This is one of the best books I've ever read, and the series it's part of I consider my favorite of all time.

A story written in verse, "Long Way Down" seemingly captures gang violence perfectly. About three hundred pages, it's about a teen who is trying to cope with the recent loss of his brother. An elusive ending will leave most readers hungering for more. Spine-chilling, it has eleven awards, and will likely enrapture anyone willing to read it. I would recommend this to those who like free verse, or who find dark stories morphing only slightly from reality pleasing. I believe this would be adequate to read between ages twelve and sixteen, although age doesn't really matter. Mild verbal profanity.