Rain Rising
#1 in Rain Series
on Goodreads (934)
What’s inside...
This dazzling debut middle grade novel in verse is a riveting journey toward self-acceptance for fans of Genesis Begins Again. Thirteen-year-old Rain must overcome sadness after her all-star brother is badly beaten up at a white frat party. Eventually, Rain finds hope again and helps her family heal. Rain is keeping a big secret from everyone around her: She's sad. All the time. Xander, her older brother, is an all-star student athlete and a superhero to Rain since their dad is not around. But even he can’t help Rain with her dark thoughts. Rain hates the way she looks, and she feels inferior to her best friend, Nara, who’s skinny and got more money, lighter skin, and hair that curls. When Xander is the victim of a hate crime, things take a turn for the worse. Xander stops speaking to everyone, including Rain, whose dark thoughts turn into action. Rain’s secret battle puts her life on the line. But when her favorite teacher invites her to an after-school circle group, Rain finds friends and the courage to help herself and her family heal. Like the rain, she is both gentle and a force, and though she faces many storms in her life, she finds the strength to rise again.
Character compass
Rain
Ebony
Discussion points
How do you think Rain felt when she discovered her ability? What would you feel if you were in her place?
Rain has a unique gift that makes her special. What special qualities do you think you have?
What did Rain learn about the importance of friendship and trust throughout her journey? Why are these values important in our lives?
How did Rain's perspective on her community change from the beginning to the end of the book? Have you ever changed your opinion about something important?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin the conversation with curiosity, asking your child how they felt about Rain's adventures and if there’s anything specific they would like to talk about.
Encourage your child to express and explore their thoughts on the themes discussed in the book such as individuality, courage, and friendship.
Connect the situations in the book to real-life scenarios in your child’s life to make the discussion more relatable and engaging.
Use follow-up questions to delve deeper into your child’s responses, facilitating a richer conversation and deeper understanding of the narrative and its themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: In 'Rain Rising', the protagonist learns to understand and share the feelings of others, especially when a new student from a different cultural background joins the school.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by showing kindness and trying to understand their friends' perspectives, promoting inclusivity and reducing bullying.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The story highlights how the main character overcomes challenges posed by heavy rains and flooding in her town, displaying perseverance.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face their own challenges, like difficult homework or trying new activities, with determination and courage.
Example Lesson: Environmental Awareness
Explanation: Through the storyline that revolves around natural disasters, children learn the importance of taking care of the environment to mitigate such events.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to participate in environmental conservation practices like recycling and tree planting in their communities.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The community in the book comes together to help each other during the floods, showcasing the power of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of working together in group projects or team sports, understanding that collaboration can achieve great results.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: As the characters adjust to the disruptions caused by the weather, they learn to be flexible and adapt to changing situations.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to be flexible in their daily routines, whether it's adjusting to a new school schedule or coping with unexpected changes at home.