The Road to After

“Lowell focuses here on healing. . . . Like her gentle illustrations, the verse format suits her story, a mosaic of small epiphanies that cumulatively chart a path from darkness into light. . . . A moving, age-appropriate, and convincing portrayal of family resilience after trauma.” —Kirkus


“Lowell positively depicts how trained professionals can help families regain control of their lives. . . . Though Lacey’s struggles are emotional, her journey toward independence is filled with hope.” —Booklist

“[Lacey’s] journey is paralleled with the image of a growing flower. . . . The novel is full of hope and relays a clear understanding of what it might feel like to be a young girl escaping an abusive situation—attempting to understand it and move on, while at the same time missing a parent despite the trauma he put his family through. Using nature as the framing device, the text allows the reader to see Lacey’s world opening up as she learns that there is more hope and freedom in the world than she could have ever imagined.” —SLC