What Happened Then - by Erin Soderberg Downing (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Avery is a firecracke...Her cousin, Jax, is a wall flower, because sometimes it's better to stay quiet when the alternative is to be told that you're doing or saying everything wrong. They seem to be the only ones who don't know what happened years ago when their family shattered and went off in different directions. When their beloved Aunt Robbie...delivers some devastating news. Avery and Jax learn that by the end of the summer, the island that's been a part of their family for generations is going upfor sale. Forced to stay on the island with their estranged family to get it into shape to sell, Avery and Jax begin to dig through the history of the long-abandoned house and its contents...including a sprinkling of diary pages that were hidden around the island decades ago, the summer their family was torn apart"--

Book Synopsis

A USA Today Bestseller!

"Get ready for a smart, fun, sharply written, page-turning heart-clencher of a story. I would follow Avery and Jax anywhere. And I will read everything Erin Soderberg Downing writes." - Natalie Lloyd, bestselling author of Hummingbird and The Witching Wind

In this alternating narrative by bestselling author Erin Soderberg Downing, a decades-old family secret is buried within the sand, water, and woods... waiting for cousins Avery and Jax to find it and uncover the truth.

Avery is a firecracker. In a crayon box of colors, she's the shocking pink and laser lemon, when all she wants is to be a quiet tan or soft cornflower blue. Her cousin, Jax, is a wall flower, because sometimes it's better to stay quiet when the alternative is to be told that you're doing or saying everything wrong. They seem to be the only ones who don't know what happened years ago when their family shattered and went off in different directions.

When their beloved Aunt Robbie summons the large, estranged family together for a gathering at their broken-down family cabin on Crooked Lake, instead of getting the answer, Aunt Robbie delivers some devastating news. Avery and Jax learn that by the end of the summer, the island that's been a part of their family for generations is going up for sale.

Forced to stay on the island with their estranged family to get it into shape to sell, Avery and Jax begin to dig through the history of the long-abandoned house and its contents... including a sprinkling of diary pages that were hidden around the island decades ago, the summer their family was torn apart.

In this alternating narrative by bestselling author Erin Soderberg Downing, two cousins are finally beginning to understand the joy of family--however cracked and imperfect theirs might be. But if they have any chance of gluing their broken family back together, they'll have to first figure out what happened then.

Review Quotes

Praise for What Happened Then

A USA Today Bestseller!

A 2026 Edgar Award Nominee

* "A virtuoso trio connects then and now with gratifyingly healing results." -- School Library Journal (starred review)

"Get ready for a smart, fun, sharply written, page-turning heart-clencher of a story. I would follow Avery and Jax anywhere. And I will read everything Erin writes." - Natalie Lloyd, bestselling author of Hummingbird and The Witching Wind

"A beautiful story of a fractured family finding its way across generational divides to find connection, understanding, and the magic of togetherness. With a twisting mystery, wonderful characters, and an enticing setting, What Happened Then will captivate readers of all kinds." - Ann Braden, critically-acclaimed author of The Benefits of Being an Octopus

"A gripping mystery with a big, beating heart at its center, What Happened Then is an expertly crafted family drama that readers of all kinds will by turns find relatable and revelatory. This is middle grade fiction at its very best." - Jarrett Lerner, award-winning author of A Work in Progress

"A compelling summer mystery, with emotional depth and life lessons to boot." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Soderberg Downing utilizes alternating first-person perspectives to craft a relatable and realistic drama. -- Publishers Weekly

Praise for Just Keep Walking

"Nimbly plotted and deftly insightful." ― Kirkus Reviews

"If you like my books, then you'll love this one. It's a story filled with adventure and heart." - Dusti Bowling, author of The Canyon's Edge

"Outdoor adventure, a believable but not excessive amount of family tension, and a determined middle grade protagonist―these add up to an absorbing read with a satisfying conclusion." - Cathy Carr, author of 365 Days to Alaska

"Jo's emotional struggles and humor bring a richness and levity that make this one an enjoyable pageturner." - Afoma Umesi, Reading Middle Grade Blog

"A page-turning adventure story of resilence, forgiveness, and finding one's inner strength." - Elly Swartz, author of Hidden Truths

"A fun, heartfelt tale of adventure, family, and determination that will make you just keep reading." -- Dan Gemeinhart, award-winning author of The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise

Praise for Controlled Burn

"Sensitively wrought... Soderburg Downing meaningfully explores the healing power of nature and the beauty of connecting with family in this vibrantly detailed adventure." -- Publisher's Weekly

"A gorgeous, tender, wonderful book. Controlled Burn is a testament to the power and beauty of everyday moments of bravery, compassion, and love." -- Anne Ursu, author of The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy

"A compelling and moving exploration of the bonds of family, overcoming fears, and the power of friendship." -- Hena Khan, award-winning author of Amina's Voice

About the Author

Erin Soderberg Downing has published more than seventy-five highly acclaimed novels for kids, including What Happened Then, Controlled Burn, and Just Keep Walking. She has also written several popular and bestselling series for young readers: The Great Peach Experiment, Puppy Pirates, and Just Like Home. Erin loves reading, swimming, creating pottery, exploring the woods, traveling with her family, and walking around Minneapolis lakes with her mischievous dog, Nutmeg. More info can be found at erinsoderberg.com.