So this is a book discussion book that I'm reading with teens in the juvenile detention facility. I'm hoping they really dig the short breezy sections, the absence of chapters, and intrigue. As an adult reading this, I picked up the "twist" fairly quickly. However, hopefully teens who aren't heavy readers will still be surprised at the end. The story follows Logan as he comes to term with his new school, his shitty life, and his past. Something horrible happened last year. Something soo horrible that he can't talk about it or forget it. He should have stopped it but he didn't. And now it's slowly ruining his life and his reputation. All the kids at his new school think there is something horribly wrong with Logan, are they right? Reader's will try to piece together what happened and have to decide how they feel about Logan afterwards. Is everything black and white or are there shades of gray? ( )

The 13 year old male protagonist tells his story and works his way through that mysterious age and some horrible experiences. Very cathartic. I had memories of how awkward this age can be. Well done. I read it in one long sitting (2 hours ) ( )

This heart-breaking young adult novel about coping with the grief and guilt that can follow trauma is not appropriate for all readers, but is sure to leave an impression on those who are mature enough for it. The story is told by Logan, a young teenager who has moved to a new school to escape bullying following his best friend’s father’s sexual assault of one of his classmates. The harassment follows Logan, though, and he has to endure his new classmates’ torment while also living with the guilt of having witnessed the assault without taking action. The story asks the question of whether someone who witnesses abuse has a responsibility to try to prevent it, but never makes a judgment about Logan’s actions; the reader is left to make the decision. Ellis portrays the infuriating nature of childhood cruelty through the eyes of a victim who begins to believe he deserves it, but also emphasizes through Logan’s relationship with his therapist the importance of trusting others and accepting help. The narrative is told in Logan’s voice, with short sentences, convincingly adolescent language, and dialogue structured like a theater script. The younger characters are realistic, but the adults are often one-dimensional. Small illustrations that connect with the story separate concise passages. Though the depictions of abuse are best suited for mature readers, This is What I Did asks questions that are important for young adults. Recommended. Grades 9-12. ( )

Logan's having a hard time adjusting to his new school. His best friend is gone, his family has moved across town, and rumor about what happened have followed him here--and make him the target of bullies.

What did happen was pretty horrific to witness, and Logan is caught up in the guilt of not having done anything to stop it or help. This is more about his healing and getting past the incident than it is about the bullies.

Short, choppy writing style really shows off the character. Good book but difficult to get the right audience for. (Maybe fans of Robert Cormier, if there still are any in the teen set?) ( )

This powerful book takes a look at a character who feels powerless in his world and who is bullied. The format is a combination of dialogue and narration. ( )