Summary: Rain Rising
In Rain Rising, 13-year-old Rain is dealing with several issues. First, her best friend has been acting like a frenemy lately. Then, she’s just so sad all the time and can’t stop feeling negative about her body — thinking she’s ugly and too big. Her single source of solace is her family. When the thoughts become too tough to handle, her mother and brother Xander, especially, bring light to her day, even without knowing her challenges. But when Xander gets beaten up in a racially motivated attack during a potential college visit, Rain feels the walls closing in on her. Can she and her family find their way back to normalcy?
The Good
This was a powerful verse novel, one I’ve been hesitant to read because of how emotionally heavy I thought it would be. And it was heavy, but the author does a great job of being honest, but also providing hope for readers.
Rain is a kid struggling with mental health issues and yet able to hide her pain so well at age 13. Her dad isn’t in the picture so her brother has to step up as the main male figure in her life, while her mom’s busy schedule as a cleaner doesn’t allow her to be as present as she’d like. Yet, I liked that their family is happy — they’re close to each other and share a strong bond from their past experiences. The book also alternates between past and present showing memories that Rain and Xander share from their childhood.
Xander’s assault and the impact on his family are heartwrenching and the author portrays both unflinchingly. They also have to deal with the whole incident going viral and how social media can affect mental health. I loved seeing Rain manage her emotions by writing, trying new hobbies like stepping, and eventually talking to a therapist. I listened to this one on audio and it was so well done. The verse style perfectly captures this story and Rain’s growth from start to finish.
Overall: Rain Rising
Rain Rising is a powerful debut middle grade verse novel about mental health, body image, family, and healing. This book tackles tough topics like colorism, racism, and self-harm with compassion, sensitivity, and authenticity. If you enjoyed books like Genesis Begins Again and Turning Point, you’ll love this one — although I’d recommend this upper middle grade book for older tweens in grades 7 and up!
Buy This Book
More Book Reviews
- Genesis Begins Again by Alicia D. Williams
- Turning Point by Paula Chase
- Sincerely Sicily by Tamika Burgess
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