RAIN REIGN by Ann M. Martin

Review by Christi De Leon

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Martin, Ann M. Rain Reign. New York: Feiwel & Friends, 2014. ISBN 0312643004

PLOT SUMMARY

This novel is about a twelve-year-old girl named Rose who faces the daily challenges of high-functioning autism. Her interests include homonyms, prime numbers, following rules, and spending time with her dog named Rain. She lives with her single father, and her Uncle Weldon helps out often. During a hurricane one night, Rain goes missing. Rose and her uncle search for Rain and eventually find her at a shelter where they discover that Rain actually belongs to another family. Rose makes a difficult, but brave decision to find Rain’s owners.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Told from Rose’s point of view, it is almost immediately clear that she often struggles with the breaking of rules and changing of routines. Although she is a child with Asberger’s syndrome, this is not central to the story. Instead, it zooms in on a pivotal piece of her life and all that is going on around her.  Important components are her bond with her dog, her life at home living without her mom, the quality time spent with her Uncle Weldon, and her experiences at school. All readers are likely to connect in some way or another with Rose’s story. Her perspective also gives readers a glimpse into her mind, portraying a unique way of viewing the world. Reading books like Rain Reign allow children to better understand one another. Likewise, meaningful discussions can take place from reading this book.

The story accurately captures Rose’s personality, and other characters in this story are well-developed. Rose’s interactions with other characters are balanced and give added insight. Others’ responses to Rose’s obsessions, for instance, particularly convey their attempts to understand her. Readers are likely to become a fan of Uncle Weldon, who may be the person who understands her best. Throughout the story, he always seems to reach out to her when she is in the midst of challenging situations, especially when Rain is gone. The hurricane seems to symbolize a time of change for Rose. Showing great character, she makes a tough choice because it was the right thing to do. The end of the story is bittersweet, but definitely shows just how amazing of a child Rose really is.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

A New York Times Bestseller

From The Horn Book: “Rose is a character we root for every step of the way. She is resilient, honest, and, in her own odd way, very perceptive; a most reliable narrator.” 

From Kirkus Reviews: “Martin has penned a riveting, seamless narrative in which each word sings and each scene counts.”

CONNECTIONS

Gather other Ann M. Martin books to read such as:

A Dog’s Life: Autobiography of a Stray. ISBN 0439717000

A Corner of the Universe. ISBN 0439388813

Gather other inclusive chapter books to read such as:

Hunt, Lynda M. Fish in a Tree. ISBN 0399162593

Possible activities:

Discuss character traits of several characters and how they are relevant to the story.

Have students write a connection they made with the story in their journals.