Rain Rising by Courtne Comrie
Published by HarperCollins on September 27, 2022
ISBN: 0063159732
Pages: 336
Genres: Mental Health, Realistic Fiction, Fiction in Verse/Poetry
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

This book is phenomenal. Rain loves her family—her mom and her brother are her constants, and they help keep her strong. She’s hiding a deep sadness inside her, though. When her brother is attacked during a college visit, all the feelings and emotions she’s been hiding for so long start to surface. Her favorite teacher, Miss Walia, invites Rain to an after-school circle group, and it’s here that she finds the courage to share her feelings and her struggles. She finds friendship. She finds safety. She finds trust. Through circle group and more formal therapy both Rain and her brother find healing.

This is a beautiful novel written in verse. It covers so many topics—difficult family relationships, racism, self esteem, self harm, and more. All of the difficult topics are handled in a very age-appropriate manner and with respect for the characters. The text is gorgeously written, colorful, poetic, and moving. This book is highly recommended for readers 5th grade and up and for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME