  | Rain rising Author: Comrie, Courtne | |
| Price: $24.48 | ||
Summary:
Thirteen-year-old Rain, who struggles with low self-esteem, must overcome sadness after her older brother Xander is severely beaten up at a frat party, but through the help of an after-school circle group, Rain finds the courage to help herself and her family heal.
| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: MG+ Reading Level: 3.60 Points: 5.0 Quiz: 521581 |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (+) (08/01/22)
School Library Journal (01/01/23)
Booklist (09/15/22)
The Hornbook (00/01/23)
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 09/15/2022 Being a 13-year-old girl in a family with a superstar athlete brother, a single mom, and a consistently absent dad isn’t easy for Rain. She grapples with feelings of inadequacy about her weight, her dark skin, her secondhand clothes, and her dad’s ability to leave and forget about her at a moment’s notice. When Xander, her beloved older brother, is beaten within an inch of his life at a frat party, Rain finds her fragile world crumbling to pieces. Rain starts to lose all her connection to happiness in her life, forcing her to reconcile with the darkness that lives inside her. Comrie’s novel in verse is a searing exploration of the intricacies of racism, privilege, and self-worth within the confines of the Black community. This powerful work doesn’t shy away from acknowledging the importance of self-love and healing. Rain’s journey is one that includes an acceptance of all the pieces of her identity that make her whole and unique. An important story worth reading. - Copyright 2022 Booklist.
School Library Journal - 01/01/2023 Gr 3–7—Art truly has the power to save lives. Whether it is through poetry, writing, or step dancing, art channels the power of communication and healing to those who create and share it. In this heartfelt verse debut, Comrie relays the tale of young Black girl Rain, who is experiencing a low point in her life and trying to heal. Rain suffers from debilitating negative self-talk and low self-esteem, which hampers her growth and friendships. When her big brother Xander is brutally physically assaulted after a college visit, the entire family reels in the aftermath. Comrie seamlessly tackles many tough topics, such as self-harm, absentee fathers, mental health, and childhood trauma. This title could be used in social work settings about the importance of honest dialogue and normalizing therapy. Rain Rising is a hopeful text replaying powerful statements such as the need for better access for mental health and working toward "progress not perfect." VERDICT A coming-of-age middle school friendship drama disperses racist violence with justice served. Comrie provides another healthy outlet for youth to normalize exchanges about mental wellness.—Laura Dooley-Taylor - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
