Show Notes

What to Say Next – The Issue

The following issues are part of the storyline in What to Say Next:

• • Bullying
  • Depression
  • Family Relationships
  • Friendship
  • Grief
  • Secrets

About What to Say Next

My conversation with Emily Roberson about the book covers some of the following points:

• David Drucker and Kit Lowell are two very distinct, well-developed characters
• Julie Buxbaum’s portrayal of a teen boy with autism is realistic and, at times, gut-wrenching
• Her portrayal of a grieving teen girl is also authentic and compelling
• The involvement and advocacy of the parents in the book is inspiring and affirming
• The characters’ relationships with their parents are complex and believable – from Kit facing her mother’s flaws to David’s mother sitting next to him and rocking alongside him as he processed a trauma
• There are stand-up-and-cheer moments and crying moments

The Ish Girl’s Notes

After the bleakness of watching all thirteen episodes of 13 Reasons Why for Episode 19, this book was a welcome counterbalance. It’s optimism, the growth of the characters, the relationship that develops between Kit and David, the support that both characters receive from adults – these were all positive themes in the book.

Download Discussion Questions

I created a set of discussion questions so that you can discuss the book with your teens. You can download the questions here and use them as another way to gain insight into where your teen falls on the issues highlighted in the book.