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Something Happened
"All around me I see people laughing, joking, and walking around with these huge, goofy smiles plastered on their faces. I've begun to wonder how they do it, and more important, will I ever be able to be like that again?" Five months after his dad's unexpected death, Billy Romero is still struggling with the loss. Billy's mom spends more time talking to her Bluetooth than to him, and his best friend, Ziggy, just doesn't get it. There's no one who understands how alone Billy feels...except his new English teacher, the young and beautiful Miss Gate. Miss Gate offers support and friendship, even giving Billy extra help with his writing outside of school. Billy isn't really sure how he feels about spending so much time with his teacher. It's a little weird, but it's also kind of exciting that someone like Miss Gate wants to hang out with him. But the closer they get, the more Billy wonders what kind of friendship this really is....
202 pages, Paperback
First published November 4, 2008
2 people are currently reading
212 people want to read
About the author
Greg Logsted
13 books6 followersGreg Logsted has lived in Connecticut his whole life. He occasionally escapes but always comes back. He suspects that strings are attached. When he’s not writing he’s climbing ladders, drinking coffee, and turning night into day. He presently lives in Danbury with his wife Lauren Baratz-Logsted and their daughter Jackie.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
December 14, 2008
I think because of the cover I assumed that Billy was a high school student of maybe 16 or 17, he was actually a 13 year old in 8th grade. I feel with student/teacher relationships it can go probably one or two ways. #1: The teacher is a predator and their student is the innocent prey or #2: The student isn't completely innocent and encourages the teacher's behavior. I would put Something Happened into the first category. To me, Billy was completely innocent. He was curious and confused but innocent.
This book definitely kept my attention, I had my eyes on Miss Gate/Tess the whole time waiting to see how she was going to behave around Billy. Waiting for that moment where something happens. Billy was so lost, he lost his father, his mother isn't around much and his friends just don't understand anymore. He found a friend in Tess, someone to talk to and someone to just have fun with. Always late for the bus, Billy always ends up sitting next to Amy on the bus and they slowly begin to form a friendship which becomes as important to him as his friendship with Tess. He finds himself trapped between Tess and Amy trying to keep them both happy. Tess's reaction to Billy being unable to attend a poetry group with her one evening is one of the first concrete glimpses of her true personality.
I really liked this book, I was very very very curious to see how it unfolded. I was not disappointed. The only thing that I found lacking was maybe a bit more to the ending, it was satisfying but wrapped up a bit too quick for me.
This book definitely kept my attention, I had my eyes on Miss Gate/Tess the whole time waiting to see how she was going to behave around Billy. Waiting for that moment where something happens. Billy was so lost, he lost his father, his mother isn't around much and his friends just don't understand anymore. He found a friend in Tess, someone to talk to and someone to just have fun with. Always late for the bus, Billy always ends up sitting next to Amy on the bus and they slowly begin to form a friendship which becomes as important to him as his friendship with Tess. He finds himself trapped between Tess and Amy trying to keep them both happy. Tess's reaction to Billy being unable to attend a poetry group with her one evening is one of the first concrete glimpses of her true personality.
I really liked this book, I was very very very curious to see how it unfolded. I was not disappointed. The only thing that I found lacking was maybe a bit more to the ending, it was satisfying but wrapped up a bit too quick for me.
August 15, 2011
I found the premise really interesting. But the execution fell short. It wasn't quite as beliable as I would have liked. That a 13 year old boy and a teacher could have that kind of a relationship. It built up nicley, but then climaxed and resolved far to quickly. I think if Billy had been a few years older or more would have happened in Tess's and Billy's relationship it would have been more interesting.
June 30, 2009
Billy is a 13 year old kid who lost his father in a car accident recently. The book centers around his vulnerability and innocence and the English teacher who takes advantage of that. I think the story was not developed enough. It was very rushed and because of that made the situation not very believable, especially the ending.
December 12, 2018
I live-blogged my way through this book, which is a pretty raucously entertaining amount of HELL TO THE NO re: the teacher's every suspicious action (see status updates), but it's too short/rushed and written at too low of a reading level to make a strong impact. Seems very much designed as a lesson book for younger readers, depending on your comfort level with how teenage boys think about their hot teachers.
It's not graphic or gross, and far be it from me to complain about hurt/comfort and tactile affection on a normal day, but I draw a pretty hard line when it comes to inappropriate contact with a literal child of a 13-year-old middle schooler. Like, why? And like, don't. Not unless you're gonna write me a book about a truly caring teacher who is sweet and naive and shocked when her student interprets her investment wrong, which secretly I was hoping this was when I checked it out.
It's not graphic or gross, and far be it from me to complain about hurt/comfort and tactile affection on a normal day, but I draw a pretty hard line when it comes to inappropriate contact with a literal child of a 13-year-old middle schooler. Like, why? And like, don't. Not unless you're gonna write me a book about a truly caring teacher who is sweet and naive and shocked when her student interprets her investment wrong, which secretly I was hoping this was when I checked it out.
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September 19, 2024DNF @ 5%
November 16, 2012
Reviewed by Jaglvr for TeensReadToo.com
It's the start of a new school year for Billy Romero. But nothing has changed.
It's been five months since his father was killed in a car accident, and it's all he can do to get through the day without breaking down. His friends can't understand why he can't move on. After all, it happened LAST year. Billy thinks to himself, "Seventh grade was only three months ago, not a year ago!" Billy is still grieving and has withdrawn from most of his friends and has to see a shrink once a week.
But the start of eighth grade holds promise. After a race to the bus stop, he's forced to take the only available seat left on the bus, next to a girl he's never seen before. Before too long, Amy starts saving him a seat every day, and the two form a tentative friendship. And he's managed to land in Miss Gate's English class. She's the hot new teacher this year.
It isn't long before Miss Gate (or Tess, as she asks Billy to call her) takes an interest in Billy. It starts innocently enough, when Billy misses the bus home and she offers to drop him off at his house. She begins to encourage Billy to pursue his poetry after school. She confides in Billy that she too lost her father at a young age, and she's there for him if he needs support.
Through all of his encounters with Miss Gate, Billy slowly starts to emerge from his grief. He begins to force himself to venture out with his old friends, even surprising himself at how much fun he's been missing out on. Amy asks him to the Sadie Hawkins dance. And he's shocked when an old friend wants to just be around him because of his strength. Billy feels far from strong, but when he learns his friend's mother has cancer, he is there for the kind of support that no one else can offer him.
But something feels wrong to Billy, though he just can't put his finger on it. It isn't until the night that Miss Gate drives him to a regional poetry contest that it all comes to a head.
Mr. Logsted has stepped out from behind his author wife, Lauren Baratz-Logsted, to publish his first novel.
SOMETHING HAPPENED is a shockingly real look at how subtle gestures by someone in authority can slowly mount into something not quite right. Billy is aware that there is an undercurrent of something, but can't quite figure out why he feels uncomfortable with the situation.
The author quietly weaves Miss Gates' spell over Billy. The reader picks up on the crafty way Miss Gate is able to get Billy to spend more time with her alone. The story is a great reminder that there is danger even in places that are supposed to be safe.
It's the start of a new school year for Billy Romero. But nothing has changed.
It's been five months since his father was killed in a car accident, and it's all he can do to get through the day without breaking down. His friends can't understand why he can't move on. After all, it happened LAST year. Billy thinks to himself, "Seventh grade was only three months ago, not a year ago!" Billy is still grieving and has withdrawn from most of his friends and has to see a shrink once a week.
But the start of eighth grade holds promise. After a race to the bus stop, he's forced to take the only available seat left on the bus, next to a girl he's never seen before. Before too long, Amy starts saving him a seat every day, and the two form a tentative friendship. And he's managed to land in Miss Gate's English class. She's the hot new teacher this year.
It isn't long before Miss Gate (or Tess, as she asks Billy to call her) takes an interest in Billy. It starts innocently enough, when Billy misses the bus home and she offers to drop him off at his house. She begins to encourage Billy to pursue his poetry after school. She confides in Billy that she too lost her father at a young age, and she's there for him if he needs support.
Through all of his encounters with Miss Gate, Billy slowly starts to emerge from his grief. He begins to force himself to venture out with his old friends, even surprising himself at how much fun he's been missing out on. Amy asks him to the Sadie Hawkins dance. And he's shocked when an old friend wants to just be around him because of his strength. Billy feels far from strong, but when he learns his friend's mother has cancer, he is there for the kind of support that no one else can offer him.
But something feels wrong to Billy, though he just can't put his finger on it. It isn't until the night that Miss Gate drives him to a regional poetry contest that it all comes to a head.
Mr. Logsted has stepped out from behind his author wife, Lauren Baratz-Logsted, to publish his first novel.
SOMETHING HAPPENED is a shockingly real look at how subtle gestures by someone in authority can slowly mount into something not quite right. Billy is aware that there is an undercurrent of something, but can't quite figure out why he feels uncomfortable with the situation.
The author quietly weaves Miss Gates' spell over Billy. The reader picks up on the crafty way Miss Gate is able to get Billy to spend more time with her alone. The story is a great reminder that there is danger even in places that are supposed to be safe.
June 17, 2010
Something Happened has been sitting in my TBR pile for ages now, and I'm not really sure why that is, since I always find this subject matter (teachers crossing over the line between right and wrong with a student) to be interesting, and I'm a big fan of Greg's wife's books (Lauren Baratz-Logsted). Though, sadly enough, when I recently did give this book a chance I wasn't impressed, since, in all sincerity, when I think of Something Happened the only word that truly comes to mind is mediocre; not rock-my-socks amazing or I-want-to-burn-this book-bad, just bland, something I can manage reading, since I find it decent enough.
Though, first of, let's start of the parts I did like. One, would be the characters, especially Billy. Billy is someone that my heart truly went out to, since I can only manage how awful it must be to have a dead parent, especially one you were close to, and the feeling that no one you know truly understand what you're going through. Billy's letters to his dad were often my favorite part of this book, because they were poignant in a way that touched me, since in them the reader gets to see Billy without his guard up and how truly lonely, sad, and angry of a kid he is. I also liked the touch of romance Something Happened had between Billy and Amy; it was innocent and cute, perfect for younger spectrum of YA readers, in my opinion; and I liked how Billy reached out to another kid in his grade feeling the loss of someone close to them as well. In addition to this, Something Happened is an easy read and never became boring.
To me, things started to go badly in this novel when Miss Gate came into the picture and tried to pursue a relationship with Billy. It was not that she did this exactly, since this is what the whole book is set up on, but the way it was executed. It was believable, I'll say that, but it took a long time to build up, then was rushed, and given one lackluster, sudden resolution.
Also, given the short length of this novel, other characters, such as Billy's friends, mother, and therapist, were never fleshed out enough for my liking, along with other plot events that were either rushed or forgotten about. Though, with saying that, I still thought Logsted's writing was well-done in a way that makes me want to try one of his other books sometime.
In all, Something Happened is a novel I would suggest passing up, because it's never close enough to make it truly wroth the reader's time, though if you would still like to read, consider picking it from the library before hand. Who knows? Maybe you'll end up enjoying it a lot; I know others have.
Grade: C-
Though, first of, let's start of the parts I did like. One, would be the characters, especially Billy. Billy is someone that my heart truly went out to, since I can only manage how awful it must be to have a dead parent, especially one you were close to, and the feeling that no one you know truly understand what you're going through. Billy's letters to his dad were often my favorite part of this book, because they were poignant in a way that touched me, since in them the reader gets to see Billy without his guard up and how truly lonely, sad, and angry of a kid he is. I also liked the touch of romance Something Happened had between Billy and Amy; it was innocent and cute, perfect for younger spectrum of YA readers, in my opinion; and I liked how Billy reached out to another kid in his grade feeling the loss of someone close to them as well. In addition to this, Something Happened is an easy read and never became boring.
To me, things started to go badly in this novel when Miss Gate came into the picture and tried to pursue a relationship with Billy. It was not that she did this exactly, since this is what the whole book is set up on, but the way it was executed. It was believable, I'll say that, but it took a long time to build up, then was rushed, and given one lackluster, sudden resolution.
Also, given the short length of this novel, other characters, such as Billy's friends, mother, and therapist, were never fleshed out enough for my liking, along with other plot events that were either rushed or forgotten about. Though, with saying that, I still thought Logsted's writing was well-done in a way that makes me want to try one of his other books sometime.
In all, Something Happened is a novel I would suggest passing up, because it's never close enough to make it truly wroth the reader's time, though if you would still like to read, consider picking it from the library before hand. Who knows? Maybe you'll end up enjoying it a lot; I know others have.
Grade: C-
March 17, 2014
Something happened was an alright book. It related to events that are very likely in high school so it was easy to relate to, but it never really caught my interest. When Billy lost his father, he did not think he would be able to be happy again. Then Billy meets his new English teacher, Miss. Gate. Billy feels the support Miss. Gate offers and they soon become friends. However, when Miss. Gate and Billy hangout, things start to happen. They start kissing and Miss. Gate takes Billy to her house. When Miss. Gate goes to shower, Billy makes a run for it ans bumps into a cop. Miss. Gate is taken into custody and Billy feels better about himself again.
PROS: It deals with events teens are likely to experience through high school. Billy Romero dealt with death of a loved one, his mom paying more attention to her phone then him, and his best friend does not get his feelings about the lose of his dad. This relates to events in high school because many teenagers feel like their parents don't pay attention to them. Also, at some point in your life, you have to cope with a death in the family. This book was interesting at times, especially towards the end, but it just was not the most favorite book I have read.
CONS: When Billy and Miss.Gates relationship becomes physical (kissing, hugging, and holding hands) it is very awkward. Miss. Gate is a young teacher, but it is still weird she would even think about doing that with a student. This book did not capture my attention well. It was not very descriptive and boring. Personally, I would not read this book again.
PROS: It deals with events teens are likely to experience through high school. Billy Romero dealt with death of a loved one, his mom paying more attention to her phone then him, and his best friend does not get his feelings about the lose of his dad. This relates to events in high school because many teenagers feel like their parents don't pay attention to them. Also, at some point in your life, you have to cope with a death in the family. This book was interesting at times, especially towards the end, but it just was not the most favorite book I have read.
CONS: When Billy and Miss.Gates relationship becomes physical (kissing, hugging, and holding hands) it is very awkward. Miss. Gate is a young teacher, but it is still weird she would even think about doing that with a student. This book did not capture my attention well. It was not very descriptive and boring. Personally, I would not read this book again.
April 11, 2013
I was looking for a good fun book to read as a Birthday treat to myself. I had borrowed this book from my Mom (she's mentioned in the acknowledgements...I feel so famous!) and decided this was the lucky winner. I am so glad that I did! The author has a clear voice that I would imagine teenage boys can really relate to. The story grabbed me from page 1. Billy's Dad has died and he is struggling to deal with this loss. His mother is busy with her work, and only his new English teacher seems to "get" him and his poetry. She has even lost her father, too, so she can relate to Billy's grief and try to help him through it. But all is not what it seems with his English teacher, which Billy discovers when she gets a little too close.
The author navigates this creepy subject very well. He has such a knack for portraying some very poignant moments in the story - moments that are so descriptive that you feel as though you can smell the leather jacket and will have you shedding a sympathetic tear. He also writes laugh-out-loud lines in the book. So much fun!
This is the second book I've read by this author and loved. I am looking forward to reading more of his work! I hope you enjoy this book, too!
The author navigates this creepy subject very well. He has such a knack for portraying some very poignant moments in the story - moments that are so descriptive that you feel as though you can smell the leather jacket and will have you shedding a sympathetic tear. He also writes laugh-out-loud lines in the book. So much fun!
This is the second book I've read by this author and loved. I am looking forward to reading more of his work! I hope you enjoy this book, too!
June 21, 2009
I really liked this book for taking on a tough subject and handling it in a great way-it's detailed but not graphic. Billy is in middle school, which ups the ick factor of Miss Gate, but the author does a great job presenting the subject matter that I would have no problem giving this book to a seventh grader.
I also really appreciated that this book was told from a male point of view. The reader is able to get into Billy's mind and understand what it is about Miss Gate that interests him. I liked Billy's letter's to his Dad and thought that added to Billy's character-you understood his grief.
The book did fall a little short for me with the character of Miss Gate. I would have liked some explanation as to why she was preying on Billy-Billy's only thirteen-creepy!! I would have liked to get into her head more and figure out exactly what was going on.
Overall, I think author Greg Logsted did a great job presenting a touchy subject in a readable and relateable way. He gets the reader to think and I think this book could be a great way to start discussions on student/teacher relationships for all ages.
I also really appreciated that this book was told from a male point of view. The reader is able to get into Billy's mind and understand what it is about Miss Gate that interests him. I liked Billy's letter's to his Dad and thought that added to Billy's character-you understood his grief.
The book did fall a little short for me with the character of Miss Gate. I would have liked some explanation as to why she was preying on Billy-Billy's only thirteen-creepy!! I would have liked to get into her head more and figure out exactly what was going on.
Overall, I think author Greg Logsted did a great job presenting a touchy subject in a readable and relateable way. He gets the reader to think and I think this book could be a great way to start discussions on student/teacher relationships for all ages.
October 3, 2013
Something Happened was not spectacular but it did bring to light a touchy subject on something that happens in American schools. I appreciated that the novel was very descriptive. I felt the pain and guilt that Billy Romero was going through after the sudden loss of his father. I was able to put myself in his shoes and see where he was coming from.
His teacher recognized his pain and instead of helping him feel better, she put him in situations that could have caused his great harm. The author did a great job at showing the readers how far things could have gone without taking this too far and being overly graphic. I didn’t really like the ending and how she just got away with it without any real consequences. She seemed like a serial predator to me and she will definitely do it again to some other underage kid. A little disappointed by how rushed the ending was. Book was pretty predictable—no suspense or surprises.
His teacher recognized his pain and instead of helping him feel better, she put him in situations that could have caused his great harm. The author did a great job at showing the readers how far things could have gone without taking this too far and being overly graphic. I didn’t really like the ending and how she just got away with it without any real consequences. She seemed like a serial predator to me and she will definitely do it again to some other underage kid. A little disappointed by how rushed the ending was. Book was pretty predictable—no suspense or surprises.
February 10, 2009
Maybe it's because I am an English teacher myself, but I found this book slightly enough outside of the realm of believability that I often rolled my eyes (though it was not so totally unbelivable that I could read it as an alternate reality or anything).
Storyline was intriguing but poorly executed and I feel like the author rushed to finish it rather than taking his time to develop the denouement fully.
Storyline was intriguing but poorly executed and I feel like the author rushed to finish it rather than taking his time to develop the denouement fully.
October 7, 2012
This book surprised me. It is written from the point of view of an eighth-grade boy who lost his father and is dealing with a new school year where friends and teachers have moved on.
His English teacher takes a special interest in him and his poetry and takes it a little too far. I read this book in one sitting. I enjoyed getting the perspective of the male character and seeing how he deals with his emotions and the crises around him.
His English teacher takes a special interest in him and his poetry and takes it a little too far. I read this book in one sitting. I enjoyed getting the perspective of the male character and seeing how he deals with his emotions and the crises around him.
May 27, 2009
Really I would give it a 2 and a half star. I just didn't find it believable. When I started the book I thought it was going to be about a high school boy, but he was in 8th grade. I felt really disturbed that a grown women wanted this boy. I know it happens, but it just seems weird to me. The end was also rushed.
October 7, 2009
I rated this book a three because nonthing really happens. Many parts of the book get your hopes up that something is actually going to happen but nonthing ever does execpt fot they kiss and the end doesn't make a difference in the story at all.
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May 26, 2010 This book is about 13 year old Billy Ramero. He just lost his father in the spring and now he's trying to find someone to talk to. Billy's English teacher Miss Tess Gate has giving billy support and friendship.
February 22, 2012
The idea of a student-teacher scandal plays a huge role in this book, so if you can't stand the idea of that, don't read it. The book is kind of dry until Miss Gate starts to really develop a relationship with Billy... Solid book, but not to the caliber of a worldwide phenomenon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2009
This book had the potential to be riveting and interesting based on the subject matter. I enjoyed the majority of the book but found the ending to be incredibly rushed and unrealistic.
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March 5, 2009Dis book is very thrillin...
wat i learned from dis book i neva get 2 close 2 teachers...hang out wit kids ur own age....
wat i learned from dis book i neva get 2 close 2 teachers...hang out wit kids ur own age....
May 26, 2011
Everyone asked me while reading this book "Well, what happened?" My response: Nothing happened.
Not worth the time, in my opinion.
Not worth the time, in my opinion.
April 1, 2012
Concept/Ideas: 4/5
Storyline/Plot:3/5
Characters: 3.5.5
Writing Style: 3.5
Overall Rating: 3/5 stars
Storyline/Plot:3/5
Characters: 3.5.5
Writing Style: 3.5
Overall Rating: 3/5 stars
December 10, 2012
A teacher who looks like Angelina Jolie and owns a Mustang? Rolling eyes.
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March 14, 2013If I had to compare it to a real life story...I would say it seems most like the Amanda Ludwig trial. But, I dont know any of the extreme details.
April 18, 2013
Good book, no one thinks of the situation being reversed and a woman being the sexual predator but I guess it happens a little more then we think.. at least in the writing world.
September 17, 2014
was hoping something (more) would happen.
Want to read
March 27, 2008Released June 2008
December 17, 2009
Could have been written so much better...the teacher was too wacko for it to be believable.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews