How It Went Down by Kekla Magoon

Magoon, K. (2014). How it went down. New York, NY: Henry Holt and Company, LLC.

The community of Underhill is in turmoil after Tariq, a young black male, was shot by Jack, a young white male. Jack and others in the community believed Tariq was stealing from a store. Jack saw what he thought was Tariq arguing with the store owner brandishing a gun. Jack went to intervene, an argument ensued and Jack shot Tariq dead. Police interviewed community members that knew Jack and Tariq, and those that saw the shooting. They concluded that Jack was standing his ground and would not be charged. Many of the witnesses had conflicting stories as to whether Tariq was in a gang called, Kings, and if he was carrying a weapon. This stirred up controversy because Jack was white, and Tariq was a supposed unarmed black man. Many people who were upset with the police’s decision set out to march in the street hoping for justice for Tariq and his family. How It Went Down is a realistic fiction novel by Kekla Magoon who tackles the contemporary topic of racism which is very controversial in America today. Magoon skillfully portrayed a balanced dialogue of varying viewpoints between characters. Escaping from family and friend pressures and social constraints is a recurring theme throughout the book. An example is Jennica trying to escape Noddle’s abuse or Jennica, Kimberley, and Tyrell trying to escape their poverty-stricken town of Underhill.  How It Went Down was selected as one of the 2015 Best Fiction for Young Adults book. I would recommend this book to students who are concerned about racial injustice, the effects gangs have on societies, and consequences that come along with being involved in gangs.