After We Burned is a gripping YA novel that centers around a deadly school fire and unravels into an exploration of grief, accountability, and hope. The inclusive cast of characters tackles sexual harassment, sexism, alcoholism, abuse, and same sex love with honesty and care. Told from multiple points of view, the truth of the fire is exposed along with the secrets held fast by the community. The teens fight to be seen and to survive in a community that often fails them. Readers seeking a raw but compassionate story that is full of hard truths will be inspired that, out of the ashes, something better can grow. I give it ⭐⭐⭐. |
