Those who saw our article on the Best Picture Books of 2025 will recognize this week’s special care package as one of our picks.

After: A Survivor’s Story, written by Hallee Adelman and illustrated by Patrick Corrigan, is a powerful and heart-wrenching tale that is tragically becoming more and more relevant in recent times. After a child experiencing a “Horrible Day”—implied by subtext to be an incident of gun violence—they are experiencing trauma, anxiety, and an overwhelming feeling of helplessness. What the kiddo wants isn’t teddy bears, platitudes, or “thoughts and prayers”; they want change, and they’re not alone.

Empowering anyone who is processing trauma after their own Horrible Day, After is a book that can equip young readers who are feeling powerless against the rise of gun violence in the U.S. with the purpose and direction to make their voices heard and advocate for change.

Huge thanks to Way Past Books for sending us this amazing learning kit and a copy of the book. We can’t recommend this incredibly timely read enough!