Download Rain Reign Audiobook

“[An] affecting, elegantly burnished middle-grade book about a girl with autism…The deftness with which Martin renders Rose’s life is admirable…And yet the book isn’t actually about autism, or even any coming-of-age theme. It’s about love and fealty, fear, hope, the release from burdens, and what kids—all kids—need but often don’t get…don’t take this book anywhere you wouldn’t want to have a sudden burst of tears. Or, for that matter, a wash of warm recognition that we all—the poor and neurologically challenged, too—can find a way to the sunlight.”

“Rose Howard is a high-functioning autistic fifth-grader, and her preoccupation with homophones, her insistence on rules being followed to the letter of the law, and her difficulties reading social cues and understanding emotions are giving her trouble at school and frustrating her impatient and often angry single father…Newbery Honor author Martin is extremely successful in capturing Rose’s perspective and personality…Filled with integrity and determination, Rose overcomes significant obstacles in order to do what is right.”

“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.”

“A story about honorable living in the autistic-narrator genre that sets the bar high…Through touching and funny scenes at school…readers come to understand how Rose’s close relationship to Rain anchors her…Martin has penned a riveting, seamless narrative in which each word sings and each scene counts. There is no fluff here, just sophisticated, emotionally honest storytelling.”

“Rose is a character we root for every step of the way. She is resilient, honest, and, in her own odd way, very perceptive.”

“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.”

“There’s an old-fashioned quality to the story, especially the family elements, that makes the book sturdily accessible.”

“Rose narrates this story, thus allowing the reader to live in her black and white world, to struggle with her when the impact of the storm upsets all her routines and robs her of her anchor, and to smile when she makes some small gains in relating to some classmates…Readers will root for this resilient child, who is stronger and more perceptive than she realizes.” 

“Narrator Laura Hamilton gives listeners insight into the bond between a girl with autism and her dog…Hamilton’s narration adds the right amount of emotion to each scene in this powerful story of love and loss. To ensure that listeners can appreciate Rose’s love of homonyms, the audiobook is specially formatted: The narrator spells out each word pair.”