Rob Buyea: Hello, my name's Rob Buyea and I am the author of What Comes Next. This novel features Thea, a middle school girl who feels responsible for a tragic accident and the loss of her very best friend. And who only begins to heal and forgive herself after her family adopts an extraordinary rescue dog. In preparing for today's talk, when thinking about What Comes Next, I was reminded of Barbara Park's wonderful novel Mick Harte Was Here. I used to love reading that book to my students when I was a teacher. You get a dose of sad right up front in the very beginning. And then lots of laughs to follow.

Readers can expect the same in What Comes Next. Rest assured, Thea's story is a hopeful one, full of my trademark humor and feel-good moments. This is definitely a book I would have loved to read aloud to my students. It's a quick read that packs a punch, gives you all the feels, and will leave you with much to ponder and discuss. This is a story that's been with me for a long time. And one that poured from my heart when writing it. I hope you enjoy it.

And now I'd like to share just the opening page from my novel What Comes Next:

Forewarning. When you own a dog, you end up with lots of incredible tales to tell, but none are quite like the one I've got for you now -- not even Old Yeller or Where The Red Fern Grows. And I know, those are forever classic dog stories. I love them too. But what happened to me is totally different. It's something you've got to hear, and I'll warn you, you're probably not going to believe it, but it's true -- every word. I swear on Charlie's grave.