Fern Goldstein writes a harrowing novel on mental health and school safety. Told through the journal entries of Ms. Sharon Bonavina, a special education teacher at Abigail Adams Middle School, the story introduces The Student and his classmates—children who are relentlessly picked on, attacked, and ultimately become victims of a violent school shooting. Jerry is a volatile, troubled student displaying signs of emotional instability and becomes a serious threat to those around him. As Ms. Bonavina reflects in her journals, the question lingers: Could the school have done anything differently to avert this tragic event?

The Student brought tears to my eyes. As November rolls into May, the story grows darker and more twisted. Every journal entry is like a ticking time bomb ready to detonate. You know what is coming, but nothing prepares you for the tragic and chilling climax, sadly reflective of real-life events. Fern Goldstein's writing is immersive and descriptive, allowing readers to visualize every scene and encounter aided by the school map on the website. This story would be an eerie, terrifying, raw, and emotional movie adaptation. The characters feel authentic. Goldstein’s background as an educator shines through in her portrayal of Ms. Bonavina’s deep empathy and dedication to each child’s success. Ms. Bonavina’s journal entries capture her pride in her students’ progress and her fierce protectiveness and disappointment when they regress. Jerry, especially, evokes complex emotions. At times, it is easy to feel compassion for this troubled child, whose difficult home life and intense emotions drive his behavior. Yet, at other times, Jerry haunts the reader in a way no fourteen-year-old ever should.

The Student by Fern Goldstein examines the intense and emotional experiences of educators and students in a middle school where the looming shadow of past school shootings affects everyone. Through the protagonist, Sharon Bonavina, a special education teacher, the book explores the daily realities of handling students with complex behavioral and learning needs. Bonavina navigates her students’ challenges with empathy and determination, revealing the unspoken toll of providing support in a high-stress environment. The novel goes in-depth about what it’s like to be a teacher today and how it impacts students and staff.

Fern Goldstein’s narrative gives a view into the dedication and resilience of teachers, highlighting how they work under immense pressures—both emotional and logistical. Along with scenes of school life, it subtly tackles the anxiety and trauma surrounding school shootings, making it as much a story about the personal courage of educators as it is about professional commitment. The book captures the voices of students grappling with difficult emotions and the weight of expectations in a compassionate and nuanced way. Given the sensitive themes of school violence and the memorials of past school shooting victims, a content warning may be helpful for readers. Some may find certain sections distressing, especially those dealing with student safety, trauma, and survivor dedication. This realistic portrayal sheds light on the psychological impact of school violence, providing a respectful yet unflinching exploration of a relevant issue. The Student is recommended for readers seeking an honest, character-driven narrative examining education's human side in challenging times.