The Everafter

A parent might reach for this book when their child is asking big questions about what happens after we die, or is processing a loss and feeling isolated in their grief. The Everafter follows Madison, a teenage girl who finds herself in a strange, dark place after her death. Here, she discovers that lost objects from her life are keys to reliving her memories. Through these moments, from a first kiss to family vacations, she pieces together the story of her life and the truth of her death. It is a gentle, poignant, and ultimately hopeful story for ages 10 to 14 that handles the topic of death in a secular, metaphorical way. It provides a safe space to explore feelings of sadness and loss, while emphasizing the beauty found in everyday moments and the enduring power of love.