What do you think?
Rate this book
After the Worst Thing Happens
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.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published May 5, 2020
3 people are currently reading
1712 people want to read
About the author
Audrey Vernick
36 books150 followersAudrey Vernick is the author of books for young readers.
Forthcoming titles:
When I Redraw the World, illustrated by Heather Fox
Homesick, written with Liz Garton Scanlon, illustrated by Daniel Miyares
www.audreyvernick.com
Forthcoming titles:
When I Redraw the World, illustrated by Heather Fox
Homesick, written with Liz Garton Scanlon, illustrated by Daniel Miyares
www.audreyvernick.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
June 28, 2020
SO WHOLESOME Review to be posted!
July 8, 2020
[Blog]::[Youtube]::[Twitter]::[Instagram]::[Pinterest]::[Bloglovin]
Many thanks to Margaret Ferguson Books for providing me this book for my review.
There are so many things that I liked about this story. Firstly, I thought the author covered the topic of Autism very well. Also, this was the first book I have read where I learnt of non-verbal autism, and I found the topic interesting. Moreover, being a dog lover, I could only imagine the pain that Army goes through when she loses ‘Maybe’. I also liked how the author indirectly emphasizes on how to prepare yourself during a hurricane.
The author also wrote the characters in such an uplifting way. Even though the story covers quite a few serious topics, Army’s friends and family always try to cheer her up. I loved Elsie Jenkins. She can be very annoying at times, but she grew on me and I loved her no-nonsense attitude. Navy is also a sweet brother to Army. Also, I loved the creativity the author put into the novel. Even the names of the characters like Army, Navy and Maybe make the story stand out.
Probably the only thing which I got irked with was how Irene became dependent on Army to look after Madison. While I understand how Irene could get frazzled by raising children, I didn’t like that she relied on Army without speaking with Army’s parents. She should have been more responsible in handling the situation. However, on the other hand, the story highlights that even adults do not have all the answers and depend on children for help at times. I am happy on how Army managed the situation, but wished the author wrote Irene to be a focused mother.
Overall, After the Worst Thing Happens is very endearing and I enjoyed reading it a lot.
May 11, 2021
I feel like I'm guilty of throwing around the word "heartwarming" a lot when it comes to contemporary middle grade, but for once I don't feel like that is the correct descriptor. This book, rather, is good-hearted. Army is one determined girl who is desperate to help the family who has moved in across the street in the wake of a tragedy that has befallen—and seems to have affected only her, if you're judging by her parents' reactions.
(By the way, I'm trying to keep this review shorter than the ones I've done recently, but we'll see if I actually accomplish it.)
One of the things I most appreciated about this book was how well everything was woven together. Obviously every great book comes full circle in the end, and this was no exception, but where it really stood out to me was the intersection of the business Army's parents run, and the death of her dog. Because the family lives in an area where hurricanes are prevalent, they run a business called Never Happened, where they help people prepare for storms as well as clean up the wreckage afterward. Unfortunately... the mother is a little too zealous when it comes to making things seems as if they never happened. I think you can guess what I'm getting at. But ultimately this is addressed in a meaningful conversation between mother and daughter, showing that sometimes memories can be tied to things for some people, and that's okay. I loved that.
There are so many other elements of this book I could talk about, from the way Army views a classmate changing for the better (although I was starting to get scared her friend JennaLouise, introduced at the start of the book, was falling by the wayside), to her dedication to helping the new neighbors. And the way that wraps up, in particular, is lovely. But I think I will wrap this review up here and let you read this book about processing grief and coming together for yourself.
(By the way, I'm trying to keep this review shorter than the ones I've done recently, but we'll see if I actually accomplish it.)
One of the things I most appreciated about this book was how well everything was woven together. Obviously every great book comes full circle in the end, and this was no exception, but where it really stood out to me was the intersection of the business Army's parents run, and the death of her dog. Because the family lives in an area where hurricanes are prevalent, they run a business called Never Happened, where they help people prepare for storms as well as clean up the wreckage afterward. Unfortunately... the mother is a little too zealous when it comes to making things seems as if they never happened. I think you can guess what I'm getting at. But ultimately this is addressed in a meaningful conversation between mother and daughter, showing that sometimes memories can be tied to things for some people, and that's okay. I loved that.
There are so many other elements of this book I could talk about, from the way Army views a classmate changing for the better (although I was starting to get scared her friend JennaLouise, introduced at the start of the book, was falling by the wayside), to her dedication to helping the new neighbors. And the way that wraps up, in particular, is lovely. But I think I will wrap this review up here and let you read this book about processing grief and coming together for yourself.
January 5, 2022
Low 4 stars. Very boring. The same exciting thing with the service dog just kept on getting talked about over and over again and it was pretty boring. The entire story could of been said in 3 pages. I hated Irene. She was just weird
July 29, 2020
AFTER THE WORST THING HAPPENS is a compelling middle grade about dealing with death and loss. Army Morand absolutely adores her dog, Maybe. After Maybe dies, Army feels horrible, especially because she inadvertently contributed to his illness. Dealing with the guilt on top of the loss, Army is very depressed and having trouble dealing with life stuff.
She helps to take care of her younger brother, Navy, and one day when she is picking him up, she sees some service dogs. She thinks of them again when she is thinking about how to help a neighbor who is struggling. Her neighbor has a non-verbal child, Madison, who is on the autism spectrum, as well as twin infants. Madison often escapes the house and climbs things, which scares her mother. The service dogs may be the answer to helping her neighbor, as they can be a companion to help non-verbal children and keep them safe. Suddenly, Army has a new purpose.
Army is a highly endearing character, and I appreciated hearing her story. The book covers a lot in terms of her relationships with family and friends, both old and new. Army grows throughout the book with the aid of the other characters. This is a really heartfelt and genuine read that captures Army so well.
Compelling, heartfelt, and highly readable, AFTER THE WORST THING HAPPENS is a great middle grade book about grief and personal growth. Highly recommend picking this one up. Please note that I received an eARC from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
She helps to take care of her younger brother, Navy, and one day when she is picking him up, she sees some service dogs. She thinks of them again when she is thinking about how to help a neighbor who is struggling. Her neighbor has a non-verbal child, Madison, who is on the autism spectrum, as well as twin infants. Madison often escapes the house and climbs things, which scares her mother. The service dogs may be the answer to helping her neighbor, as they can be a companion to help non-verbal children and keep them safe. Suddenly, Army has a new purpose.
Army is a highly endearing character, and I appreciated hearing her story. The book covers a lot in terms of her relationships with family and friends, both old and new. Army grows throughout the book with the aid of the other characters. This is a really heartfelt and genuine read that captures Army so well.
Compelling, heartfelt, and highly readable, AFTER THE WORST THING HAPPENS is a great middle grade book about grief and personal growth. Highly recommend picking this one up. Please note that I received an eARC from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
April 1, 2020
Absolutely a great read. It is empowering, uplifting, and timeless. The story grows with the main character who learns to trust herself as she expands her world to help those around her. She forces herself past the grief and guilt that seems as if it may consume her. I so loved Army (her name is a story in itself), her family dynamics, and her way of looking at the world. She is a character to be appreciated. (I read an ARC picked up at ALA.)
May 23, 2020
I really wanted to love this book, and for the most part I did, but there was one thing that kept me from loving it overall. The relationship Army developed with her adult next-door-neighbor rubbed me the wrong way. Irene, a mother of three, somewhat befriends Army and starts to rely on her for help. There is one time Irene does say that she shouldn’t be burdening Army with her problems but she still does. It also made me uncomfortable that her parents weren’t really aware of this relationship. I think that Irene, as the adult, had the responsibility of contacting Army’s parents after their first meeting. What I did enjoy was the evolution of Army’s character and the growth she showed as a person. I really like Elsie, who Army and her friend JennaLouise aren’t too nice to at first. I liked seeing the neighborhood come together when it was needed. The writing was good. Just not sure I would recommend this book. #ARC
June 22, 2020
I received an electronic ARC from Holiday House Publishing, Inc. through Edelweiss+.
Vernick's main character, Army, is a typical 12-year old in many ways but she's also a child grieving for her dog who dies during the story. She also has typical struggles in her relationship with her mom. Shortly after this, a new family moves in with an autistic daughter. Army transfers her grief and guilt over her dog's death to protecting Madison. She also finds a new friend and has to balance her two friends and how to be a friend to both. Vernick adds one more element - a major hurricane that triggers all sorts of "worst things" including Madison getting lost. By the end, everyone is moving forward with their lives, and Army is instrumental in much of it.
Vernick pulls so much together that it feels contrived at some moments. The relationship between the mom who just moved in and 12-year old Army is a bit concerning but also shows the desperation for help for both characters. There is much to like in this book as you'd expect from a Vernick novel but it doesn't all flow together as smoothly as I'd hoped.
Triggers -death, severe storm (damage but no deaths)
Vernick's main character, Army, is a typical 12-year old in many ways but she's also a child grieving for her dog who dies during the story. She also has typical struggles in her relationship with her mom. Shortly after this, a new family moves in with an autistic daughter. Army transfers her grief and guilt over her dog's death to protecting Madison. She also finds a new friend and has to balance her two friends and how to be a friend to both. Vernick adds one more element - a major hurricane that triggers all sorts of "worst things" including Madison getting lost. By the end, everyone is moving forward with their lives, and Army is instrumental in much of it.
Vernick pulls so much together that it feels contrived at some moments. The relationship between the mom who just moved in and 12-year old Army is a bit concerning but also shows the desperation for help for both characters. There is much to like in this book as you'd expect from a Vernick novel but it doesn't all flow together as smoothly as I'd hoped.
Triggers -death, severe storm (damage but no deaths)
July 4, 2020
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!
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!
April 24, 2020
Thank you to the author and publisher for an ARC of this book for #bookportage.
In this bittersweet story, twelve year old Army suffers a huge loss when her dog, Maybe, dies, and she carries the responsibility for it. She is dealing with big emotions such as loss, guilty, and worry, when her attention is turned to the new little girl across the street whom she finds walking down the street barefoot in the rain. Army discovers that Madison has nonverbal autism, and her family is struggling with her leaving the house alone. Army wants to fundraise to get Madison a dog that could help her from an organization that she heard do a presentation at her brother's Cub Scout meeting. But when a major storm arrives and brings destruction that thwarts Army's plans, it also opens up possibilities for people to come together, help each other, and find opportunities in unexpected places.
Although my own pet loss is still painful and made this a difficult story to read, I loved watching Army's attachment to Madison and her family. Army's need to prevent another unavoidable accident fuels her passion to get Madison a dog to help her, and her tenacity is admirable. I also love the spirit of community in this book, neighbors supporting each other through a difficult time, and making unexpected things happen with their generosity toward others.
I would put this book into the hands of kids who like sad stories, though its so much more than that with its hope and love.
In this bittersweet story, twelve year old Army suffers a huge loss when her dog, Maybe, dies, and she carries the responsibility for it. She is dealing with big emotions such as loss, guilty, and worry, when her attention is turned to the new little girl across the street whom she finds walking down the street barefoot in the rain. Army discovers that Madison has nonverbal autism, and her family is struggling with her leaving the house alone. Army wants to fundraise to get Madison a dog that could help her from an organization that she heard do a presentation at her brother's Cub Scout meeting. But when a major storm arrives and brings destruction that thwarts Army's plans, it also opens up possibilities for people to come together, help each other, and find opportunities in unexpected places.
Although my own pet loss is still painful and made this a difficult story to read, I loved watching Army's attachment to Madison and her family. Army's need to prevent another unavoidable accident fuels her passion to get Madison a dog to help her, and her tenacity is admirable. I also love the spirit of community in this book, neighbors supporting each other through a difficult time, and making unexpected things happen with their generosity toward others.
I would put this book into the hands of kids who like sad stories, though its so much more than that with its hope and love.
July 27, 2020
**2.5 Stars**
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.
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.
August 22, 2022
Unfortunately it wasn’t the best. I wanted to like it, and did for about 1/3 of the book, but there wasn’t any substance to the story. I found myself skimming just to get through, and still it wasn’t a fun read. Nothing wrong with the writing style, the story was just flat. It was a good idea however. Army wants to get a service dog for Madison (a neighbor with autism who keeps running away). Army’s parents own a business “Never Happened” that’s helps people prepare for disasters and her parents are a bit removed from Army emotionally (busy parents). I get the impression they live in a nice small community where people know each other (more of my childhood, but not typical now). I did like her neighborhood and the care people had for each other. This is a community that you’d want to live in, where people support each other (probably low crime, too). Army has a dog Maybe (really liked this story until it sadly ended). Army’s life goes into turmoil and she tries to find some meaning for her dogs lose and doing good to help others. A lot of miserable things happen to Army, which feels a bit much, and then in the end things work out. Trying not to give away too many spoilers. It was just a flat story that didn’t pull me in. Maybe because there was a lot happening I never felt connected to anyone. I would have liked it better if there was more character development. Things predictably happen. Anyway, the author is a good writer, just kind of a boring story, unfortunately.
October 3, 2024
After losing her beloved dog, Maybe, Army isn’t sure how to go on in this ‘new normal’. What makes everything worse is that she knows the accident could have been avoided and that she only has herself to blame. When new neighbors move in, Army keeps finding herself in the right place at the right time when the neighbor’s oldest child, Madison (who is non-verbal and Autistic) keeps wandering off. Seeing how frazzled Madison’s mother is raising infant twins, raising Madison, and settling into a new place, Army makes it her mission to help the family.
I thought this was a touching story and I’m surprised by how much I enjoyed it given I usually avoid any loss of pets in books whenever I can help it. The overall growth was worth the sadness in the beginning. I especially liked watching Army’s friendship with Elsie grow.
As someone with two non-verbal Autistic family members, I thought Madison was portrayed well. What I didn’t like so much was the relationship between Irene and Army. There was a lot of emotional intensity there. Given the age group this book is written for, it blurs the lines of what a healthy adult/child acquaintanceship should look like, especially where Irene is more or less a stranger. Regardless, this book tells a touching story about loss, grief, friendship, and helping others.
I thought this was a touching story and I’m surprised by how much I enjoyed it given I usually avoid any loss of pets in books whenever I can help it. The overall growth was worth the sadness in the beginning. I especially liked watching Army’s friendship with Elsie grow.
As someone with two non-verbal Autistic family members, I thought Madison was portrayed well. What I didn’t like so much was the relationship between Irene and Army. There was a lot of emotional intensity there. Given the age group this book is written for, it blurs the lines of what a healthy adult/child acquaintanceship should look like, especially where Irene is more or less a stranger. Regardless, this book tells a touching story about loss, grief, friendship, and helping others.
May 5, 2020
Thank you to the author and Holiday House publishing for sharing an early copy with #bookexpedition.
Twelve year old Army has an amazing love for her dog, Maybe. But when an awful accident happens, the invisible bond between them is broken, and Maybe dies. Harboring guilt, Army can’t stop blaming herself for Maybe’s death and hides away from everyone, including her best friend.
But one day Army notices a little girl walking by herself in the middle of the street. Following her home, Army finds out that Madison, the new girl that’s moved in across the way, has nonverbal autism and leaves the house unsupervised.
Army has a strong desire to help, especially because she wants to avoid any more accidents. After seeing a presentation from Service with a Wag, Army decides she wants to fundraise to get Madison a service dog. But then a major hurricane arrives, and her plans to make sure nothing bad ever happens again are threatened.
Filled with themes of love, hope, friendship, and community, this MG novel will be a hit with kids who like “sad” books. Publishing in July 2020!
Twelve year old Army has an amazing love for her dog, Maybe. But when an awful accident happens, the invisible bond between them is broken, and Maybe dies. Harboring guilt, Army can’t stop blaming herself for Maybe’s death and hides away from everyone, including her best friend.
But one day Army notices a little girl walking by herself in the middle of the street. Following her home, Army finds out that Madison, the new girl that’s moved in across the way, has nonverbal autism and leaves the house unsupervised.
Army has a strong desire to help, especially because she wants to avoid any more accidents. After seeing a presentation from Service with a Wag, Army decides she wants to fundraise to get Madison a service dog. But then a major hurricane arrives, and her plans to make sure nothing bad ever happens again are threatened.
Filled with themes of love, hope, friendship, and community, this MG novel will be a hit with kids who like “sad” books. Publishing in July 2020!
December 24, 2020
Army comes from a solid family in a stable, middle class neighborhood and seems to be doing pretty well. But when her beloved dog dies, everything changes--guilt over Maybe's death hangs over her head, best friend JennaLouise seems to be pulling away when a new friend begins to horn into their friend circle, and a new mom in the neighborhood seems to need Army's help with a load that may be too big for a 12 year old to carry. Readers in grades 4-6 may see this book's conclusion coming, but that won't make it any less satisfying. Author Audrey Vernick's characters in After the Worst Thing Happens are well-developed and their counterparts are present in every middle campus. Students who enjoy realistic fiction with a message of hope even in the midst of despair will love this friendship and dog focused novel. Librarians and care-givers of the target audience will be pleased at the absence of any profanity, violence or sexual content and ELA teachers can easily use this book for character studies and excellent examples of descriptive language.
Thanks for the ARC, Amazon Vine.
Thanks for the ARC, Amazon Vine.
July 23, 2020
" The hardest part about losing a pet you love is not when you say goodbye. It's the way your entire world changes without them and the emptiness that's left in your heart when they go"
It's too hard being a pet lover, to get over a book like this. But Oh! This book is so wholesome and empowering. 12 yo Army Morand treasures the two most important things in her life- her dog 'MayBe' and her friendship with JennaLouise. But one terrible accident blows her life into bits. The tidings of MayBe's death filled her heart with the most poignant grief. It was somewhere Army's fault and she carried the responsibility of her dog's death. She felt this permanent emptiness in her life and thought she would never get out of it until one day, she saw a girl walking in the middle of the street, very much unaware of her surroundings.
She saw the girl climbing through the window of a house. When she knocked on the door, she discovered that the girl named Madison is a non-verbal autistic child. Her mother has two more infants to take care of single handedly and somehow Madison is the one who is left out neglected. Army felt a strong urge to do something to help the girl. But neither does she have any resources nor anyone to advice her. Army's bittersweet relationship with her mother wasn't helping the cause either. But just when she finally figured out a plan, a major hurricane hit their town triggering the worst of the worst things possible- Madison went missing. Read the book to find out what happens next.
My views- The book carries a beautiful message for us all- Sometimes things may go wrong, bad things might happen but life, life shall go. We mustn't let the bad things break us 'cause one day, things will fall into place and everything will just be 'fine'.
This book is so full of life and hope. It will give you tears but when you finish reading it, you'll have a smile across your face. The writing is beautiful and so is the story. Army is such a gem. I loved her so much and I wanted to hug her and tell her that it's okay, bad things happen and we can't really do anything about it. She thinks beyond herself which is why you can't help but give all your heart to her. The extent she goes to help Madison is beyond words. I grieved with her and I cried happy tears with her. I loved how the bond between Army and her mother took an unexpected turn and she understood what her daughter needed all this time.
It's categorized under Middle-grades but it's an apt read for adults too. The language is lucid, easy for any age group above 12 to understand. The autism rep is wonderfully portrayed. It is so important to familiarize people about autistic traits, treating them with care and making an inclusive environment for them, which is why it's important to introduce this book to middle grade children. Highly recommending this book.
It's too hard being a pet lover, to get over a book like this. But Oh! This book is so wholesome and empowering. 12 yo Army Morand treasures the two most important things in her life- her dog 'MayBe' and her friendship with JennaLouise. But one terrible accident blows her life into bits. The tidings of MayBe's death filled her heart with the most poignant grief. It was somewhere Army's fault and she carried the responsibility of her dog's death. She felt this permanent emptiness in her life and thought she would never get out of it until one day, she saw a girl walking in the middle of the street, very much unaware of her surroundings.
She saw the girl climbing through the window of a house. When she knocked on the door, she discovered that the girl named Madison is a non-verbal autistic child. Her mother has two more infants to take care of single handedly and somehow Madison is the one who is left out neglected. Army felt a strong urge to do something to help the girl. But neither does she have any resources nor anyone to advice her. Army's bittersweet relationship with her mother wasn't helping the cause either. But just when she finally figured out a plan, a major hurricane hit their town triggering the worst of the worst things possible- Madison went missing. Read the book to find out what happens next.
My views- The book carries a beautiful message for us all- Sometimes things may go wrong, bad things might happen but life, life shall go. We mustn't let the bad things break us 'cause one day, things will fall into place and everything will just be 'fine'.
This book is so full of life and hope. It will give you tears but when you finish reading it, you'll have a smile across your face. The writing is beautiful and so is the story. Army is such a gem. I loved her so much and I wanted to hug her and tell her that it's okay, bad things happen and we can't really do anything about it. She thinks beyond herself which is why you can't help but give all your heart to her. The extent she goes to help Madison is beyond words. I grieved with her and I cried happy tears with her. I loved how the bond between Army and her mother took an unexpected turn and she understood what her daughter needed all this time.
It's categorized under Middle-grades but it's an apt read for adults too. The language is lucid, easy for any age group above 12 to understand. The autism rep is wonderfully portrayed. It is so important to familiarize people about autistic traits, treating them with care and making an inclusive environment for them, which is why it's important to introduce this book to middle grade children. Highly recommending this book.
September 17, 2020
Army’s character is one who I definitely want to reach into the pages and hug. After her dog, Maybe, accidentally passes away, Army carries around this guilt for day, weeks, months. When a new family moves to town with a young daughter, Madison, whose mother needs a lot of extra help with her, Army kind of takes it upon herself to “fix” their situation. In actuality she’s trying to make up for her mistake with Maybe.
As time goes on a lot of life lessons are learned by Army, and her family starts to fully understand her and what she’s going through.
As a teacher this is definitely a story I used with my kids for theme, tough questions, words of the wiser, and much more.
As time goes on a lot of life lessons are learned by Army, and her family starts to fully understand her and what she’s going through.
As a teacher this is definitely a story I used with my kids for theme, tough questions, words of the wiser, and much more.
October 1, 2020
What I liked about this book: From the get go, Army was a special narrator with a very specific voice. I enjoyed how casual this book felt, from the relatable family members, to the likable quirky characters, to the real life problems. This was a quick read due to almost immediate death of Maybe, and had a very sweet ending that tied everything up very well, aka a perfect middle grade read.
What I didn't like: I wish that there had been more time to get to know Maybe and really mourn his loss. He died so close to the beginning that I almost forgot about his death half the time, although I see how it influenced the rest of the story.
What I didn't like: I wish that there had been more time to get to know Maybe and really mourn his loss. He died so close to the beginning that I almost forgot about his death half the time, although I see how it influenced the rest of the story.
November 30, 2020
After Army's dog dies to carelessness on her behalf (which utterly destroyed me btw) she is a bit protective of one of her neighbor's children who happens to be non-verbal autistic.
Aside from destroying me, I loved this book because it actually felt it properly spoke from an 11, 12, or 13 year old, making decisions and saying things like they would. I appreciated it. Additionally, Vernick had assistance in making sure her portrayal of an autistic child was accurate and I really appreciated that, and it added to the authenticity of the story.
Also, I stayed up til 3 am reading this in one sitting because I just could not put it down.
Aside from destroying me, I loved this book because it actually felt it properly spoke from an 11, 12, or 13 year old, making decisions and saying things like they would. I appreciated it. Additionally, Vernick had assistance in making sure her portrayal of an autistic child was accurate and I really appreciated that, and it added to the authenticity of the story.
Also, I stayed up til 3 am reading this in one sitting because I just could not put it down.
August 14, 2020
This is my favorite kind of book. It never shouts or preens, just slowly (but never too slowly) and sweetly (but never too sweetly) unfolds a story I believed in from the very first page. Middle grade lit has lots of big-hearted heroines, but Army is special. Her voice is a tween's voice, her thoughts are a tween's thoughts, yet her actions are so compassionate and generous, we can only aspire to imitate them. Also--she is very funny! Vernick's expertise as a picture book writer shines through as she deftly chooses what to include and what to trust to the reader's own perceptions. A gem!
January 16, 2023
For parents and teachers: Please be aware that a dog dies in this book (very early on, no spoilers here!) and for kids who like sad stories, they will be okay with that. But for some young readers they don't like books with pet deaths, so this may not be the book for them right now.
I liked how Army took something very difficult and sad in her life and turned it into good for other people in her life. I also enjoyed seeing the community come together to help and support each other and I think seeing people do kind things is important for kids.
I liked how Army took something very difficult and sad in her life and turned it into good for other people in her life. I also enjoyed seeing the community come together to help and support each other and I think seeing people do kind things is important for kids.
June 8, 2020
Army is a gem! Her heart ripped from her chest when she causes the death of her pup, she struggles, but finds some healing as she helps Madison, her new neighbor. Army thinks beyond herself and is a wonderful example of empathy.
Highly recommend for intermediate and middle grade classrooms! As a reader who struggled with the loss of my pup years back, I grieved with Army and longed for peace as she struggled, but also loved the way she took Madison under her wing and searched out help.
Highly recommend for intermediate and middle grade classrooms! As a reader who struggled with the loss of my pup years back, I grieved with Army and longed for peace as she struggled, but also loved the way she took Madison under her wing and searched out help.
August 16, 2020
I am a big fan of Audrey and I use her picture books with my students. I was very interested in the middle grade novel. The worst thing happens to Army and she blames herself. But she works really hard at redeeming herself and befriends an autistic girl living across the street. After a natural disaster, Army is the one who finds the girl. A great story of becoming obstacles.
August 23, 2020
There is a lot going on in this book, but nothing felt fully developed.
September 9, 2020
Started off sad, but took a turn in the right direction. Main character sad, everyone around her helps to cheer her up by helping others! Good read.
October 18, 2020
Fantastic happy/sad/happy book, great cast of characters and friendships. Love puppy-swarmed!
October 18, 2020
“Because we are misunderstood.
But perfect.”
“I reach for the growing nugget of courage inside of me.”
But perfect.”
“I reach for the growing nugget of courage inside of me.”
Read
January 9, 2021A sweet story that was in my extra bag of books from the public library. It would be a good addition to a MG library.
February 9, 2021
This just was kind of "meh" for me...I thought the beginning was a bit slow. It picked up and got a little more interesting, but just not enough for me to highly recommend it to others.
February 10, 2021
Please read my review of this book on Amazon.com under C. Wong. Thank you.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews