What Comes Next

Author Rob Buyea

Grades 6-8 Ages 9-12

From the beloved author of the MR. TERUPT and PERFECT SCORE series comes this stand-alone middle-grade novel about a girl who is dealing with the tragic loss of her best friend, and the dog that helps her forge new friendships and find happiness once again.

Twelve-year-old Thea and her family are moving to a new town for a fresh start--her parents' bright idea. To Thea, it feels like running away. She lost her best friend, Charlie, in a tragic accident, and in the painful aftermath, she has gone mute. Her two younger sisters, however, are excited about moving, especially after their dad promises that the family will get a rescue puppy. This doesn't change Thea's mind, though, until Jack-Jack bounds into her life and makes it clear that he is no ordinary dog. As she bonds with Jack-Jack, and as the dog's mischievous ways steer her toward someone she can confide in, Thea opens up to the possibility of new friendships and forgiveness, and comes to believe in what cannot be fully explained.

Available Formats

Trade Paperback 9780525648055
Hardcover 9780525648024
Hardcover Library Binding 9780525648031
eBook 9780525648048
Unabridged Audiobook Download 9780593398753

State Awards

Indiana

2023-2024, Young Hoosier Book Award, Winner

Kansas

2021, Kansas NEA Reading Circle, Selection

Massachusetts

2022, Massachusetts Children’s Book Award, Selection

Nebraska

2022, Nebraska Book Award, Nominee

Random House Children's Books Teachers and Librarians