The Bully and Me

What Happens Next by Susan Hughes ill Carey Sookocheff

Just this week. Just this week. A tween was in tears because of a cutting remark about her body size/shape. As tears and hurt and shame spilled from her eyes and lips and heart, I kept thinking, "What can she do?  What can I do? What can we all do to prevent this type of ugly treatment?"
Susan Hughes offers some thoughtful things to consider in What Happens Next. 
Told through a series of statements usually beginning with the word "what,” a young girl describes events in her life.  Each statement is followed by her observations and inner thoughts.

What Bully B. Does at School Today:
Blocks my way.
Asks me questions that aren't really questions. Like,
"Why are you so weird?"

What Her Friends Do:
Laugh

What Everyone Else Does:
Nothing

What I Say When Mom Asks How 
My Day at School Was:
Fine

Her feelings are real and raw. It hurts to read of her endless pain. Her only solace is her dog Sparky. Eventually she is able to share her feelings with her mother and together they formulate a plan to help her cope with the hostility she encounters. The book ends on a hopeful note. 

​​While all problems with bullies are not quickly and easily solved, Hughes' book can serve as resource for helping children and adults acknowledge the problem of bullying and suggest positive proactive steps to deal with bullies. 
Sookocheff's line drawings are punctuated with blue and green blocks of color, echoing emotions.  This use of color is particularly evident in the  blue wash used to identify the narrator.  Near the story's conclusion, small hints of red are introduced.

Written for children, this picture book can serve as a resource for parents, caregivers, and professionals who work with young people who face the constant threat of bullying.

Review, images, and text based on uncorrected copy.

​Pub date: March 15, 2018       Publisher: Owlkids        ISBN: 978-1771471657