In the heart of a community pulsing with life and diversity, the sudden echo of gunfire shatters the fragile balance, leaving behind the stark reality of a young life lost. "How It Went Down" by Kekla Magoon unfolds in the aftermath of sixteen-year-old Tariq Johnson's death, a tragedy that slices through the core of an already fractured neighborhood. Tariq, with his dreams and potential, becomes a symbol of the deep-seated racial tensions that simmer beneath the surface, his black identity and the white identity of his shooter, Jack Franklin, casting long shadows over the quest for truth. As narratives diverge and clash, Magoon masterfully weaves a complex tapestry of voices, each struggling to find clarity and closure in the chaos, each yearning to articulate the indescribable loss, to assert with conviction: this is how it went down. This poignant narrative delves deep into the heart of a community in turmoil, exploring the multifaceted human emotions that surface when justice seems elusive, and the stories we tell ourselves to make sense of the senseless. Magoon challenges readers to confront their own perceptions of truth and justice, weaving through the multiple perspectives of Tariq's family, friends, and witnesses, all grappling with the weight of their own guilt, anger, and grief. "How It Went Down" is not just a story about a shooting; it's an exploration of the intricate dynamics that define a community, the invisible lines that divide us, and the undeniable human spirit that seeks to bridge those divides in the face of tragedy.