Army Morand feels like her life has been blown to bits when the worst thing imaginable happens--her beloved dog dies. It was an accident, but it was also Army's fault. She can't seem to stop hiding from everything and everybody. But then Army sees Madison, the little girl who moved in across the way, climbing a tree and walking down the street unsupervised. Her family is not neglectful, just overwhelmed. Army finds herself overcome with the need to help Madison's family to make sure another worst thing doesn't happen.
After the Worst Thing Happens is a bittersweet story about a girl surprised by the force of a growing need inside her to reach out and lend a hand while trying to escape the swirling sadness of her own sudden loss. In the end, it is about finding love and hope and friendship in very surprising places.

"As the community prepares for an actual storm gathering in the background, a few surprise turns conspire to pull Army back into the world of the living. A new resident in need of assistance, an odd classmate, and a young autistic neighbor crack her heart open to possibilities and new kinds of love. Vernick’s story covers so much, but it manages to weave the different elements into a cohesive whole, with Army at the bright center of it all. The subjects are heavy, but Army’s young voice infuses them with humor and warmth.”—Booklist

 “Army’s combination of grief and crushing guilt is portrayed with deep sympathy, and her absolute inability to speak about the tragedy is completely credible. Army’s connection with Madison and her family illuminates Army’s character, her kindness and conscientiousness shining through even when she’s subdued by grief.”--The Bulletin for the Center of Children’s Books

"With moments of humor, Vernick (Two Naomis) weaves together a well-paced story that explores grief in all its raw pain, as well as the power of friends, family, and community to help heal."--Publishers Weekly