Right as Rain resonates through the tension between Rain's intense physical drive as a runner and her raw, honest anger toward her grieving parents. The humid Florida setting and a neighborhood art mystery provide a sensory backdrop for her emotional transition. Books in this family share realistic protagonists navigating major loss through a blend of athletic focus and local secrets.
Reach for this book when your child is struggling to navigate a 'new normal' after a profound loss or a major life transition like moving cities. It speaks directly to the feeling of being untethered when your world has shifted and you are not quite ready to let go of the person or the place you left behind. The story follows Kirby 'Rain' Rose as her family moves from Vermont to Florida following the death of her older brother. It explores the messy, non-linear nature of grief and the quiet courage it takes to open your heart to new friends and a new community while still honoring your memories. Middle-grade readers will find comfort in Rain's journey toward healing and her realization that it is okay to feel joy again. It is a secular, realistic, and deeply empathetic portrayal of a family trying to find their footing in the wake of tragedy.
