After: A Survivor's Story

by Hallee Adelman, Patrick Corrigan (Illustrator)

Genres: Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

Published September 4, 2025

Reviews

[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!

[Dolores · Rating 4 out of 5]

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