What Happens Next

Written by Susan Hughes · Illustrated by Carey Sookocheff

A bullied child uses science to find common ground with their tormentor.

3.7 Goodreads · 204 ratings

40 pages· 500L

$18.95Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

An unnamed child feels invisible, bullied at school while others stand by. At home, their mom listens and offers advice. The next day, the child bravely confronts the bully, using a shared interest in science to bridge the gap. Can this unexpected connection change their world? This poignant tale explores the complexities of feeling like an outsider and the power of empathy.

From the publisher

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.

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