Rain Reign

Author: Ann M. Martin

Genre: Realistic Fiction, Disabilities   

What this book is about:  Rose Howard has Asperger’s syndrome, and an obsession with homonyms (even her name is a homonym). She gave her dog Rain a name with two homonyms (Reign, Rein), which, according to Rose’s rules of homonyms, is very special. Rain was a lost dog that Rose’s father brought home. Rose and Rain are practically inseparable. And they are often home alone, as Rose’s father spends most evenings at a bar, and doesn’t have much patience for his special-needs daughter. Just as a storm hits town, Rain goes missing. Rose’s father shouldn’t have let Rain out. Now Rose has to find her dog, even if it means leaving her routines and safe places to search. Will Rose find Rain?   

Your opinion: I loved how the author showed the perspective of life through a girl with autism and shows what she deals with. You can see what people with disabilities fight through. You think to yourself, "How would I have treated her?"

Rating:  4.5 out of 5 stars

Who would like this book: I think readers who like reading books with characters that have disabilities. I also think readers who like reading about bonds with animals will like this book. Although, it's a touching book, I think it's appropriate for 4th graders and up because of the language and the violence that the father says and acts. Overall, it shows a great perspective from a child who is dealing with autism.    

Reviewed by: OB