Fifteen»year»old African American teen who is the narrator and protagonist of the story; wants to avenge his brother’s death.

Characters William Holloman: Fifteen»year»old African American teen who is the narrator and protagonist of the story; wants to avenge his brother’s death. Shawn Holloman: Older brother of William; avenges his friend Buck’s death by murdering a gang member; gets murdered by gun violence at the beginning of the story. Shari “Mom" Holloman: Heartbroken by her son Shawn’s murder; husband was also murdered by gun violence; has severe eczema. Carlson Riggs: Dark Suns gang member who allegedly murders Shawn. Pop (Mikey) Holloman: Will and Shawn’s father who is murdered when Will is three years old; he murdered a man named Gee who he thought murdered his brother Mark. Uncle Mark Holloman: Will and Shawn’s uncle who dreamed of making a movie; his murder is related to drug dealing. Buck (James): Man who looked out for Shawn after Will’s father was killed by teaching him "the rules" of the streets; he was murdered by Frick. Dani: Girl who was Will’s childhood friend who kissed him when they were eight years old; she was shot in front ofWiII while they were playing on the monkey bars. Frick (Frank): Dark Sun gang member who murdered Buck for his gang initiation. Tony: Will’s friend who is with him when Shawn is murdered; repeatedly referred to as trying to "fly.” To which category do each belong: victims, perpetrators, rescuers, or bystanders?

Themes I Search for identity I Individual identity vs. Group identity I Independence I Coming of age I Culture I The importance/role of family I Forgiveness I Trust I Hope I Determination I Prejudice I Compassion I Empathy I Peace and nonviolence I Maintaining values and morals in the face of adversity I Revenge I Honor I Respect

Refer to Long Way Down By Jason Reynolds and the pictures

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum’s website (https://www.ushmm.org/educators/online-workshop/teaching-aboutthe-holocaust/guidelines-for-teaching) indicates that:

It is not uncommon for people to assume that the victims may have done something to justify the actions against them and for people to thus place inappropriate blame on the victims themselves. One helpful technique for engaging in any discussion is to think of the participants as belonging to one of four categories: victims, perpetrators, rescuers, or bystanders. Examine the actions, motives, and decisions of each group. Portray all individuals, including victims and perpetrators, as human beings who are capable of moral judgment and independent decision making. Remember, all interpretations are subject to analytical evaluation.

Identify which characters belong in each group: victims, perpetrators, rescuers, bystanders (refer to the Character list).

Which themes do you think best describe the book’s events and message?