That’s Not What Happened by Kody Keplinger - HIGH

That’s Not What Happened by Kody Keplinger, 325 pages. Scholastic Press (Scholastic Inc.), 2018. $18.99

Language: R (68 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG

BUYING ADVISORY: HS – OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

The school shooting that changed Virgil County was three years ago, but a day like that is not easily forgotten—especially for those who were in the line of fire and survived. Leanne, Denny, Miles, Eden, and Ashley rally around each other to deal with the pain and anxiety only they truly understand. This year, the parents of one of the victims of the shooting are preparing to publish a biography of their late daughter. As the shooting becomes a hot topic again, Leanne feels compelled to finally set the record straight about what happened that day, knowing that people will be just as hurt by the truth as some were hurt by the lies spread.

I am still blown away by the story I read and how much it impacted me. The story that Keplinger unravels is powerful because it highlights the impact our choices have on those around us—our actions and inaction, our words and silence, our kindness and rudeness—and because it forces us to consider that our version of the truth might not be the full story. My recommendation for this book would be “advisable” except for the swear count; everything else about this book is fabulous, and I want to tell everyone to read it.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen