Life Happens Next

De: Terry Trueman

Narrado por: Johnny Heller

Stuck in Neutral, a Printz Honor Book, introduced the world to Shawn McDaniel, a fourteen-year-old kid with cerebral palsy. But what happens next?

Shawn's got a new perspective on life. But no one has a clue. That's because they can see only his wheelchair, his limp body, his drool. What they don't see? His brain, with perfect auditory memory. And his heart, which is in love with a girl. And his fierce belief that someday someone will realize there's way more to him than his appearance.

How do you connect with others when you can't talk, walk, or even wave hello? In the sequel to Stuck in Neutral, which ALA Booklist called ""an intense reading experience,"" Shawn McDaniel discovers a new definition of ""normal"" and finds that life happens next for everyone.

A Complete Affirmation of the Importance of a Life

What did you love best about Life Happens Next?

Terry Trueman totally gets having a kid with really severe cerebral palsy, and does an awesome job of trying to get inside the mind of such a kid. I had a nephew much like Sean, who touched so many lives.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Sean, because it is his story, but Debbie was really important, too.

Have you listened to any of Johnny Heller’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I listened to Stuck in Neutral by him, so I was glad he read this one, too. He was perfect for it. His voice sounds young, though he can't be all that young. He made Sean come alive!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Absolutely! It's short, so give yourself the time to do so. But, read the first book first, so you can see how the author brought everything so much more powerful.

Any additional comments?

This should be required reading for high school students, who often think their lives are so tough! I think anyone who doubts whether the life of a severely disabled person is worth something should read this. I read that Trueman is the dad of a severe CP son.