals with a very profound topic’

I found the book intriguing because the events of the story takes place over a few minutes - and that short timeframe is all that is needed for the reader to question everything they previously thought.

Although I haven’t been in the same situation as the main character, the story being written in verse from his point of view made me feel as if I was in the book, suffering the same hardships as he was and taking the same actions as he did.

The book deals with a very profound, emotional topic and, even though the story doesn’t have an obvious moral or lesson to take away, it is equally as impactful as books that do.

Jessica, Year 10

‘Talks about everyday challenges for teenagers’

I would recommend this book to teenage boys. Some of them hate reading because it can be boring and long. However, this book is short and, because of its poetic style, it is also very interesting.

I also really liked the way the author talked about the everyday challenges young men and teenagers face in the black community in America, such as “men shouldn’t cry” and “if someone you love gets killed, kill the person who killed them”.

Gertrude, Year 10

‘Poem-like paragraphs keep you hooked’

When I opened the book and glanced at the first page, I was confused and slightly sceptical. It looked like a poetry book - not that I have anything against poetry; I just find it easier to write poetry than to read it.

Reading through the book was an experience. It’s one of those books where in the beginning, you might wonder why you’re still reading it, but then quickly become engrossed.

The short, poem-like paragraphs keep you hooked - every page reveals different perspectives and characters.

Maia, Year 10

‘Read this book as quickly as possible’

This haunting, lyrical novel will blow you away. It should be read by all teenagers aged around 14. It is interesting, mysterious and even ends on a cliffhanger.

Many would love the way this book has been set out. It has been put in verses rather than long, boring pages of dull information.

I would read this book as quickly as possible. You’re going to miss out on a lot if you don’t.

Kobi, Year 10

If you or your class would like to write a review, please contact adi.bloom@tes.com