Name: After the Worst Thing Happens
ISBN: 9780823444908

Audrey Vernick

Twelve-year-old Army is reeling after her thoughtlessness leads to her dog's death, but channels her grief into a plan to help keep the new neighbors' autistic daughter from wandering away.

After the Worst Thing Happens

Paige Green

Disclaimer: I received this arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.

Book: After the Worst Thing Happens

Author: Audrey Vernick

Book Series: Standalone

Rating: 4/5

Diversity: autistic child/ friend

Recommended For...: pet death books, overcoming grief, MG

Publication Date: May 5, 2020

Genre: MG Comtemporary

Recommended Age: 12+ (pet loss, death)

Publisher: Margaret Ferguson Books

Pages: 224

Synopsis: 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.

Review: I thought this book was very well done. The story is compelling and the characters are very well developed. I loved the inclusion of an autistic child. The book is also extremely well written and evenly paced from the beginning.

However, I do wish that the world building was done a bit better. It was ok, but I think it could have been better. I also want to say that the pet death was heart wrenching it almost made me stop reading the book.

Verdict: It was a well done novel!