The Doors of AfterLater


Children - Grade 4th-6th
392 Pages
Reviewed on 07/18/2021
Buy on Amazon

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

The Doors of AfterLater by Gary Pyle is a perfect read for fourth to sixth graders and grownups with the sense of adventure of the children they once were. It is a heartwarming and entertaining story of young Jack, a kid who is tired of living in a stressful, busy city. He always looks forward to summer with his grandmother on the farm. But his grandmother has disappeared and no one knows where she is. Jack thinks he knows where to find her, even if no one is going to believe him. Now he has to find the special door to the AfterLater. Follow him on this adventure filled with an unexpected twist and emotionally strong moments.

Gary Pyle’s book is beautifully written and well-illustrated. The dialogues are great and they introduce the element of intrigue into the story. I particularly enjoyed Jack’s conversation with the mice. The relationship between Jack and Gran is defined by a shared sense of adventure and exciting secrets. The author uses the epistolary style to introduce suspense into the story while expanding the plot. The letter that Gran leaves behind offers clues that only Jack can understand. As the readers read on, they want to find answers to the question: Which door has Gran opened this time, and what happens beyond that door. What is most interesting is what happens when Jack takes a deep breath and opens The Doors of AfterLater. This story is the perfect treat for young readers and I enjoyed the ingenuity with which the author explores themes of family and friendship. The contrast between city life and life on the farm is brilliantly established. Character development is impeccable and the skillful use of anthropomorphism enriches the characterization. Even after the last page is turned, readers will still think about the young boy and the special bond he has with his Gran and the rodents on the farm.