Chris Warner

twitter.com/i/events/15868… #xuengl20510

@vpfowler1028 I agree that it acts as a window for others to be exposed to these topics. Because this story is about such a casual topic, I believe this window is easier for some to see out of, because most people can relate to this story no matter their background. #xuengl20510

Stories that involve marginalized characters simply living life helps to break apart the myth of a single story. This type of casual representation acts as a window, allowing those unfamiliar or possibly hostile to different cultures to be exposed. #XUengl20510

@JosieLopez0312 I agree with how her use of culture was incorporated. It wasn't a defining characteristic of the story, but it did help to add more detail and further the family dynamic. #xuengl20510

I really like how Maurene Goo's story was centered around family. I feel like a lot of people feel like their family is different but Goo shows how that's what makes family special. Her use of culture was also well incorporated into the story. #XUengl20510

In the short story "A Bigger Tent", Goo writes about a girl figuring out her relationship with her family. This story important because it sheds a light on the everyday lives of teenagers, especially someone with a Korean background, and what family means to them. #XUengl20510

@JosieLopez0312 I also liked this idea. It is an interesting take on relationships and how two people trust each other. #xuengl20510

I enjoyed reading Clayton’s story about love. I feel like she accurately captured the idea of being unsure about your feelings and her solution was to weigh your heart. #XUengl20510

@lnpfeifer16 I agree. I especially related to this because one of my all time favorite things was having my dog greet me when I cam home. #xuengl20510

This excerpt particularly talks of Marcus as experiencing all normal things that any human no matter the color of their skin experiences good and bad I think this is representative of a whole story. #XUengl20510

Being the hero of the story is important for marginalized groups to see, because they have been represented as side kicks or background characters so often in the past. #XUengl20510

@WinnieJ34038049 I agree. We are left to imagine Wills ending.

I really liked how Reynolds ended the book. I think he intrigued us by allowing us to think what is coming next and really focus on gun violence #XUengl20510

@TamiaXavierU I didn't think about it like this but you're right. Young adults have to make many tough decisions and it feels like they come one after the other.

I think the idea of the main character making decisions at every floor, is very representative of how it's okay to make these decisions throughout life. Especially as a young adult we have to think through our decisions. #XUengl20510

Although the book ended rather abruptly, I think it is best to leave it open ended. You can decide which decision Will makes. #XUengl20510

@JosieLopez0312 I really like they way the illustrations depict how Will is feeling. My favorite one is where he describes the feeling of drowning, and blue watercolor is covering his head. #XUengl20510

The style of art does a beautiful job of setting the tone of the book. The use of water colors in Long Way Down makes the whole story feel like a memory. The use of blues and grays also helps emphasize the anger and sadness of the story #XUengl20510

I love how real Will's character is in this book. It made me laugh a little when he sees a ghost and immediately goes "Don't know high life, don't know bad trips." Such a realistic response to seeing a ghost in my opinion. #XUengl20510

The part where Dani comes into the elevator and explains their past was incredibly sad. I was not expecting this from his childhood. #XUengl20510

@JosieLopez0312 My brother used to have a lot of trouble reading and would listen to audio books instead. I think it is really cool that Reynolds tries to reach even people who don't enjoy reading or have trouble.

I find the fact that Jason Reynolds understands that not everyone like reading admirable. I feel like some authors assume that people do not like their novels due to personal reasons. Reynolds does the opposite and caters to the people instead. #XUengl20510

@StudAlexWelch I thought the same thing. I keep wondering how he will react to seeing the ghosts.

It'll be interesting to see how ghosts of the past, present, and possible future will play into Long Way Down. It was a major plot in a Christmas Carol, so I'm intrigued into how it'll play into a more darker, more modern setting. #XUengl20510

It is crazy that an entire book can take place in just a few seconds. Excited to see how this is done. The main character must have millions of thoughts going on in his head. #XUengl20510

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@marie_altenau I agree, although I would have liked it more if Clara confronted her mom about these feelings.

I feel bad for Clara because she was so excited to see her mom, but when her mom started lying about helping raise her, I think that was her breaking point #XUengl20510

@AdamMaida15 I definitely agree. I was really hoping that she wouldn't say it back, because it would have felt very forced. It also showed Claras character development. #XUengl20510

I really like the way that the book ended with Clara and Hamlet. If she had said she loved him to, it would have felt a little too perfect. Clara admitting she's not ready to say it and Hamlet being ok with that felt like a very clever and real way to end their story #XUengl20510

I felt a little unsatisfied with the ending. Pay never really discussed the punishments of Clara's actions, and Rose never got to say her piece. To me, it felt like Clara was let off the hook after her extremely childish behavior. #XUengl20510