The Happening - Nickel Mines School Tragedy

by Harvey Yoder

The shootings at the Nickel Mines Amish schoolhouse shocked the nation and the world. How will the young victims, their families, and the community come to grips with this tragedy and forgive the man who caused their grief?

Genres: Nonfiction, Amish, Crime, True Crime

173 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

My childhood and teen years were in Oakland, MD among the Amish there. When I was 20, I left the Amish and joined the Mennonites, where I met my wife Karen Anderson from CA. I was a teacher in Christian schools for Mennonites for 23 years. We have 5 children, all married now and currently have 8 grandchildren. I have been writing books for 11 years and I travel all over the world to get information for my books. Although I enjoy traveling, vacation for me is to be at home in our little town of Spruce Pine, a friendly community in the mountains of NC, close to the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Reviews

[Ellen Spes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lesson in forgiveness

[Natalia · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Happening is a quick yet impactful read — the kind you can finish in a day but will think about for much longer. What struck me most wasn’t just the tragic event at its core, but the profound message of forgiveness and the courage it takes to let go of pain. The story doesn’t shy away from hard truths, yet it offers a quiet strength in the way it champions healing and moving forward.

One theme that stayed with me — and honestly left me with more questions than answers — is the idea of divine forgiveness. The book emphasizes how God asks people to forgive those who wrong them. But I wrestle with the notion that if someone is unable to forgive, then God won’t forgive them in return. Isn’t that paradoxical? Shouldn’t God, of all beings, rise above and offer grace even when we falter? If someone is deeply hurt and struggles to forgive, is it fair that they too are denied forgiveness?

It’s a powerful spiritual tension — one that the book doesn't fully resolve, but certainly invites readers to ponder. And perhaps that’s part of its strength: it doesn’t hand us all the answers but urges us to sit with the questions.

[Julie Tate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciated learning more of the story, but the actual story telling was simple and straight forward and not especially written all that well. The story is based on the actual events of the Nickel Mines School tragedy which took place in Lancaster, Pennsylvania in 2006. While any tragedy is sad, the point to the book was to remind the world of the Amish response to the invasion and devastation of their world - especially the killing precious children by an "English". That response was total and continual forgiveness. Also noted in this story was the amazing response of the police, fire fighters, medics, doctors, nurses, the generosity of entire hospital systems, as well as local and world wide genuine heart-felt care presented to the Amish community showing that "we all" shared in the heartbreak of this tragic event.

[Patrick Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the story of a man who took a number of young Amish girls hostage in a one room school house and proceeded to begin their execution. Told from the perspective of one of the surviving children, a 13 year, it is heart wrenching at times.

It it also the story of the aftermath, the first state police troopers on the scene and how they were impacted. The community and how it reacted and the amazingly strong faith that guided the actions of the Amish community towards what they believe to be their only path to redemption and heaven.

An interesting read especially for the insight into the thought process of the Amish and their religious beliefs. An engrossing human story through they eyes of children whose innocents was shattered by a gun man.

[Val Gropp]

This was a fast read..could be read in one day..it may be a Young Adult Book...I can't say I learned anything new about the tradgedy..but this was lent to me by an Amish Gal who loves to read..she has recommended another from the Wife of the man who did this..Forgiven..May be the title.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually got to meet some of the state troopers who responded that day. This is such an emotional story but more than the tragedy of those that were killed. This is about the strength of the human spirit and the knowledge of Gods love no matter what. Read this story.

[Heather K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick, yet emotional read. This tragic event took place mere miles from where I grew up. Interesting to step back into time and learn about what occurred that day and how the world responded; but not surprised by the descriptions as to the behavior of our local community.

[Stevie Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a terrible tragedy.... this broke my heart

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars not for the interesting facts but for a dry, straight forward story. I enjoyed learning more about the school shooting.

[Sherrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow. This book was well written and informative in a beautifully sensitive way. Very emotional but I'm glad I read it.

[Olivia Denton · Rating 2 out of 5]

It told the story. That’s all. A fine book that told the history.

[Renee Regala DiPilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I live near Nickle Mines and remember the day of the shooting clearly. This book touched me because it brought back a lot of emotion. It is a simple quick read.

[Wayne Kreiensieck · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short interesting read from a victim point of view.

[Jolene Salls · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to read this book because it took place in Lancaster County where I grew up. Although I no longer live there, it still had an impact on me that something like this could happen. I thought the book would give more details because the author had interviewed the Amish community and those who were from the area and would provide more information on the why. I was disappointed. What is told in the story is the same information that I got from my family and reading the newspaper. I was expecting more. The story is told from a fictitious Amish girls perspective Rebecca Sue and it pull at your heart strings but it glides over the tragedy. The basis of the story is the Amish's beliefs of forgiveness. This is a great lesson for all but that is all the book is about maybe the book should have been called "The Forgiveness"

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a simple yet powerful story. This horrible tragedy is a powerful reminder of the miracle of forgiveness and faith. It is based on the Nickel Mines School Shooting, but to protect the Amish people in the community that have already been through so much, it was written from the perspective of a fictious girl. What a amazing group of people. It made me rethink my own curiosity and thoughts about different groups that seem strange to us. Let's just respect people, and our differences, not hound them (as long as they are not commiting crimes).

[Sheri]

I was disappointed in this book because it only scratched the surface of the crime, the response, and most importantly, the emotions involved during and after the event. The author writes from the viewpoint of a fictional character & the whole story seems written on an 8th grade level. It is just a shame in my mind, because I believe the story deserves to be told, but in a more emotionally intelligent way.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing story of heartache and forgiveness. Many of us heard about the shooting at an Amish School House. We all mourned together, Amish and English, the whole world alike. This book is through the eyes of 13 year old Rebecca Sue who was a student at the schoolhouse and endured the horror first hand. As we follow this girl and her family after the Happening, we learn some very valuable lessons from this community. Beautiful story in which I could not put down and read in one day!

[Grandma,Mary Dull · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Nickel Mines School Tragedy was a tragic useless murder of six little Amish girls. The best lesson in this book is how forgivig the Amish people are, and we dont know which day is going to change our lives forever.

[Amanda Grossman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Nickel Mines Amish school shooting took place near my home in PA, and so when I heard there was a book out, I wanted to read it. This was a very easy read, and really stirred up a lot of emotion in me about the terrible shooting and the heartfelt forgiving afterwards.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel is about "the happening," the faith of the Amish, and the care of the community during and after the Nickel Mines tragedy as told through the eyes of a 13-year-old girl. It is moving and challenging. Thanks to Warren who found this book while searching for the book Amish Grace.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was excellent. It really made me think about life. Forgiving like all those people did... That kind of forgiveness is truly a virtue of mine. I really appreciate this book because it added to myself as a person in a good way.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I literally read this book in one sitting last night. It was beautifully written and left you with such hope. I would highly recommend this book but..... you need a box of tissues nearby.

[Mary Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy but difficult read. Easy in readabilty - difficulty in absorbing and digesting the tragedy.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A realistic view of the Amish during their most public tragedy.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not what I was expecting. But very good. Survivor speaks of forgiveness. Two hours tops to read it - fast paced. I want to read more about the Nickel Mines School Tragedy.

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great. It went through and told about everything that happen during the Nickel Mines School Tragedy!

[Katelynn Derise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned that even if someone in your family dies you shouldnt take it out on the Amish kids!!!!!!

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forgiveness. The true story of the Amish schoolhouse shooting told through the eyes of a fictional character.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an easy read but powerful in its message. It gives an insight into the Amish belief of forgiveness and how they live and act upon this belief.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A touching story on how the Amish dealt with the terrible Amish school shooting and were able to forgive.