That's Not What Happened

After witnessing the death of her best friend and the events of the Virgil County High School Massacre, Lee grapples with the guilt of knowing the truth of what really happened to her best friend, Sarah, and what the public has portrayed. Knowing the truth leads Lee to reflect on her own feelings and identity as she struggles to heal and to navigate the moral dilemma she faces. A fictional retelling that is based on the story of one of the victims in the Columbine shooting, “That’s Not What Happened” may be suitable for students in Grade 9–12, and its themes of self-exploration, inner conflict, and the understanding of truth and perception in the media may inspire classroom discussions. As the novel broaches several issues relevant to teenagers, the book may also be used in the classroom to help broaden students’ understanding of themselves and the world as well as the journey of self-discovery, especially after trauma.