From the Bookshelf of Mock Newbery 2026…
Find A Copy At
Group Discussions About This Book
No group discussions for this book yet.
What Members Thought
This book is not only engaging and thought-provoking, but it completely avoids the pitfalls of books about children with disabilities. Yes, Rose has OCD and Aspbergers, but the book is about her relationships with her dog, her father, her uncle, her classmates -- and Hurricane Susan. A wonderful blend of realism and storytelling that helps the reader understand Rose and her actions. Her quirks are woven seamlessly into the story she is telling rather than being an add-on to teach the reader abou
...more
I think this will be a popular book among middle-grade readers who love dog stories and heart-wrenchers. Rose is a memorable narrator who is easy to root for, even while her obsession with homonyms is potentially tiresome for readers (as it is for the people around her in the world of the book). I've criticized similar books for being too bummer-y and this one comes pretty close to my personal limit for how many bummers I can take in one story. However, I think Rose's self-referential narrative
...more
I love this book!!!! It's warm and heartbreaking at the same time. You can't help but rooting for the main character, Rose, an Asperger-diagnosed girl who lives with her depressed father and has an uncle and a dog who love her genuinely. But when a tragedy happens to her dog, Rain, during a hurricane - things are getting a bit out of control for Rose.
Ann M Martin, as always, can portray her character in the most relatable way, just as she's done in her other books. The ending is very bittersweet ...more
Ann M Martin, as always, can portray her character in the most relatable way, just as she's done in her other books. The ending is very bittersweet ...more
I started out disliking Rose quite a bit, but she grew on me as the story went on. My dislike for her father grew. I wanted to shake him...ironic since he probably ended up the way he is because of abuse.
The only thing that didn't ring true for me is (view spoiler) ...more
The only thing that didn't ring true for me is (view spoiler) ...more
This was a wonderful book with incredible depth. I love how real the characters feel. It took me a little bit to get into a rhythm reading the book, because Rose's obsession with homonyms initially distracted me a bit. Obviously that is an integral part of Rose, and it soon just became part of the story.
I think that this is an important book because it isn't necessarily about autism, but it will definitely help kids empathize with those who struggle with it. ...more
I think that this is an important book because it isn't necessarily about autism, but it will definitely help kids empathize with those who struggle with it. ...more
Nov 10, 2014
Shari (Shira)
rated it
really liked it
Shelves:
childrensbooks,
aspergers-syndrome-autism
Rose Howard is a high functioning autistic girl. Her obsession is homonyms, although she is also partial to prime numbers and rules. She doesn't have a great home life, but she does have a dog, Rain, whom she loves. Hurricane Susan tears through Rose's town and changes her life. I really like how the teachers were portrayed in this book. In so many books about special needs students, the teachers are real jerks. This book is part of the Mock Newbery. I think it deserves at least an honor, if not
...more
Grades 4-7. Rose is a lonely 5th grader with autism who lives with her father in a small town in Massachusetts. She is obsessed with homonyms and prime numbers, which makes it difficult to make friends. Her father frequently finds himself without work and has plenty of time to drink at the tavern down the street. One rainy night, he brings home a dog. She names her Rain. Rose's world changes for the better. The dog helps her relate to other kids and gives her a companion when her father is drunk
...more
The author was able to give Rose a unique voice in short chapters.
I'll be thinking about homonyms for a day or two since the book is
filled with them. ...more
I'll be thinking about homonyms for a day or two since the book is
filled with them. ...more
Sadder than I expected (but no dead dogs!)
Rain Reign by Ann M. Martin
Rose Howard's homonyms list, dog, & story will definitely appeal to many kids. Great character development instills an emotionally satisfying ending where tears may drop. I see Rain Reign as an upper elementary and middle school library 2014 must add book. ...more
Rose Howard's homonyms list, dog, & story will definitely appeal to many kids. Great character development instills an emotionally satisfying ending where tears may drop. I see Rain Reign as an upper elementary and middle school library 2014 must add book. ...more
A beautiful, heartwarming, and sad story. I liked being inside Rose's brain, and understanding the way she viewed the world.
...more
Honestly narrated by Laura Hamilton.
Mar 08, 2014
Monica Edinger
added it
Apr 27, 2014
Laura5
marked it as to-read
