Jason Reynolds Introduces his Novel, Long Way Down

Day One-PRIMARY BLOG ENTRY-After actively listening to the linked video interview with Jason Reynolds, please consider these three topics. Select ONE of these three topics to respond to in your Primary blog entry. In this Primary blog entry:

• Label your entry with its topic.
• Answer the aligned questions in a soild narrative paragraph (word count below).
  

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​1. The Power of Storytelling: Jason Reynolds talks about the importance of storytelling and who gets to tell stories. Why do you think stories, especially those about real-life experiences, matter? How can storytelling create change?
2. Writing for Young People: Reynolds often says he writes for young people because their voices are powerful. Why do you think he focuses on writing for teens? How does Long Way Down connect with issues that young people face today?
3. Breaking the Cycle of Violence: In Long Way Down, Will has to decide whether to follow "The Rules" or make a different choice. Based on what Jason Reynolds says in the video, why is it important to question traditions or expectations? How does this connect to real-life situations?
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Day Two-SECONDARY BLOG ENTRIES-Scan through all of the Primary Blog Entries and pick TWO (ONE form each of the OTHER two topics). For EACH Secondary Blog Entry you may respond with your choice of the following types of responses:

• Agree? Disagree? Why?
• Continue the discussion.
• Add additional thoughts.

Primary Blog Expectations (respond to the prompt above): 75-100 words, minimal errors in grammar and usage, thoughtful and thorough writing. Please use the name that you were assigned in class as your PEN NAME and be sure to add word count. Due by 11:59 pm TONIGHT!

Secondary Blog Response Expectations (read everyone's primary responses, select two that interest you, and respond to their ideas): 75-100 words EACH, minimal errors in grammar and usage, thoughtful and thorough writing. In these replies, you can contribute, agree, disagree, support, elaborate, challenge, clarify, and/or connect. Please use the PEN NAME that you were assigned in class as your PEN NAME and be sure to add word count. Due by 11:59 pm on Friday night!