AfterMath by Emily Barth Isler – Book Review

Title: AfterMath Author: Emily Barth Isler Publisher: Carolrhoda Books Release Date: September 7, 2021

After Lucy’s 5-year-old brother dies from a heart defect, her parents move her to a new house, new neighborhood, and new school. While her parents deal with their own grief, twelve-year-old Lucy, who is Jewish and cued as white, must grapple with hers in a school where her classmates are school shooting survivors. Lucy’s classmates’ trauma is a defining and profound part of their lives, but Lucy tries to keep hers hidden. As she navigates classes and social situations, Lucy’s one friendship with Avery who is also cued as white, her love for math, and a mime class help keep her afloat and remind her that love heals.

AfterMath by Emily Barth Isler is an emotional narrative that does not shy away from trauma, grief, and loss. With few moments of levity to lighten the emotional load, the novel can feel extremely heavy at times. The book’s primary plot focal points, including a school shooting, loss of loved ones, and trauma, are approached with care. But with many serious themes to address, some plot elements lack dimension and fall flat. Still, its messages around grief, coping, and friendship remain evident throughout and underscore the power of love. No matter this message’s prevalence, it’s always one worth reading, hearing, and repeating.

Counselors or educators will find AfterMath a powerful tool to talk about trauma and grief. As part of structure sessions with small groups, in particular, its plot could help young people process their own difficult experiences. The novel’s simple narrative style will be a draw for students and allow for honest conversations centered on its themes. AfterMath’s poignant approach to grief’s many shapes and forms will help readers recognize that grief is always impactful even if individuals grieve in unique ways. It’s an important distinction that will help readers build empathy and compassion towards those fighting battles outwardly, inwardly, and silently.

Thank you to Edelweiss+ and publisher, Carolrhoda Books, for an eARC of this book.

Classroom Applications

• Teacher Collaboration – Teach the novel with the guidance of the school counselor to address topics of grief, trauma, and violence in schools.
• Book Club or Book Exchange – Share the novel with students that enjoy reading realistic fiction.

Nonfiction Connections

The list below outlines topics that will enrich your students’ understanding of the novel.

• School Shootings
• History of Gun Laws
• Miming
• Congenital Heart Defects

Book Companions

The following are great books to pair with AfterMath. In parenthesis are the specific aspects students could explore when synthesizing across the texts.

• The Shape of Thunder by Jasmine Warga (Character Connections, Nonfiction Connections, Themes)
• Violet and the Pie of Life (Character Connections, Nonfiction Connections, Themes)
• Clues to the Universe by Christina Li (Character Connections, Themes, Nonfiction Connections)
• Many Points of Me by Caroline Gertler (Character Connections, Nonfiction Connections, Themes)

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