What Happens Next

Susan Hughes

Carey Sookocheff

What Happens Next is a raw, realistic story told by an unnamed protagonist who is made to feel different from everybody else—even invisible sometimes. Bullied by a girl at school, our narrator gives a terse script of the related facts (What Her Friends Do: Laugh. What Everyone Else Does: Nothing.) and emotions (How I Feel Sometimes: Bad. Really Bad.).

The narrator takes these hurt feelings home, where Mom listens and offers some ideas. At school the next day, the child confronts the bully by turning a “weirdo” fascination with science into an opportunity to find common ground, and maybe help the bully see the world in a new way.

Spare illustrations in a limited palette of blues and greens convey feeling alone even in the hustle and bustle of a crowded schoolyard. Graphic novel–style panels set a steady pace for the emotional impact of this important story that doesn’t simplify the realities of feeling like an outsider. It’s a powerful starting point for discussions of emotions, empathy, and how we relate to others.Susan Hughes, Carey Sookocheff
Regular price $19.95 CAD
Regular price Sale price $19.95 CAD

SKU: 200203n0nn1nWWW | ISBN: 9781771471657

What Happens Next is the type of picture book that comes along every now and then and stops you in your tracks. I was really impressed with the whole package – the unique telling of the story, as well as the design of the book... A truly multi-levelled story that will resonate with anyone who has been bullied, belittled or felt like an outsider.” - Tinlids, Inc.

“A simple, straightforward account of the way bullying takes place and an approach that puts the power in the children's hands. I think it will be a popular book and one that will give rise to lots of discussion.”

- Vancouver Kidsbooks

“This book’s perfect, emotionally healthy message is expressed with enough precision that it might help a real child to be brave too; or, it might guide a parent’s successful intervention. I hope so. I’d encourage librarians to give their patrons the opportunity of reading this important book." - Library Bound Inc.

"The way the story is told makes it really accessible to older kids and younger kids... The ending is true and not neatly 'tied up with a bow'. Like real life." - The York School

"An innovative question-and-answer dialogue format and the subtle use of color to convey emotions impart a positive message perfect for children, teens, and families dealing with bullying who just might need a new way of looking that is hopeful, heartfelt, and honest." - Foreword Reviews

"A powerful reminder to children that even if we seem completely different, we have enormous commonalities that bind us." - School Library Journal

"This title is not a cure-all, but it offers a starting point for an important talk in either a family or a classroom setting." - Booklist

"Immediate and arresting." - Kirkus

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Publication date

March 15, 2018

Number of pages

40

Curriculum

Character Education

Lexile® Level

500L

Interest age

From 4 to 12