A review by gem114
AfterMath by Emily Barth Isler

challenging emotional hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Aftermath is a great middle grades novel by Emily Barth Isler.  The story follows 7th grade Lucy in her transition to a new school. Her family moved to start over after her younger brother's death from a heart condition.  Lucy is no stranger to grief, and neither are any of her classmates at her new school.  Four years ago, there was a tragic school shooting at the school that killed 27 people, including students and staff.  Lucy struggles with balancing her own grief while learning about her classmates' traumas.  

I don't read that many middle grade novels, and I was surprised at how openly Aftermath confronted such serious topics.  Still, everything was definitely handled in an age-appropriate manner.  I even think this could be a great book for adults to read with the middle schoolers in their lives to open up lines of communication since that is a conflict in the story with Lucy and her parents.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Lerner Audiobooks for the ARC!
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