Literature Reviews - 2025

Comprehensive Review of How It Went Down by Kekla Magoon

Introduction

Kekla Magoon’s How It Went Down (2014) is a powerful and thought-provoking young adult novel that explores the aftermath of a racially charged shooting. The story follows the killing of 16-year-old Tariq Johnson, a Black teenager, by Jack Franklin, a white man who claims self-defense. Despite the police failing to find a weapon on Tariq, Franklin is released, sparking controversy, grief, and confusion in the community. The novel unfolds through multiple perspectives, offering a fragmented but deeply human examination of race, violence, and truth.

This novel stands out for its nuanced storytelling, avoiding simplistic moral conclusions and instead presenting the complexities of personal perception, systemic injustice, and communal grief. Magoon’s multi-voiced narrative forces readers to question how truth is shaped by bias, personal history, and social position, making it a significant and timely contribution to discussions about racial violence in America.

Narrative Structure and Writing Style

The novel employs an unconventional storytelling technique, presenting the perspectives of eighteen different narrators, including Tariq’s family, friends, community members, gang members, and even distant observers. This structure reflects the chaos and subjectivity of real-life tragedies, where no single account provides a definitive version of events.

The use of short, fragmented chapters helps maintain an urgent and engaging pace, mimicking the way news and social narratives develop in the wake of such incidents. However, some readers may find the sheer number of perspectives overwhelming at first, making it difficult to form deep connections with individual characters. As the novel progresses, the distinct voices and personalities become clearer, adding depth and richness to the story.

Magoon’s prose is direct and impactful, balancing poetic and journalistic styles to capture raw emotions and social commentary. She avoids melodrama, allowing the events and characters’ voices to carry the emotional weight.

Themes and Key Messages

1. Racial Injustice and the Unreliable Nature of Truth

One of the novel’s central themes is the subjectivity of truth. Each character presents a different version of events, shaped by their biases, fears, and personal stakes. Some believe Tariq was innocent, while others suspect he was involved in gang activity. This multiplicity of perspectives mirrors real-life debates surrounding racially charged shootings, where narratives are often manipulated by media, law enforcement, and public perception.

2. The Complexity of Identity and Social Circumstances

Tariq is portrayed as a multifaceted individual rather than a one-dimensional victim. Some characters remember him as a devoted son and protective brother, while others see him as a young man struggling with the pressures of street life. The book refuses to simplify Tariq’s story, emphasizing that individuals are rarely just "good" or "bad" but shaped by their environments and choices.

3. The Impact of Violence on Communities

The novel delves into how Tariq’s death affects different community members. His mother and younger sister grieve his loss, while his best friend Tyrell grapples with his own future. Gang leaders see Tariq’s death as an opportunity to recruit more young men, while activists attempt to use the tragedy for political and social change. The book does not offer easy resolutions but instead highlights how systemic issues—poverty, racism, and gang violence—perpetuate cycles of suffering.

4. The Role of Media and Public Perception

Magoon critiques how media and public figures manipulate tragedies for their own agendas. Reverend Alabaster Sloan, a self-serving activist, uses Tariq’s death to boost his political profile, raising questions about the ethics of leadership and advocacy. The novel prompts readers to reflect on how real-life racial violence is often exploited for personal and political gain.

Character Development and Perspective

Tariq Johnson

Though dead from the novel’s opening pages, Tariq remains central to the narrative. The varying accounts of his character highlight the difficulty of knowing a person fully, especially when their life is cut short. He is remembered as both a beloved son and a young man facing tough choices, underscoring the novel’s refusal to offer simplistic portrayals of Black youth.

Tyrell and Tina Johnson (Tariq’s Best Friend and Sister)

Tyrell struggles with the grief of losing his best friend while confronting the pressures of gang recruitment. His story reflects the harsh reality that young Black men often face limited options for survival and success. Tina, Tariq’s younger sister, offers one of the most emotionally poignant perspectives, expressing her loss in a poetic and childlike voice.

Jack Franklin (The Shooter)

Unlike many novels that focus on police violence, How It Went Down centers on a civilian shooter, making Jack Franklin an ambiguous figure. The novel does not delve deeply into his psyche, leaving readers to question his motivations and the role of racial bias in his actions. His quick release by the police highlights the legal and systemic injustices surrounding cases of racial violence.

Will and Steve Connors (Privileged Outsiders)

Will, a young graffiti artist, and his wealthy stepfather Steve represent two different perspectives on racial and class dynamics. While Will feels a connection to his old neighborhood, Steve embodies the mindset of those who have "escaped" poverty and prefer to distance themselves from ongoing struggles. Their interactions illustrate the challenges of navigating privilege and responsibility.

Reverend Alabaster Sloan (The Opportunistic Activist)

Sloan serves as a critique of performative activism. While he claims to fight for justice, his actions reveal self-interest and political ambition. His character challenges readers to consider the ethics of advocacy and the authenticity of public figures who claim to champion racial justice.

Strengths of the Novel

1. Nuanced and Multi-Perspective Narrative
   • The diverse viewpoints create a complex, layered story that mirrors real-world debates and uncertainties.
2. Realistic and Thought-Provoking Themes
   • The novel does not provide easy answers, making it a valuable tool for discussions on race, violence, and justice.
3. Emotional Depth and Social Commentary
   • The book effectively captures the grief, anger, and confusion that follow acts of racial violence, encouraging empathy and reflection.

Criticisms and Limitations

1. Overwhelming Number of Narrators
   • Some readers may find it challenging to track the multiple perspectives, especially in the early chapters.
2. Lack of Focus on the Shooter’s Perspective
   • While the book critically examines the community’s response, it does not delve deeply into Jack Franklin’s motivations or accountability.
3. Absence of Youth Activism
   • Unlike real-life movements like Black Lives Matter, the novel does not explore youth-led activism, missing an opportunity to highlight the role of young people in social change.

Critical Reception

How It Went Down has been widely praised for its unflinching examination of race, violence, and justice. Reviewers commend Magoon’s ability to capture the complexities of a community grappling with tragedy. However, some critics argue that the book’s lack of a definitive conclusion and its overwhelming number of voices make it a challenging read. Despite these critiques, the novel remains a significant contribution to contemporary discussions on race and violence in America.

Conclusion

Kekla Magoon’s How It Went Down is a compelling and necessary novel that forces readers to confront the complexities of racial violence and personal perception. Through its multi-voiced narrative, it challenges simplistic notions of truth and justice, presenting a story that is as heartbreaking as it is thought-provoking.

While the book’s fragmented storytelling and lack of resolution may frustrate some readers, these elements ultimately strengthen its impact, reflecting the reality that such tragedies rarely come with clear answers. For educators, students, and anyone interested in examining systemic racial issues, How It Went Down is an essential and deeply resonant read.