54 pages • 1 hour read
How It Went Down
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Book Brief
352
Novel • Fiction
Contemporary
2014
YA
14-18 years
HL560L
Super Short Summary
After Tariq Johnson, a 16-year-old Black teenager, is fatally shot by a white man named Jack Franklin, the community of Underhill confronts varying narratives and perspectives on Tariq's character and the events leading to his death, exploring themes like racial bias, justice, and gang culture through multiple viewpoints. The narrative includes descriptions of violent acts and racial bias.
Challenging
Emotional
Mysterious
Dark
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
7,800 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Kekla Magoon's How It Went Down has been praised for its nuanced exploration of race and violence through multiple perspectives, offering a gripping narrative and well-developed characters. However, some critics feel the multitude of voices can be overwhelming, potentially diluting the storyline's impact. Overall, the novel is recognized for its thought-provoking and timely themes.
Who Should Read How It Went Down?
Readers who would enjoy Kekla Magoon's How It Went Down are often fans of socially relevant, emotionally impactful stories. They appreciate books like Angie Thomas' The Hate U Give and Jason Reynolds' All American Boys, which explore racial tensions, social justice, and community perspectives, appealing to both teens and adults interested in contemporary issues.
7,800 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
352
Novel • Fiction
Contemporary
2014
YA
14-18 years
HL560L
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