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Rain Rising: A Powerful Award-Winning Novel-in-Verse about Hope, Healing, and Rising Strong for Children (Ages 8-12) - Hardcover

Comrie, Courtne

  • 4.32 out of 5 stars
    1,095 ratings by Goodreads
 
9780063159730: Rain Rising: A Powerful Award-Winning Novel-in-Verse about Hope, Healing, and Rising Strong for Children (Ages 8-12)

Synopsis

An inspiring debut middle grade novel-in-verse about Rain, who must overcome sadness after her all-star brother is badly beaten up at a frat party. Genesis Begins Again meets Brown Girl Dreaming in this powerful story of perseverance, family, and hope.

"A gorgeous debut: a necessary, cathartic, immersive healing experience.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“In this gut-wrenching verse novel by debut author Comrie, thirteen-year-old City Middle School student Rain Washington grapples with the aftermath of a violent racist attack. . . . Comrie sensitively tackles myriad topics, including colorism, fiscal scarcity, and structural racism, as well as their effects on mental health, in this impressive volume." —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“This lovingly crafted novel-in-verse is a much-needed reminder that compassion, both for oneself and others, can help make the world right as rain.” —Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review)

“A searing exploration of the intricacies of racism, privilege, and self-worth within the confines of the Black community. Rain’s journey is one that includes an acceptance of all the pieces of her identity that make her whole and unique.” —ALA Booklist

Rain is keeping a big secret from everyone around her: She's sad. All the time. Rain struggles with her image and feels inferior to her best friend, Nara. Not even her all-star student-athlete big brother (and personal superhero), Xander, can help Rain with her dark thoughts and low self-esteem.

And when Xander becomes the victim of violence at a predominantly white university, Rain’s life and mind take a turn for the worse. But when her favorite teacher, Miss Walia, invites her to an after-school circle group, Rain finds the courage to help herself and her family heal.

Like the rain, she is both gentle and a force, finding strength to rise again.

“You can't help but fall in love with this book. Heartbreaking, emotional, and a ride well worth taking.” —Marie Arnold, author of The Year I Flew Away and I Rise

“Everyone who reads this will be inspired by Rain's dedication to finding healing.” —Elisabet Velasquez, author of When We Make It

A 2023 Bank Street Books Best Children's Book of the Year for Ages 12–14 in Fiction (Contemporary Issues)!

A 2025 Evergreen Teen Book Award nominee!

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About the Author

Courtne Comrie is a poet and writer who prefers tackling heavy topics through simplistic and beautiful verse. Born in Toronto, Canada, but raised in the Bronx and Mount Vernon, New York, she graduated from CUNY Lehman College with a BA in creative writing through TheDream.US scholarship for undocumented students. She is an educator, mentor, and an aunt to three amazing humans. Visit her online at www.courtnecomrie.com.

Reviews

Gr 3–7—Art truly has the power to save lives. Whether it is through poetry, writing, or step dancing, art channels the power of communication and healing to those who create and share it. In this heartfelt verse debut, Comrie relays the tale of young Black girl Rain, who is experiencing a low point in her life and trying to heal. Rain suffers from debilitating negative self-talk and low self-esteem, which hampers her growth and friendships. When her big brother Xander is brutally physically assaulted after a college visit, the entire family reels in the aftermath. Comrie seamlessly tackles many tough topics, such as self-harm, absentee fathers, mental health, and childhood trauma. This title could be used in social work settings about the importance of honest dialogue and normalizing therapy. Rain Rising is a hopeful text replaying powerful statements such as the need for better access for mental health and working toward "progress not perfect." VERDICT A coming-of-age middle school friendship drama disperses racist violence with justice served. Comrie provides another healthy outlet for youth to normalize exchanges about mental wellness.—Laura Dooley-Taylor

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