Long Way Down Text Set by Nicole Bixler

Anchor Text-Long Way Down

nicolebixler — 2025-06-27 20:10:12 UTC

This novel-in-verse, explores themes of grief, revenge, and community. Will is fifteen when his brother, Shawn, is shot and killed. Pressured by the rules of his neighborhood that demand revenge, Will steals his brother's gun to murder his brother's killer. In an elevator on his way to get revenge, Will is forced to confront ghosts from his past on each floor. These ghosts help Will consider whether revenge is the answer.

Guiding question: Will avenging his brother's death bring Will closure, or does it simply continue the destructive cycle of violence that runs his neighborhood?

Long Way Down: The Graphic Novel

nicolebixler — 2025-06-27 20:13:41 UTC

The graphic novel version of Long Way Down provides powerful images that can be read with the novel-in-verse. The visuals in this novel allow for the emotions that Will experiences to be on full display. Visual learners, multilingual language learners, and students with disabilities have better access to the rich language of the novel when using the graphic version as a companion. You will also be able to compare the two versions of the text, deciding the strengths and weaknesses of both and how they work together to convey mood, tension, and understanding.

Guiding Question: How does the graphic novel version of Long Way Down help to deepen your understanding of the novel?

"The Rose That Grew From Concrete" by Tupac Shakur

nicolebixler — 2025-06-27 20:16:13 UTC

In his poem, "The Rose That Grew From Concrete," Tupac Shakur uses figurative language to describe the image of a rose growing from concrete. The rose serves as a symbol of resilience and overcoming adversity, and Shakur uses his own life experiences as inspiration to explore how the environment in which we grow up can shape who we become. We can either succumb to the struggles or rise above them, much like the story of Will and his brother Shawn in Long Way Down.

Guiding Question: How does the image of the rose growing from concrete connect to Will's story and the experience of growing up in a difficult environment?

“Jason Reynolds, author of Long Way Down” by Kennedy Center Education Digital Learning

nicolebixler — 2025-06-27 20:17:11 UTC

This interview with Jason Reynolds covers the content of Long Way Down, his writing process, and how the book connects to multiple generations and current events. The video allows us to meet Jason Reynolds and further connect the book to the real world. Reynolds speaks to the trauma of various generations, the way boys are conditioned to act a certain way, and the consequences of that unchecked masculinity. He also speaks of his writing process and how writing is hard but that hard things are rewarding and important.

Guiding Questions: How is the story in Long Way Down connected to what is currently happening in the United States? Why does Reynolds feel it is important to write about this? Do you agree?

"What makes a poem...a poem?" by TEDEd

nicolebixler — 2025-06-27 20:18:02 UTC

This TedEd video discusses what makes poetry different from other forms of art. The video defines poetry as an art form that enhances the musical nature of words, condenses language, and often evokes intense emotions. The video also explores famous poems and the history of poetry. The narrator draws a comparison between music and poetry, highlighting an essential connection for young adults.

Guiding Questions: Why is poetry such a powerful form of expression? What sets poetry apart from other forms of art?

"Caged Bird" by Maya Angelou

nicolebixler — 2025-06-27 20:18:45 UTC

"Caged Bird" by Maya Angelou explores the contrast between two birds: one free and one caged. The caged bird sings with a longing for freedom after being locked away. The experience of the caged bird represents Black Americans' experience with racism and their desire to be freed from the shackles of oppression. In Long Way Down, Will is trapped by his community's obsession with "The Rules" and feels obligated to seek revenge for his brother.

Guiding Question: Using textual evidence, answer the following question: How is Will similar to the caged bird in Angelou's poem?

"A Poison Tree" by William Blake

nicolebixler — 2025-06-27 20:19:30 UTC

William Blake's poem "A Poison Tree" explores how holding onto grudges and anger is detrimental to all parties involved. The subject of the poem holds onto a desire for revenge against a person who has slighted them, causing his anger and wrath to grow into a poison tree. In Long Way Down, Will's anger and resentment grow inside him, forcing him to decide if he wants to act on his revenge.

Guiding Question: What argument is Blake making about holding grudges, and how does this argument apply to Will's experience with revenge in Long Way Down?

Excerpt of "Sing About Me, I'm Dying of Thirst" By Kendrick Lamar

nicolebixler — 2025-06-27 20:20:28 UTC

In this excerpt from "Sing About Me, I'm Dying of Thirst," Kendrick Lamar describes the vicious cycle of violence in communities of color. The narrator explores their desire to seek revenge and violence against the person who killed their brother while also acknowledging how foolish it is to die over gang affiliations. This song connects to Will's struggle with revenge and how violence-related trauma can affect families and communities.

Guiding Questions: Using the language in the song as evidence, what is Lamar's attitude towards violence and revenge? Does he believe it is justified? How does it compare to Will's attitude towards revenge?

"Why we seek revenge — and what to do instead" by Allie Volpe

nicolebixler — 2025-06-27 20:21:24 UTC

This article by Allie Volpe explores why humans have the urge to seek revenge and the true reality when we succeed. Volpe argues that while revenge feels good at the moment, it can lead to more anger and pain. She explains there are better options, like forgiveness. This article connects to Will's desire to get revenge on his brother's murderer and the true consequences if he succeeds.

Guiding Questions: After reading the article and reading about Will's experience, do you believe revenge is ever justified? Why or why not?

"The power of forgiveness" by Harvard Health Publishing-

nicolebixler — 2025-06-27 20:21:51 UTC

Harvard Health Publishing explains in their article "The power of forgiveness" that there are emotional and physical benefits to forgiveness. For example, choosing forgiveness can improve mental health and reduce stress. In Long Way Down, Will must choose between forgiveness and revenge, either continuing the cycle of violence or potentially finding peace.

Guiding Question: If you could speak to Will about forgiveness, what would you say? Use examples and evidence from the article.

“Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs” - By Aubrey Bailey, PT, DPT, CHT

nicolebixler — 2025-06-27 20:22:44 UTC

Aubrey Bailey's article describes the theory of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. This theory suggests that human behavior is driven by needs, such as the need for survival, belonging, growth, etc. Unmet needs can cause people to react negatively through actions and emotions. This article connects to your own knowledge of your needs and whether they are being met, as well as Will in Long Way Down. Some of Will's needs are not met in the novel, causing him to make rash and potentially violent decisions.

Guiding Question: According to Maslow, which of Will's needs are not being met? How does this impact his decisions?

“An interpretation of Maslow's hierarchy of needs ” by Hamish Croker

nicolebixler — 2025-06-27 20:23:27 UTC

This visual representation of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs illustrates how the basics for survival form the foundation of our needs. The higher needs are more emotional and internal. This clear design will help you visualize the needs in a more physical form rather than just in theory. The tool also helps you think about Will's needs in Long Way Down.

Guiding Question: Based on the visual, which needs are most important for Will? Are they being met?