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Army Morand feels like her world has changed overnight when after an
unfortunate accident, her beloved dog passed away. Army feels terrible
because it was her fault that her beloved dog, Maybe got sick. She is
having a hard time coming to terms with his death and she is hiding from
her best friend, JennaLouise.
One day, Army sees the new girl that moved in across the street, Madison wandering around the street by herself. Army sees that Madison is also climbing a tree and goes out on the roof by herself. Army finds herself wanting to help Madison's family and making sure nothing happens to them. However, when a big storm is headed their way, will Army be able to find Madison when she goes missing?
The novel was an interesting read about a young girl dealing with sorrow and coming to terms with dealing with death and loss. She decides to use her energy to help a young family in need as a way to help her grieve her beloved dog. I thought the novel was an okay read. I didn't bond with any of the characters. I thought it was odd that the mother relied on Army without consulting Army's mother first. I feel like that she was stressed out and wanted Army to feel useful but, she should have talked to Army's mother first. I felt that some of the dialogue felt forced. I did like that there was some humor sprinkled throughout the story and that the author showcased one of the different spectrums of Autism.
One day, Army sees the new girl that moved in across the street, Madison wandering around the street by herself. Army sees that Madison is also climbing a tree and goes out on the roof by herself. Army finds herself wanting to help Madison's family and making sure nothing happens to them. However, when a big storm is headed their way, will Army be able to find Madison when she goes missing?
The novel was an interesting read about a young girl dealing with sorrow and coming to terms with dealing with death and loss. She decides to use her energy to help a young family in need as a way to help her grieve her beloved dog. I thought the novel was an okay read. I didn't bond with any of the characters. I thought it was odd that the mother relied on Army without consulting Army's mother first. I feel like that she was stressed out and wanted Army to feel useful but, she should have talked to Army's mother first. I felt that some of the dialogue felt forced. I did like that there was some humor sprinkled throughout the story and that the author showcased one of the different spectrums of Autism.
**Disclosure - I received a free unedited copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**
About the Book:
Title: AFTER THE WORST THING
HAPPENS
Author: Audrey Vernick
Pub. Date: July 7, 2020
Publisher: Margaret Ferguson Books
Formats: Hardcover, eBook
Pages: 224
Left reeling after her thoughtless mistake causes a terrible
accident, 12-year-old Army Morand channels her grief to help someone in need.
Army Morand feels like her life has been blown to bits when the worst thing imaginable happens--her beloved dog dies. It was an accident, but it was also Army's fault. She can't seem to stop hiding from everything and everybody including her best friend JennaLouise.
But then Army sees Madison, the little girl who moved in across the way, climbing a tree and walking down the street unsupervised. Her family is not neglectful, just overwhelmed. Army finds herself overcome with the need to help Madison's family to make sure another worst thing doesn't happen--which becomes even more challenging when a big storm threatens her town.
Army Morand feels like her life has been blown to bits when the worst thing imaginable happens--her beloved dog dies. It was an accident, but it was also Army's fault. She can't seem to stop hiding from everything and everybody including her best friend JennaLouise.
But then Army sees Madison, the little girl who moved in across the way, climbing a tree and walking down the street unsupervised. Her family is not neglectful, just overwhelmed. Army finds herself overcome with the need to help Madison's family to make sure another worst thing doesn't happen--which becomes even more challenging when a big storm threatens her town.
"The subjects are heavy, but Army’s
young voice infuses them with humor and warmth, even when her path forward
seems uncertain. 'Just go with it and make things happen before you totally
understand how to do all of it,' Army suggests, a hard-won lesson that young
readers will take to heart." —Booklist
"this is fundamentally the story of small moments of growth and insight. Army’s first-person narration feels particularly authentic as she navigates her intense feelings"—The Horn Book
"In short chapters told from Army’s earnest first-person perspective, she finds new ways to negotiate with her caring but emotionally reserved parents and steps out of her own comfort zone; this exploration of family dynamics is where the novel shines."—Kirkus Reviews
"With moments of humor, Vernick (Two Naomis) weaves together a well-paced story that explores grief in all its raw pain, as well as the power of friends, family, and community to help heal." —Publishers Weekly
"this is fundamentally the story of small moments of growth and insight. Army’s first-person narration feels particularly authentic as she navigates her intense feelings"—The Horn Book
"In short chapters told from Army’s earnest first-person perspective, she finds new ways to negotiate with her caring but emotionally reserved parents and steps out of her own comfort zone; this exploration of family dynamics is where the novel shines."—Kirkus Reviews
"With moments of humor, Vernick (Two Naomis) weaves together a well-paced story that explores grief in all its raw pain, as well as the power of friends, family, and community to help heal." —Publishers Weekly
About Audrey:
Audrey grew up in
Whitestone, New York, where she lived with her parents and two sisters and a
not very bright small white dog. She has a freaky memory about the names of the
kids in her class at P.S. 184Q, and even remembers where most of them stood in size
order.
She always loved
to read and still rereads Harriet the Spy on a regular basis. She was not one of those children who always
knew she wanted to be a writer; she didn't love to write until college. She's
been writing ever since.
In addition to
writing for children, Audrey has published more than a dozen short stories for
adults in magazines and literary journals. She received an mfa from Sarah
Lawrence College.
Audrey divides
her time between writing (which is mostly spent revising) and visiting
elementary schools to talk about writing and publishing. (For school visit
info, click here.) She also speaks at
conferences around the country.
She lives near
the ocean in New Jersey with her family, and one fairly intelligent
medium-sized black dog.
Audrey Vernick
received a 2019 Fellowship from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
Giveaway
Details:
3
winners will receive a finished copy of AFTER THE WORST THING HAPPENS, US Only.
Rafflecopter link:
Tour Schedule:
Week One:
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