Common Sense Media Review
By Lucinda Dyer
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Harrowing and heartbreaking story of a school shooting.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 9 parent reviews
Based on 24 kid reviews
Kids say the book features a mix of intense emotions and violence, tackling sensitive topics such as school shootings, abuse, and discrimination, which some readers found enlightening while others deemed it overwhelming or confusing. Despite the varied reactions to the narrative style and content, many found the themes crucial for understanding societal issues, leading to a strong emotional impact that resonated with diverse audiences.
- intense emotions
- sensitive topics
- mixed reactions
- crucial themes
- emotional impact
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Tyler Browne's mother has died, his father drinks, and he's dropped out of school. On the first day of the spring semester, he returns to his high school in the small Alabama town of Occidental to exact revenge on anyone who may have bullied or slighted him. Four students narrate THIS IS WHERE IT ENDS -- Tyler's sister, Autumn, and her girlfriend Sylvia; his former girlfriend, Claire; and Sylvia's brother, Tomas. Tyler is outraged at Autumn and Sylvia's relationship, mourning the loss of Claire, and determined to even the score with Tomas. As the students and teachers remain trapped in the auditorium, will anyone step up to lead an escape?
Is It Any Good?
Intense and compelling, this debut novel balances the senseless violence of a school shooting with uncommon acts of courage and compassion by a diverse cast of characters. The students come from a range of ethnic and religious backgrounds (white, Latino, African-American, Christian, Muslim) and sexual orientation.
It's initially a bit difficult to sort out the characters and their relationships to one another, but once that comes together the interweaving of their stories gives insight into how Tyler went from a loving and supportive brother to a remorseless killer.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what students should do if a shooting happens at their school. If you have a chance to be a hero and help others, should you take it? In a dangerous situation such as a school shooting, how do you decide if an action is heroic or reckless?
How do you feel about the relentless violence in the novel? Is necessary to tell the story and for realism?
Do you think intense media coverage has contributed to the increase in school shootings? What should be done to identify and get help for teens who have this much anger and rage?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Contemporary Fiction
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship , School ( High School )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Sourcebooks Fire
- Publication date : January 5, 2016
- Number of pages : 285
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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