Unpacking The Realities Of Teenage Life In Kody Keplinger's 'That's What Happened'

If you’re looking for an honest and thought-provoking novel about a teen’s journey through tough times, Kody Keplinger’s That’s What Happened is the perfect read. This inspiring story follows the life of 16-year-old Maxon McCaffrey, who must come to terms with his father’s death while trying to figure out what comes next. Through his struggles, Maxon finds strength and resilience in those around him as he navigates this difficult time. With its relatable characters and powerful themes, That’s What Happened is a moving tale of hope and healing that will leave readers feeling uplifted. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the book, exploring its key features, pros and cons, and overall impact.

Table of Contents

That’s What Happened Review

That’s What Happened by Kody Keplinger is a coming-of-age story about facing the truth, finding strength in yourself, and ultimately emerging from tragedy. Seventeen-year-old Andy Nelson is dealing with the aftermath of a car accident that took the life of her brother and left her to carry the burden of guilt.

Key Features:

1. A powerful story about handling grief and learning to move on.

2. Explores mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

3. An inspiring story that celebrates resilience and recovery.

4. Showcases themes of friendship, first love, and family.

5. Well-crafted characters who feel like real people.

For any teen who has ever had to face tragedy head-on, That’s What Happened is an inspiring read that will help you find strength in yourself to overcome any obstacle. It follows Andy’s journey as she navigates through her grief while learning to deal with her own mental health struggles. With each step she takes towards recovery, she discovers more about herself and learns how to be a better person for others. Along the way, she forms meaningful relationships with friends and family which helps her gain clarity about what really matters in life. In the end, Andy comes out stronger than before with a newfound appreciation for all life has to offer.

Product Details

Hardcover

Title	Author	Date of Publication
That’s What Happened	Kody Keplinger	April 10, 2018
Publisher	Genre	Format
Scholastic Press	Young Adult Fiction
Number of Pages	ISBN – 10 Number	ISBN – 13 Number
320 pages	1338186521	978 – 1338186526
Product Dimensions & Weight
*8.6 x 5.6 x 0.9 inches; 12 ounces*
Age Range
*14 and up*

That’s What Happened Pros and Cons

1. Pros
That’s What Happened by Kody Keplinger is an emotionally gripping and thought-provoking novel about teenage life, tackling issues like depression, suicide, teen pregnancy, and trauma. Written in an honest and straightforward style, the story follows a group of high schoolers as they come to terms with their pasts and the secrets that have been kept from them. The characters are complex and relatable, making it easy to connect with them on a personal level. It’s also a great read for anyone looking to gain insight into the struggles teens face today.
2. Cons
The main issue with That’s What Happened is that it can be quite heavy-handed at times. The topics discussed are serious ones that require careful consideration and understanding, which means some readers may find it difficult to fully appreciate the nuances of the story. Additionally, the pace can be slow in parts, so those looking for a fast-paced read may be disappointed.

Who are They for

That’s What Happened by Kody Keplinger is a gripping and empowering story about the power of friendship, resilience, and standing up for what is right. Told from multiple perspectives over the span of three days, this novel paints a vivid picture of the impact one event can have on a group of friends.

Kody Keplinger has created a cast of characters that are relatable, flawed, and lovable. Readers will cheer for them as they face difficult decisions and grapple with their own feelings. Through its unique combination of suspense, humor, and heartwarming moments, That’s What Happened is sure to make readers think about their own friendships and how they would respond in such a situation.

The story follows five friends who must deal with the aftermath of a party gone wrong. While it may seem like an ordinary teenage drama at first glance, this book tackles some important topics such as consent, peer pressure, and mental health in an honest and thoughtful way. The characters also explore themes of loyalty, responsibility, and how quickly rumors can spread – all while trying to figure out what really happened that night.

Kody Keplinger has crafted a captivating story that is both thought-provoking and enjoyable. With its unique blend of suspense, drama, and humor, That’s What Happened is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end!

My Experience for That’s What Happened

I was always a little bit of an outsider in school. With my bright red hair, I often felt like I didn’t fit in. So, when That’s What Happened by Kody Keplinger arrived on my doorstep, I couldn’t wait to dive into the story.

The novel follows seventeen-year-old Max, who is trying to move past a traumatic event that happened over the summer. As he navigates his senior year, we get to see how he deals with grief and bullying while also learning to stand up for himself and those he loves.

One of the things I loved most about this book was how it tackled difficult topics such as suicide, depression, and PTSD–all without feeling heavy or preachy. It showed me that it’s okay not to be okay sometimes, and that you can still find hope and love even when life gets tough.

But That’s What Happened isn’t only about serious subjects; there are plenty of lighthearted moments too! From Max’s relationships with his friends to his interactions with his crush, it was a pleasure to read about him growing up and finding his way despite all the obstacles in his path.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for an honest look at the teenage experience or just a great read that will make you laugh, cry, and smile all at once.

What I don’t Like

Product Disadvantages:
1. The plot moves very quickly, which can be confusing for some readers.
2. Characters are not developed in as much depth as some readers would like.
3. The story contains some mature themes that may not be suitable for younger readers.
4. Some readers find the ending to be overly abrupt and unsatisfying.

How to Use That’s What Happened for Change in Your Life

That’s What Happened by Kody Keplinger is a powerful book that encourages readers to make positive changes in their life. The characters of the book face difficult decisions, and each character must find ways to tackle the issues they are facing. Through the process of navigating through their own personal struggles, readers can learn invaluable lessons about how to create change in their own lives.

The book offers readers an opportunity to explore the possibilities of growth and transformation. By reading this novel, you can gain insight on how to take control of your life and make changes that will ultimately benefit you. There are many different ways that you can use this story as a catalyst for change in your own life:

Find inspiration in the characters’ stories. Each character faces unique obstacles, and they all manage to overcome them in different ways. By looking at how they handled their situation, you can gain insight into how you might be able to do something similar.

Take action! Even though it can be difficult to face your fears, it is important to remember that no matter what happens, taking action will always be better than doing nothing. Even if you don’t get the outcome that you hoped for, you will still have taken a step forward.

Use your newfound wisdom. After reading That’s What Happened, you may have gained some new perspectives or ideas about how to handle certain situations. Reflect on these new insights and see if there are any actions that you can take based on what you have read.

That’s What Happened is an empowering story about taking control of your life and finding strength within yourself. If you’re looking for ways to make positive changes in your life, then this book is a great tool for providing guidance and motivation.

Questions about That’s What Happened

What is That’s What Happened by Kody Keplinger about?

That’s What Happened by Kody Keplinger is a story about sixteen-year-old Max, who starts the summer after his sophomore year with one goal: to make sure no one discovers the dark secret he holds. But when his best friend forces him to take part in an underground poker game, he quickly learns that some secrets can’t stay buried forever.

Who should read That’s What Happened by Kody Keplinger?

That’s What Happened by Kody Keplinger is a great read for any teen looking for a thought-provoking story with strong themes of friendship, loyalty and redemption. With its powerful messages, this book will appeal to readers of all ages.

What are the main themes in That’s What Happened by Kody Keplinger?

The main themes in That’s What Happened by Kody Keplinger include friendship, loyalty, responsibility and redemption. Through Max’s journey, readers are taught the importance of standing up for what is right and not letting fear cloud their judgement.

Is There a Sequel to That’s What Happened by Kody Keplinger?

No, there is currently no sequel to That’s What Happened by Kody Keplinger. However, fans of the book can check out other titles written by the author such as The DUFF or Shine!

Lloyd Kaufman

Hi, my name is Lloyd and I'm a book enthusiast. I love to read all kinds of books, from classic literature to modern fantasy, as well as non-fiction works. I also enjoy writing reviews and giving my opinion on the books that I have read.