73 pages • 2 hours read
Before the Ever After
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Book Brief
Before the Ever After
Fiction | Novel/Book in Verse | Middle Grade | Published in 2020161
Novel/Book in Verse • Fiction
New Jersey • 1990s
2020
Middle grade
10-14 years
780L
Super Short Summary
Before the Ever After by Jacqueline Woodson follows ZJ, the pre-teen son of professional football player Zachariah "44" Johnson Sr., as he grapples with his father's mental decline from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Using a non-linear narrative of poems set in 1999 and 2000, the novel depicts ZJ's struggle to understand his father's condition amidst insufficient medical answers and their unyielding bond expressed through shared memories and music. Themes of parental mental health challenges are present.
Emotional
Melancholic
Heartwarming
Contemplative
Inspirational
Reviews & Readership
15,697 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Before the Ever After by Jacqueline Woodson is lauded for its poignant portrayal of a young boy coping with his father's neurological decline from football injuries. Reviewers praise its lyrical prose and emotional depth. Some feel the narrative is slow-paced, but most agree it effectively addresses themes of family and resilience.
Who Should Read Before the Ever After?
A reader who would enjoy Before the Ever After by Jacqueline Woodson is typically aged 10-14, appreciates emotional, character-driven stories, and is interested in family dynamics, sports, and social issues. Fans of Sharon Draper's Out of My Mind or Jason Reynolds's Ghost will find this book compelling.
15,697 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Zachariah “44” Johnson, Sr.
Zachariah “44” Johnson, Sr.
The father of ZJ, he is a renowned professional football player whose life and dreams deeply impact ZJ, leaving a legacy through shared interests and experiences.
Darry, Daniel, Ollie, and ZJ (The Fantastic Four)
Darry, Daniel, Ollie, and ZJ (The Fantastic Four)
A tight-knit group of friends that support one another emotionally; they each bring unique skills and characteristics, standing by ZJ during challenging times.
Everett
Everett
An older and passionate young football player at ZJ's school whose intense dedication to the sport influences some of ZJ’s decisions about football.
Lisa Johnson (Mama), Bernadette (Ollie’s Mom), The Grandmothers, and Aunt Nan
Lisa Johnson (Mama), Bernadette (Ollie’s Mom), The Grandmothers, and Aunt Nan
Key supportive figures in the story, these women form a network that aids ZJ and his mother in coping with the situations they face.
161
Novel/Book in Verse • Fiction
New Jersey • 1990s
2020
Middle grade
10-14 years
780L
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