After: A Survivor's Story

by Hallee Adelman, Patrick Corrigan (Illustrator)

Genres: Picture Books, Activism

32 pages, Hardcover

Published September 4, 2025

Reviews

[Kirsten Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sitting here in the public library feeling all the feels as I read this book. I come to this story with so many perspectives: a community member outraged that this story, as well written as it is, even has to be told; an educator who has to practice lockdown drills with young children in case an active shooter comes to my own school; and most personal of all, I carry the perspective of losing my cousin in a church shooting and how his last picture in life will always be when he was 17-years-old and full of life.

Yes - I bring so many perspectives to this book and every single one of my perspectives appreciated the bold strength and the sensitive but powerful approach of this beautiful book that allows adults and children to come together and discuss such a tough and real topic of our world.

And please, read the afterword by Sam Fuentes, survivor of a shooting in her own high school.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sad that this story needed to be written but it is powerful and empowering for children who survive horrific events. Readers meet a young girl, who has survived and is struggling to figure out normal again. She lost a friend and isn't sure why he died and she didn't. Adelman takes readers through the gamut of emotions and the typical responses this child has to cope with from others. She finds strength when she joins with others and shares the emotions with them. I love the ending when she helps a child younger than her find ways to cope. She empowers him to face the future and join the survivors. An affirming story for those who have gone through shootings and for those who strive to understand how to help survivors.

[Eileen Ruvane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an empowering book about discovering strength through community after trauma. Told through the eyes of a child who has survived the “Horrible Day,” this story does not minimize emotions or provide pat answers about how to recover from traumatic events. The child struggles to understand her fear and wonders whether she will ever feel safe again. When she hears of another Horrible Day in another place, she and her family come together at a protest with other survivors, where she is reminded that she is still strong, even when she doesn’t feel like it. This is an important book told with heart and care about things that are hard to talk about. It’s heartbreaking, but violence and trauma affect so many children, including those who don’t directly experience Horrible Days. This book can spur essential conversations to help children understand and process their emotions.

[Jolene Gutiérrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, how I wish we didn't need books like this--books about Horrible Days that involve violence and loss. But the truth is, we DO need books like this. Survivors and others in our communities need these books because there's work to be done to end school shootings and violence. Recommended for schools, libraries, and counselors' offices.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A picture book meant to help kids who have been part of a school shooting. Focuses on the need to fight back and understand you will feel bad and good on different days. A needed picture book about something no one wants to need for their kid.

[Shoshanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story from the perspective of a child who has been through a school shooting, which could really help young people understand how kids their age would feel after this. Meeting other survivors and fighting for change helps lift her spirits!

[Magenta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really glad that this type of narrative exists in a form specifically designed for young children. Adult decisions will always impact the youngest and the most vulnerable among us, and they deserve to have this type of story available to them. An incredibly powerful read.

[Dolores · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a terrific and uplifting book. But, oh how I wish we didn't need it.

[Y.Poston]

helpful for processing trauma with children

[Maura · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book that tackles the aftermath and feelings a child may have after experiencing gun violence. Ambiguous enough, but able to start helpful and healing conversations.