What Happens Next by Claire Swinarski is a beautifully crafted work of art. The story centers around 12-year-old stargazer Abby McCourt, who lives with her family near their cabin rentals. Early on, we learn that Abby’s older sister Blair has been sent to an eating disorder treatment center. Blair is Abby’s role model and superhero, but throughout the story, Abby’s unwavering devotion to her begins to wane. Abby wonders if she will ever get back the strong Blair she once knew or if she will have to accept the stressed and emotional Blair who now seems to dominate.
Abby looks forward to an upcoming solar eclipse with her family, but her plans are disrupted when she is convinced to help an astronomer and his assistant. In a desperate attempt to publish a draft of a story she and Blair worked on and to salvage the situation with Blair’s eating disorder, Abby agrees to assist them. However, what they ask her to do could get her in trouble with the law! Ultimately, Abby must decide where her own morals lie.
Swinarski writes beautifully, capturing the inner turmoil Abby experiences. She portrays Abby’s confusion and pain with precision. However, the book includes short stories about Blair scattered throughout, so it’s important to pay attention to the chapter titles to avoid confusion. While the overall format is clear, there are moments that might cause some readers to get lost. In conclusion, “What Happens Next” is a wonderful book, though parents may want to be aware of some language that might not be suitable for children under 10.
