Book Review: After the Worst Thing Happens by Audrey Vernick

“I watch Madison. The way she holds her head makes me think there’s something about being up that Madison really needs. I wonder if it makes her feel something like the way I feel under all those blankets—safer? Away from all the noise and mess and activity and worry of home. Is that what Madison feels when she sits high above the world, looking out? I think so—I hope so.”

Audrey Vernick, After the Worst Thing Happens

Review:

After losing her beloved dog, Maybe, Army isn’t sure how to go on in this ‘new normal’. What makes everything worse is that she knows the accident could have been avoided and that she only has herself to blame. When new neighbors move in, Army keeps finding herself in the right place at the right time when the neighbor’s oldest child, Madison (who is non-verbal and Autistic) keeps wandering off. Seeing how frazzled Madison’s mother is raising infant twins, raising Madison, and settling into a new place, Army makes it her mission to help the family. 

I thought this was a touching story and I’m surprised by how much I enjoyed it given I usually avoid any loss of pets in books whenever I can help it. The overall growth was worth the sadness in the beginning. I especially liked watching Army’s friendship with Elsie grow. 

As someone with two non-verbal Autistic family members, I thought Madison was portrayed well. What I didn’t like so much was the relationship between Irene and Army. There was a lot of emotional intensity there. Given the age group this book is written for, it blurs the lines of what a healthy adult/child acquaintanceship should look like, especially where Irene is more or less a stranger. Regardless, this book tells a touching story about loss, grief, friendship, and helping others. 

Likes & Dislikes:

What I liked:

• Army’s friendship with both JennaLouise and Elsie.
• Good character growth.
• A lot of morals to the story such as getting outside of yourself to help others, safety during natural disasters, animal safety, etc.

What I didn’t like:

• The way Irene latched on to Army and asking too much of her literally right off the street. That, and how Army keeps Irene and her family more or less a secret even though she wasn’t in any danger (although, she does continue to go over to their house even after her parents tell her not to).
• A few noticeable plot holes.

Afterthoughts:

This middle grade book translates pretty well to an older audience.

Where to buy the book: