What Happens Next
on Goodreads (374)
What’s inside...
In this heartfelt and accessible middle grade novel perfect for fans of The Thing About Jellyfish, a young girl named Abby McCourt, who is obsessed with astronomy, is struggling with her emotions after her older sister Blair is sent to an eating disorder treatment facility. In an attempt to distract herself, Abby teams up with a visiting astronomer to solve the mystery of his long-lost telescope. Although the quest is meant to take her mind off her sister's absence, the journey may unexpectedly bring Abby closer to Blair than she ever imagined possible.
Age
9-12
Length
256 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Abby Mccourt
Mrs. Mccourt
Pastor Mccourt
Blair Mccourt
Discussion points
How did you feel when you saw how the characters reacted to each other's differences?
What would you do if you were in a situation similar to the one in the story?
Why do you think it's important to understand and celebrate how we are all unique?
Can you think of a time when you learned something new from someone who is different from you?
What do you think 'What Happens Next' teaches us about friendship?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story, focusing on the emotions of the characters and relating them to their own experiences.
Discuss the importance of diversity and inclusivity, highlighting how these themes are portrayed in the book.
Use examples from the book to talk about the value of empathy and understanding others.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings to the story to foster creative thinking and perspective-taking.
Create a nurturing environment where your child feels comfortable asking questions and sharing their thoughts about the book’s message.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Change
Explanation: The story illustrates how the main character, Isa, adapts to changes in her family dynamics and friendships, showing resilience and growth.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that change is a part of life and develop skills to adapt healthily, such as communicating feelings and seeking support from loved ones.
Example Lesson: Value of Friendship
Explanation: Isa learns the importance of deep, meaningful friendships over superficial ones and gains insights into what makes relationships rewarding.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of choosing friends who respect and support them, fostering strong and healthy relationships.
Example Lesson: Coping with Emotions
Explanation: The book demonstrates various strategies Isa uses to handle her emotions, from talking it out to physical activities, providing children with examples of emotional management.
Real-World Application: It teaches children that it's okay to express emotions and that there are various ways to manage them effectively in everyday situations.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Through Isa's interactions with her peers, children see how understanding others' perspectives can lead to better relationships.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to put themselves in others' shoes, which can help in reducing conflicts and enhancing empathy in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: Isa faces challenges and learns to navigate them thoughtfully, showing critical thinking and problem-solving in action.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically about obstacles they face in school or with peers and to find constructive solutions.