The novel describes the events and social circumstances that lead up to, and form the aftermath of, a fictional school shooting.

They are subjected to verbal and physical bullying by football players at Middletown, which teachers and parents fail to notice, downplay, or outright ignore.

As time passes, both boys become darker and angrier, experimenting with explosives and withdrawing from most social activities.

On the night of the dance, Brendan leaves a cryptic message for his friend Emily, warning her not to attend because there will be trouble.

Brendan suffers irreversible brain damage from the beating and those responsible are arrested and put on trial for attempted murder.