How It Went Down
by Kekla Magoon
Macmillan 2014
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 4.2 (4th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Themes include violence and its aftermath
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Genre
Themes
- racial injustice
- truth and perspective
- community and identity
- grief and healing
- media and rumor
- bias and prejudice
- activism and voice
- violence and its aftermath
About this book
When 16-year-old Tariq Johnson is shot, a whole neighborhood struggles to piece together what really happened. Told through many voices—friends, family, witnesses, and community leaders—the story explores how bias and fear shape the truth people believe. Readers drawn to timely, realistic issues will find this gripping and thought-provoking, with short chapters that keep the pages turning. Ideal for teens ready to discuss race, community, and the power of perspective.
Setting: a contemporary urban neighborhood in the United States (the Underhill community)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is How It Went Down right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for How It Went Down. The reading level is AR 4.2, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include racial injustice, truth and perspective, community and identity.
How long does it take to read How It Went Down?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, How It Went Down takes around 9.3h to finish. The book has 84,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does How It Went Down have an AR quiz?
Yes — How It Went Down has an AR quiz available, worth 11 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is How It Went Down?
How It Went Down has an AR reading level of 4.2, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.