Emily Barth Isler’s Middle Grade Novel AfterMath Sparks Conversations about Gun Violence, Life After Loss, and the Power of Infinity

MINNEAPOLIS, MN— This September, in partnership with Carolrhoda Books®, an imprint of Lerner Publishing Group™, Emily Barth Isler will release her debut novel, AfterMath. Described by actor and comedian Amy Schumer as “a gift to the culture,” this middle grade novel is a heart-wrenching book that deals with life after loss and is an empowering story for any child that has ever felt alone in their grief and sorrow. Isler uses her voice to create a narrative around the critical and devastating topic of gun violence in an effort to raise awareness and spark discussions between kids and their parents, teachers, and families.

AfterMath tells the story of twelve-year-old Lucy, whose younger brother died from a congenital-heart defect and whose family has moved to a new town in search of a fresh start. However, their new town experienced a devastating school shooting just four years earlier, so it is now up to Lucy to navigate not only her own grief, but her classmates’ traumas as well. Turning to her love of math and new friends for comfort, Lucy discovers that, just as grief and pain are infinite, so is the power of love and friendship. Gripping, moving, and inspiring— Isler’s debut is a must-read for generations to come.

Advance Praise for Emily Barth Isler’s AfterMath:
“Showing a keen understanding of loss, Isler’s compassionate debut is written with stark honesty, showcasing various responses to tragedy . . .”—Publishers Weekly

“Lucy’s story of grief and healing packs an emotional punch that will tug at your heart strings long after you’ve read the last page.” —Edith Cohn, author of Spirit’s Key and Birdie’s Billions

“This book is for any kid who has ever felt alone with pain. It offers a light, an understanding, a togetherness that brings hope.” —Melissa Walker, author of Why Can’t I Be You

“AfterMath is both heartbreaking and filled with hope. Gentle, nuanced, and honest, Isler’s extraordinary debut will stay with readers long beyond the final page.”—Alex Richards, author of Accidental

“AfterMath is gorgeously written, infinitely heart-wrenching, and tragically timely. Lucy’s voice is powerful and distinct. I loved this novel.” —Leslie Margolis, author of Ghosted, We Are Party People, and the Maggie Brooklyn Mysteries

“Emily Barth Isler handles so many potentially explosive topics with grace and subtlety but also with enormous assurance and power. This is a brave, important and even essential novel.”—Yona Zeldis McDonough, author of The Bicycle Spy and Courageous

“This book is a gift to the culture.”—Amy Schumer, writer, author, and activist

Carolrhoda Books® will publish Emily Barth Isler’s AfterMath on September 7, 2021.

About the Author
Emily Barth Isler lives in Los Angeles, California, with her husband and their two kids. A former child actress, she performed all over the world in theatre, film, and TV. In addition to books, Emily writes about sustainable, eco-friendly beauty and skincare, and has also written web sitcoms, parenting columns, and personal essays.

About the Publisher
Carolrhoda Books®, an imprint of Lerner Publishing Group™, creates high-quality fiction and nonfiction for children and young adults. Our picture books spark children’s imaginations and offer new ways of looking at the world. Our middle-grade books stand out not only for their quality, but also for the breadth of genres encompassed, from coming-of-age stories to exceptional nonfiction to mysteries.

AfterMath
September 7, 2021
$17.99 Hardcover
eBook Also Available
Ages 10–14
HC: 978-1-5415-9911-6
272 Pages ● 5 ¼ x 7 ½

To Purchase: Visit your local bookstore, order by phone at 800-328-4929, or visit us at lernerbooks.com.

Media contact:
Lindsay Matvick
Publicity Manager
800-328-4929, x385
lmatvick@lernerbooks.com

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