Rose Howard is obsessed with homonyms. They dominate her thoughts and her conversation. With Rose’s obsessions, her need to follow rules, and her difficulty making conversation, Rose doesn’t have many friends. So when her father brings home a lost dog, Rain (Reign, Rein) the dog becomes Rose’s whole life. Only Rose’s uncle and her dog seem to understand and care about her. Then Rose’s father lets Rain out during a storm and she doesn’t come home. In spite of Rose’s fears, she will do anything to help Rain get home.
This powerful story of a girl and her dog is full of courage, struggle, and triumph. Ann Martin does an excellent job of letting readers into the mind a fifth grade girl with Asperger’s Syndrome. Rose struggles to fit in and it is both painful and inspiring to read about her efforts. The characters are well-developed and the story excellently crafted. Rain Reign is a compelling and eye-opening book for both children and adults.
Recommended ages--9 and up