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Rain Reign
by Ann M. Martin
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Critics' Consensus (5):
Readers' Rating (8):
First Published:
Oct 7, 2014, 240 pages
Book Reviewed by:Donna Chavez
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About This Book
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Book Summary
Hearts will break and spirits will soar for this powerful story, brilliantly told.
Rose Howard is obsessed with homonyms. She's thrilled that her own name is a homonym, and she purposely gave her dog Rain a name with two homonyms (Reign, Rein), which, according to Rose's rules of homonyms, is very special. Not everyone understands Rose's obsessions, her rules, and the other things that make her different – not her teachers, not other kids, and not her single father. When a storm hits their rural town, rivers overflow, the roads are flooded, and 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. Hearts will break and spirits will soar for this powerful story, brilliantly told from Rose's point of view.
1Who I Am—A Girl Named Rose (Rows)
I am Rose Howard and my first name has a homonym. To be accurate, it has a homophone, which is a word that's pronounced the same as another word but spelled differently. My homophone name is Rows.Most people say homonym when they mean homophone. My teacher, Mrs. Kushel, says this is a common mistake."What's the difference between making a mistake and breaking a rule?" I want to know."Making a mistake is accidental. Breaking a rule is deliberate.""But if—" I start to say.Mrs. Kushel rushes on. "It's all right to say 'homonym' when we mean 'homophone.' That's called a colloquialism.""'Breaking' has a homonym," I tell her. "'Braking.'"I like homonyms a lot. And I like words. Rules and numbers too. Here is the order in which I like these things:1. Words (especially homonyms)2. Rules3. Numbers (especially prime numbers)I'm going to tell you a story. It's a true ...
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Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!
Rose Howard narrates her own story. Discuss with students the difference between a "reliable" narrator and an "unreliable" one. Which is Rose? Why?
Rose's list of homonyms is one of her most important possessions. Why do you think she keeps this list? There are probably easier ways to update it (on a computer, for instance). Why is Rose's list handwritten?
Everyone is different; every person has particular habits and interests. And some people have differences that others see as "disabilities." What makes Rose different? Are her outbursts in class something she does on purpose?
How does Rain help Rose? Describe the roles that pets play in the lives of people who love them.
Do you believe Rose's father let ...
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Rose is the kind of fictional character that anyone would want to know. I realize Rain Reign is a young adult book, but some of the finest fiction of all time has been written for young adult audiences. This is one of them. There is something here that all readers – adults and young people – can benefit from. Should benefit from. I know I have...continued
Full Review (742 words)
(Reviewed by Donna Chavez).
Media Reviews
Booklist Starred Review. Simplicity, clarity, and emotional resonance are hallmarks of Rose's first-person narrative, which offers an unflinching view of her world from her perspective... A strong story told in a nuanced, highly accessible way. Kirkus Reviews Starred Review. Martin has penned a riveting, seamless narrative in which each word sings and each scene counts. School Library Journal Starred Review. Though Rose's story is often heartbreaking, her matter-of-face narration provides moments of humor. Readers will empathize with Rose, who finds strength and empowerment through her unique way of looking at the world. The Horn Book Starred Review. Rose is a character we root for every step of the way. She is resilient, honest, and, in her own odd way, very perceptive; a most reliable narrator.
Reader Reviews
Riley (11 year old review I’m sorry lol) Rain Reign I think this book is great for kids because it teaches them people who have autism are just as equal. I watched a show about someone with autism and I learned a lot. Reading this book taught me more and I had a lot of empathy for Rose. This book is ... Read More Gypsy1192 Favorite Book EVER!!! I love this book, and use it for almost every book report I write. This book helps show the meaning of how pets truly help and connect with their owners, and it also shows how much strength it takes to let go of our old ways and thinking strategies. molly E. B. The Story Of Beauty This book was so good! I was crying in class and everyone just stared at me. Hayli C. amazing book but very sad. To be honest i hate to read. But when i read this i wish there is a Reign Rain 2. Its a very sad book but i loved it. It made me cry. ...Read 2 More Reader Reviews
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Beyond the Book
Living With Someone With Autistic Disorder
For parents, siblings and partners of people who have been diagnosed with autistic disorder, something as simple as stopping at the quick mart for milk can be a challenge. Depending upon the person's level of tolerance for changes in routine, and conditions on the day, his/her response could range from nothing out of the ordinary; to minimal – perhaps rocking back and forth or mumbling – all the way to loud, progressively violent screaming, hitting, and worse. Of course every person with autistic disorder is unique, and will respond uniquely to situations, but even happy occasions such as birthday parties or dining out can devolve instantly and without warning into vehement, disruptive behaviors. Because autistic disorder (the ...
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Read-Alikes
Read-Alikes
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Read-Alikes
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About this book
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For fans of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time comes this landmark novel about autism, memory, and, ultimately, redemption.
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Published 2012
About this book
In a novel packed with quirkiness and humor, Gourlay explores a touching sibling relationship and the clash of two very different cultures.
Read-Alikes are one of the many benefits of membership. To see the complete list of this book's read-alikes, you need to be a member. Search read-alikes How we choose read-alikes
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Literary Fiction
Young Adults
USA
Mid-Atlantic, USA
New York State
Contemporary
Physical & Mental Differences
Top 20 Best Books of 2014
Membership Advantages
Reviews
"Beyond the Book" articles
Free books to read and review (US only)
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Book club discussions
and much more!
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Book Reviewed by:Donna Chavez 
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