Rain Reign by Ann M. Martin

 

A. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Martin, Ann M. 2014. RAIN REIGN. New York: Feiwel and Friends. ISBN 978-0-312-64300-3.

B. PLOT SUMMARY

There is a strong bond between a child and his/her dog.  Rose Howard is a lovely, young 5th grade girl. She loves homonyms, prime numbers, and her dog, Rain. Her father seems to be perpetually stressed out, but her Uncle Weldon takes great care of her.  Rose’s Asperger’s syndrome makes socialization challenging, so Rain is her best and only friend.  When Rain goes missing, Rose does everything within her power to find her.

C. CRITICAL ANALYSIS (INCLUDING CULTURAL MARKERS)
Martin does an awesome job of writing Rose’s character.  Her first person narration gives the reader a unique understanding into how a child with Asperger’s syndrome may think.  Much of the narration is riddled with nonessential details about words and numbers. Reading this kind of stream of consciousness is definitely different and in some ways frustrating. However, I think it helps the reader empathize with some of the challenges a person with Asperger’s experiences, with being able to focus or engage with others.  

The innocence of Rose’s character is beautiful.  It makes the lack of patience and kindness from her father even more heartbreaking. The characterization is definitely one of the strengths of this middle grade novel. Rose’s relationship with her father is not a typical one. There is no physical affection or deep emotional connection.  

Rain is really Rose’e closest attachment. In the most volatile moment, Rain acts as a protector of Rose. When her dad raises his fist in anger, Rain jumps between Rose and her father. He strikes Rain instead. For most of the story, her relationship with Rain provides companionship and routine responsibility, as well as emotional refuge.    

The characters of Mrs. Leibler and Mrs. Kushel exercise patience and provide help to Rose during her hardships and outbursts. Again, these fictional characters exhibit strategies that the reader can consider when interacting with people in real life that have similar challenges.

D. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPTS

ALA Notable Children's Books, 2015

Schneider Family Book Award, 2015

Booklist starred, August 2014: “Readers will be moved by the raw portrayal of Rose’s difficult home life, her separation from other kids at school, and her loss of the dog that has loved her and provided a buffer from painful experiences. A strong story told in a nuanced, highly accessible way.”

Kirkus Reviews starred, September 2014: “Martin has penned a riveting, seamless narrative in which each word sings and each scene counts. There is no fluff here, just sophisticated, emotionally honest storytelling.”

School Library Journal starred, August 2014: “Though Rose's story is often heartbreaking, her matter-of-fact narration provides moments of humor. Readers will empathize with Rose, who finds strength and empowerment through her unique way of looking at the world.”

E. CONNECTIONS
There are other great realistic fiction books out there with characters on the Autism spectrum.  These would be great books to read with middle grade book clubs or even as a class, to learn about a different perspective, but to also facilitate empathy for others.  Some other great titles for middle grade readers and above are Mockingbird: (Mok’ing-burd) by Kathryn Erskine, Tornado Brain by Cat Patrick,  and The Very Ordered Existence of Merilee Marvelous by Suzanne Carlisle Crowley.