This book, with it's combination of relatable characters and adorable dog, will be a big favorite in my school library.

I was interested in this title based on Buyea's other books' popularity in my library. It was a quick read, and I felt like it skewed a little young for a middle school library, but I think it's a perfect addition to every elementary school collection.
Thea's family moves to a new community after Thea lost her best friend in a tragic accident. Her parents think starting over is just what Thea needs to overcome her grief and selective mutism, and the family adopts a dog from the shelter that has a lazy eye just like Charlie, Thea's dead best friend. Even though Thea tries not to bond with the dog, Jack-Jack burrows his way into her heart and helps her heal from Charlie's death.
I loved the supporting cast of characters, especially Thea's sisters' teacher--she knows just how to help Thea start talking again.
The short chapters and obvious foreshadowing throughout the book were indications to me that, even though Thea is in middle school, this book is better aimed at upper elementary grades. It is perfectly delightful.

When Thea experiences the traumatic death of her best friend, Charlie, her grief takes over her life. It takes a special teacher, a loyal dog, and a new friend to support her through the healing process.

12 year old Thea, traumatically mute and tormented by nightmares after she witnesses the death of her best friend, finds solace with Jack-Jack, a rescue dog with a lazy eye. When she takes Jack-Jack’s “advice” and puts a troublesome boy in his place, she meets a teacher with a sympathetic ear and starts to heal. Charming tear-jerker that would make a terrific read aloud for elementary classrooms.

I received this e-ARC courtesy of the publisher through SLJ's Middle Grade Magic Event.

I have read and enjoyed both the Mr. Terupt and Perfect Score series, and was excited to get a copy of this standalone novel. Thea's story is heart wrenching. She is left reeling after the death of her best friend, and the arrival of a new family dog turns everything upside down. There are many kids that will love this because it's a dog book, but for it's much more. It is about sisters. Great teachers (who may not even be your own teacher!), and unlikely friends. You may need a tissue or two to get through this one, but it was well worth the read, and I think it will be a much loved book in classroom libraries.

What Comes Next by Rob Buyea is a story about Thea who is grieving the death of her best friend. Her family decides to move in order to get a fresh start. The family also decides it is time to get a dog. As Thea is grieving, she finds comfort in their mischievous dog, Jack. The dog also helps her find acceptance of her new normal as well as new friendships. I enjoyed going on Thea's journey with her. I also liked how the author decided to use the healing power of dogs. Readers are sure to enjoy this book.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

While this book had its merits, I felt a letdown from my high expectations of a Rob Buyea book. Things fit TOO neatly together... TOO coordinated... wrapped up too well with a little bow. Too Pollyanna. Too much coincidence. I definitely expect more from this author!

Love, love, loved this book! So sweet, this building of a relationship with Thea and Jack-Jack! I really loved that Jack-Jack helped her find someone she felt good confiding in and finding her footing again. Rob Buyea just has a way with tugging at your heartstrings! A good, heartfelt middle grade read!

Thanks NetGalley and the Publisher for this ARC!