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Rain #1
Rain Rising
Alyson Day at HarperCollins has bought, in a multi-publisher auction, Rain Rising, a middle grade novel-in-verse by debut author Courtne Comrie, about a 13-year-old girl named Rain, who must find a way through debilitating sadness after her all-star athlete brother Xander is beaten up at a frat party. With the help of a Circle Group at school, Rain begins to help her family heal. Publication is scheduled for May 2022; Rena Rossner at the Deborah Harris Agency did the two-book, six-figure deal for North American rights.
Unknown Binding
First published September 27, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
November 21, 2022
I loved this book. This book would be best friends with The Hate U Give and Punching the Air.
It isn't often that I'm on the edge of my seat while reading a novel in verse--they're usually slower, more reflective reads. Not this one. I was flipping pages with my eyes glued to the page. I loved the characters, and I thought both X's PTSD and Rain's mental health issues were written well and truly.
My only criticism is that there was a lack of resolution with what happened to X. We get that there is some progress, but we never see the end result.
It isn't often that I'm on the edge of my seat while reading a novel in verse--they're usually slower, more reflective reads. Not this one. I was flipping pages with my eyes glued to the page. I loved the characters, and I thought both X's PTSD and Rain's mental health issues were written well and truly.
My only criticism is that there was a lack of resolution with what happened to X. We get that there is some progress, but we never see the end result.
September 10, 2022
I received an advance copy from the publisher via Netgalley for review purposes; this in no way influences my review.
Content notes:
I love books that make me feel things, and Rain Rising absolutely delivers. It tackles depression, trauma, assault, with a gentleness and care that culminates in a story of hope and family and love, even if everything isn’t “fixed” in the end. I adored Rain’s growth and the nuance of her relationship with Xander and her mom, as well as learning to be her own person and making new friends who like her for herself, rather than who they want her to be. All around a fantastic, emotional read that made me cry so much, but was worth all the tears.
Content notes:
I love books that make me feel things, and Rain Rising absolutely delivers. It tackles depression, trauma, assault, with a gentleness and care that culminates in a story of hope and family and love, even if everything isn’t “fixed” in the end. I adored Rain’s growth and the nuance of her relationship with Xander and her mom, as well as learning to be her own person and making new friends who like her for herself, rather than who they want her to be. All around a fantastic, emotional read that made me cry so much, but was worth all the tears.
January 26, 2023
Rain Rising is a powerful debut middle grade verse novel about mental health, body image, family, and healing. This book tackles tough topics like colorism, racism, and self-harm with compassion, sensitivity, and authenticity. If you enjoyed books like Genesis Begins Again and Turning Point, you’ll love this one — although I’d recommend this upper middle grade book for older tweens in grades 7 and up!
Full review: https://readingmiddlegrade.com/rain-r...
Full review: https://readingmiddlegrade.com/rain-r...
October 7, 2023
a middle grade read about learning how to heal & love yourself for where you’re at. written in poetry format, this novel traverses topics such as depression, peer pressure, & mental health.
November 25, 2023
4.5* A poignant and beautifully written novel in verse that explores topics such as depression, body image, self harm, colourism and racism with compassion, empathy and sensitivity. Told through the lens of a young black girl during a time of turmoil for her family, Rain Rising is an authentic and touching read that is equal parts painful and hopeful. This was such a beautifully told story and I can’t wait to read more from Courtne Comrie in the future.
TW: self harm, depression, internalised fat phobia, racial attack,
TW: self harm, depression, internalised fat phobia, racial attack,
December 18, 2023
This is a middle grade debut told in verse.
13 year old Rain is struggling. She is sad all of the time.
This book looks at race. It focuses a lot on friendship, family, teachers helping and therapy.
At first I found this book a bit depressing. Something bad happens to Rain’s brother (who is a star athlete/high school senior). And it destroys their family.
However I really enjoyed how real this book felt. And I really liked seeing Rain learn to deal with her problems. I’m looking forward to reading the sequel.
13 year old Rain is struggling. She is sad all of the time.
This book looks at race. It focuses a lot on friendship, family, teachers helping and therapy.
At first I found this book a bit depressing. Something bad happens to Rain’s brother (who is a star athlete/high school senior). And it destroys their family.
However I really enjoyed how real this book felt. And I really liked seeing Rain learn to deal with her problems. I’m looking forward to reading the sequel.
October 3, 2024
Omg! This book was so incredible and a true tear jearker. This book had me in tears at the end for how beautiful things turned out and how much progress was made. I went on an emotional journey with Rain as she explored who she really was and discovered just how wonderful life can be if you just believe in yourself. Family, friends, even therapy, can be truly beneficial to everyone, especially those in need. A great book for any age but definitely inspiring for middle school students, who more often then not are struggling to survive amongst a viscous society.
June 4, 2023
I loved everything about this book. The raw emotions, the feeling of not being good enough. It was written perfectly. You cried with Rain and cheered her on. I think what I loved most about it was the lack of fear of writing about not liking the color of your skin. I am light skinned and have struggled with not being dark enough or white enough, just somewhere in the middle. I loved that Rain struggled with being too dark because it made me feel seen even if we have opposite problems. This book was heart felt and I am going to recommend it to every person I come in contact with!
October 18, 2025
Finally finished this tear making emotional ride of a story. This is YA and was a Truman listed book last year. I started and thought it was time to finish. I felt all this young girl’s struggles and thought the author did a nice job of not making everything all okay but reinforcing that healing is a process - “progress, not perfection.”
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April 15, 2024
Trigger & Content Warnings
Colourism
Racist hate crime
Self-harm & skin-bleaching
Depression & anxiety
Disordered eating
Homelessness recounted
Colourism
Racist hate crime
Self-harm & skin-bleaching
Depression & anxiety
Disordered eating
Homelessness recounted
January 27, 2023
This book written in verse reminded me of Genesis Begins Again. Sometimes people and book characters can’t see the beauty in themselves. This story explored that along with the value of family and friendship.
Content Warning: violence and self harm
I liked how therapy groups and counseling were depicted as normalized and accepted as helpful in Rain’s story.
Content Warning: violence and self harm
I liked how therapy groups and counseling were depicted as normalized and accepted as helpful in Rain’s story.
December 17, 2025
It was a lot...
February 9, 2023
This is the best book I've read in a long time. I can't believe I was getting blurry-eyed within the first 50 pages. Talk about getting in the head of a young girl who understands life more than she should at her age. As this is a book in verse, this novel must be savored slowly, appreciated for its visual beauty and compelling narrative voice. A must read for anyone wanting to understand people.
May 9, 2024
This book was a very easy read and I read it in 2 days. The story was very cute, emotional and important as it reflects societal struggles. But I do think a lot of the situations in the book were a bit cliche and something I’ve either watched or read before.
December 17, 2022
I was sad for at least 200 pages of this book. Rain’s depression brought me down with her (no - not half as far). The way the author structured Rain’s story made total sense to me as to how she could feel the way she did. Xander’s beating brought a whole new level of emotions. The way friendships were explored, the way Rain, Xander and their mom explored their truths… it was all so REAL. My favorite quote: “It’s crazy how much healing can come from just being honest.” (2nd fave: “...you are not your circumstance.” and… “Why do we stop doing the things we love to make others happy?”)
July 18, 2022
Thank you Netgalley and HarperCollins for an ARC to review.
Ok, where should I start? Novel-in-verse are usually a hit or miss for me but this was poetry in motion. Rain is darkskin, large with type 4c hair which makes her believe she's not good enough. She struggles to find happiness everyday but when she's around her mother and brother, Xander who is a 'scholar-athlete' she smiles more. Her best friend Nara is a lightskin girl with looser curls, a boyfriend and her family has a bit more money so she's able to uber around effortlessly. Her best friend has also garnered new friends who unlike Rain are always in the mirror, using makeup and getting attention from other popular kids and boys.
Rain continues to struggle with loving her hair, body type and skin complexion but thing take a turn for the worse when her brother is a victim to violence while on a campus tour.
This book is a must-have for darkskin girls because it really invokes how anti-black society is, even for little girls.
Ok, where should I start? Novel-in-verse are usually a hit or miss for me but this was poetry in motion. Rain is darkskin, large with type 4c hair which makes her believe she's not good enough. She struggles to find happiness everyday but when she's around her mother and brother, Xander who is a 'scholar-athlete' she smiles more. Her best friend Nara is a lightskin girl with looser curls, a boyfriend and her family has a bit more money so she's able to uber around effortlessly. Her best friend has also garnered new friends who unlike Rain are always in the mirror, using makeup and getting attention from other popular kids and boys.
Rain continues to struggle with loving her hair, body type and skin complexion but thing take a turn for the worse when her brother is a victim to violence while on a campus tour.
This book is a must-have for darkskin girls because it really invokes how anti-black society is, even for little girls.
October 13, 2022
Appropriately titled “Rain Rising”!
This YA novel focuses on one family, one girl, who overcomes so much. Rain, a middle schooler, who lives with her mother and older brother, Xander. It is told through the eyes, voice, and emotions of Rain. Rain’s emotions run DEEP. She has fears of her own that get even more compounded when her brother, Xander has a major incident. An incident that rocks the whole family. But with the help of those around her, she finds her voice, her passion, and Herself!!! She soon becomes that “gentle force” of Rain Rising. A novel for those young and old; a coming off age story and a tear jerker definitely!
Thank you Net Galley and Harper Collins Publishing for allowing me an advanced digital copy for my honest review.
Courtne Comrie did an excellent job in writing this book. She puts a lot of passion and emotion in her writing. She brings the characters to life in such a way that you feel every dream, every year, every triumph. I can’t wait to read more of her books.
This YA novel focuses on one family, one girl, who overcomes so much. Rain, a middle schooler, who lives with her mother and older brother, Xander. It is told through the eyes, voice, and emotions of Rain. Rain’s emotions run DEEP. She has fears of her own that get even more compounded when her brother, Xander has a major incident. An incident that rocks the whole family. But with the help of those around her, she finds her voice, her passion, and Herself!!! She soon becomes that “gentle force” of Rain Rising. A novel for those young and old; a coming off age story and a tear jerker definitely!
Thank you Net Galley and Harper Collins Publishing for allowing me an advanced digital copy for my honest review.
Courtne Comrie did an excellent job in writing this book. She puts a lot of passion and emotion in her writing. She brings the characters to life in such a way that you feel every dream, every year, every triumph. I can’t wait to read more of her books.
January 26, 2023
E ARC Provided by Edelweiss Plus
In this novel in verse, we meet Rain, who lives with her mother and older brother Xander. Her father calls only occasionally, and often fails to visit when he says he will. Xander, or X as she calls him, is an athlete at an elite private school who also excels academically. Rain has a lot of self esteem issues and worries that her hair isn't right, she is too heavy, her skin is too dark, and these worries are reinforced by her best friend, Nara, who isn't very nice or supportive. When X goes on a college visit and is badly beaten at a party, Rain's anxieties intensify. His recuperation is long and painful, and Rain's feelings worsen until she starts cutting herself. Luckily, a concerned teacher gets her into counseling and a support group, and she starts to learn to have more faith in herself.
In this novel in verse, we meet Rain, who lives with her mother and older brother Xander. Her father calls only occasionally, and often fails to visit when he says he will. Xander, or X as she calls him, is an athlete at an elite private school who also excels academically. Rain has a lot of self esteem issues and worries that her hair isn't right, she is too heavy, her skin is too dark, and these worries are reinforced by her best friend, Nara, who isn't very nice or supportive. When X goes on a college visit and is badly beaten at a party, Rain's anxieties intensify. His recuperation is long and painful, and Rain's feelings worsen until she starts cutting herself. Luckily, a concerned teacher gets her into counseling and a support group, and she starts to learn to have more faith in herself.
January 27, 2022
This is a heart-wrenching and necessary novel-in-verse about eighth grader Rain Washington and the myriad of things she's struggling with: physical and mental self esteem, fake friends, internalized racism, and a lack of emotional support take an even bigger toll on her when her older brother Xander is violently assaulted by a group of white college boys. Rain Rising tells readers that they deserve to be seen, they deserve good things, and that they deserve to rise up from life's most difficult circumstances. Please be advised that this novel contains depictions of self-harm.
October 7, 2023
This was powerful. This book made me feel things: all the emotions. I read this as an audiobook after seeing it on insta (totally forgot who posted about this but shoutout to you) and truly loved it. Mental health matters and it is important to always talk about. It was the perfect book to discuss many topics: mental health, depression, growing up, emotions, discrimination, racism, family, and everything else in-between. Rain was an amazing MC! This book is uncomfortable but that’s how it should be. Super fast paced, short chapters, and semi YA. Highly recommend!
November 27, 2022
This book covers a lot of territory for a book in verse. It included stepping and flags, which I don’t think I’ve read about in other middle grade books, so that was unique. I’m glad to see more books normalizing different types of support groups for middle grade and high school students.
May 31, 2024
This is a wonderful middle grades novel for mature readers and/or those who may be struggling with mental health, self-esteem, and self-worth issues.
Rain is an 8th grade, African American female, who tends to carry the weight of the world on her shoulders. Her mom is a single parent and her older brother, Xavier, is a star student and athlete who attends a private school on scholarship. Rain has struggled with depression and low self-esteem issues her entire life, and does not have the proper coping skills. Things take a turn when her brother is literally jumped and beaten by a group of white, fraternity members while on a college visit with one of his closest friends from private school. Xavier ends up hospitalized and the story is all over the news and social media. Rain’s struggle with mental health seemingly spirals out of control at this point and she begins to engage in self-harm. Her popular friend at school doesn’t seem to get what she’s going through and wants to make everything a social media post. Her absentee father is another factor as he comes in and out of their lives, but shows more attention to Rain’s older brother Xavier.
When things seem completely hopeless, two unexpected friends, Rain’s favorite teacher, and the school counselor step in to help Rain get the help and support she needs. A process of therapy begins for Rain which later includes her mom and older brother. The ending almost made me cry because Rain begins to find herself, pursue interests that make her happy, and has built true friendships with other 8th grade students who are struggling with life outside of school but are still copping and remaining hopeful.
Beautiful story. I can’t wait to share it with my kiddos in August. This is also a South Carolina Junior Book Award nominee which is a big deal for school libraries across the state.
Rain is an 8th grade, African American female, who tends to carry the weight of the world on her shoulders. Her mom is a single parent and her older brother, Xavier, is a star student and athlete who attends a private school on scholarship. Rain has struggled with depression and low self-esteem issues her entire life, and does not have the proper coping skills. Things take a turn when her brother is literally jumped and beaten by a group of white, fraternity members while on a college visit with one of his closest friends from private school. Xavier ends up hospitalized and the story is all over the news and social media. Rain’s struggle with mental health seemingly spirals out of control at this point and she begins to engage in self-harm. Her popular friend at school doesn’t seem to get what she’s going through and wants to make everything a social media post. Her absentee father is another factor as he comes in and out of their lives, but shows more attention to Rain’s older brother Xavier.
When things seem completely hopeless, two unexpected friends, Rain’s favorite teacher, and the school counselor step in to help Rain get the help and support she needs. A process of therapy begins for Rain which later includes her mom and older brother. The ending almost made me cry because Rain begins to find herself, pursue interests that make her happy, and has built true friendships with other 8th grade students who are struggling with life outside of school but are still copping and remaining hopeful.
Beautiful story. I can’t wait to share it with my kiddos in August. This is also a South Carolina Junior Book Award nominee which is a big deal for school libraries across the state.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2023
This book was about a girl who struggles with mental health. I found her story moving and I couldn’t stop reading about it. I really liked this book because I can not think of too many other books written for middle school students that have a character that struggles with self harm. I also loved the relationship between Rain and her brother X. It also is a book that makes you want to find friends who are true and not fake. It also is a book that makes you want to find and pursue your passion. It has a positive message about working through tough things in life. I think you should read this book if you like realistic fiction books that deal with tough issues. I also loved how the book reads quick because it is a novel in verse.
April 26, 2025
This is a middle grade debut book in verse. I listened to this on audio, which is probably an easier way to read this book as I find the verse print challenging. That being said, this book tackles some pretty heavy topics - racism, feeling neglect from a missing parent, poverty, self-loathing and self-harm, depression, hate crimes, violence, friendship, and the beautiful releationship between loving siblings. I love Rain and her big brother X. I felt that I needed more resolution for X's attack, maybe in book 2? I liked that Rain got the help she needed and loved her friend who "told" on her for cutting herself...I did the same thing to a friend in HS and I regret nothing. Would recommend for middle school/HS kids.
April 6, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5. I really enjoyed this heart wrenching novel in verse. Rain lives with her mother and amazing older brother, Xander. Her mom works hard to make ends meet, and X is on scholarship at a private school to help his chances of getting a football scholarship for college. But when he is badly beaten at a party during a college visit, Rain’s anxiety and depression get even worse. How can she hold it together when her world is crumbling? It reminded me a lot of Genesis Begins Again, which I loved. Hand to readers in grades 6+.
April 2, 2024
Beautiful coming of age story. The author did an amazing job of highlighting therapy, trauma responses, depression, and anxiety in the black community. Im so happy that Rain was able to find good friends that could love her and reassure her. I know there are so many young black girls that have similar thoughts as Rain’s and convince themselves that they arent good enough or arent pretty enough. I hope that those girls find this book and learn the beauty within themselves.
February 16, 2023
I've got major book hangover. I'm gonna end up buying this one.
Complex characters and intersectional social issues.
Sweet. Bitter.
In verse.
Anxiety, before and after.
Healing? And health.
I loved this.
I love this.
All the parts and pieces that hurt and filled in the hurt I already had.
It's a process and I didn't want this to end.
It's a nice end.
Complex characters and intersectional social issues.
Sweet. Bitter.
In verse.
Anxiety, before and after.
Healing? And health.
I loved this.
I love this.
All the parts and pieces that hurt and filled in the hurt I already had.
It's a process and I didn't want this to end.
It's a nice end.
January 31, 2023
What an amazing story! I loved it. The struggle for inner peace, acceptance. And triumph is real fir so many adolescents, today. Mental health is addressed in this book as well as racial issues and disparity.
I encourage you to read it! Everyone can benefit from “Rain!”
I encourage you to read it! Everyone can benefit from “Rain!”
July 20, 2023
Raw
This book really spoke to me as a mother with daughters. I pray that my girls never convince themselves that they’re not good enough like Rain did. Her doubts and insecurities ran deep, but it was so realistic. The feelings of inadequacy when standing next to a girl that you think is skinnier, prettier, more desirable are haunting. I loved that Rain had people that poured into her. They reminded her that she matters. She wasn’t healed overnight. It was a never ending journey. That’s real. The other thing I really loved is how the book highlighted the importance of sibling relationships. The social commentary on how Black athletes are valued on the field, but mistreated off the field was spot on. I think this is a great book for tweens and teens that struggle with mental health and self confidence.
This book really spoke to me as a mother with daughters. I pray that my girls never convince themselves that they’re not good enough like Rain did. Her doubts and insecurities ran deep, but it was so realistic. The feelings of inadequacy when standing next to a girl that you think is skinnier, prettier, more desirable are haunting. I loved that Rain had people that poured into her. They reminded her that she matters. She wasn’t healed overnight. It was a never ending journey. That’s real. The other thing I really loved is how the book highlighted the importance of sibling relationships. The social commentary on how Black athletes are valued on the field, but mistreated off the field was spot on. I think this is a great book for tweens and teens that struggle with mental health and self confidence.
January 8, 2024
Mannnnnnn this was HEAVY but also I definitely could've used this book as a kid. The verse is gorgeous and all the characters (especially Rain) are really well-written. Lots of potentially triggering things, particularly self-harm and body image related stuff. 4.5 stars.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews