Down Came the Rain

Jennifer Mathieu's "Down Came the Rain" is a compelling young adult novel about Eliza, a teenager whose life is upended when Hurricane Harvey destroys her Houston home. Forced to a new school, Eliza grapples with anxiety and trauma, channeling her energy into environmental activism, often against her "big-oil dad's" wishes. She finds solace and romance with Javi, a fellow student who understands the mental toll of ecological disaster. The book thoughtfully explores themes of climate change, eco-anxiety, classism, and the journey of self-discovery, offering a riveting and moving narrative for readers aged 12-18. It's an excellent choice for parents seeking a story that combines contemporary issues with a heartfelt coming-of-age and first love story.

From the acclaimed author of Moxie - now a Netflix film - and Bad Girls Never Say Die comes a bold novel about two young activists who find love and themselves as they tackle the threat of climate change. After Eliza’s home in Houston is destroyed by Hurricane Harvey, she is forced to transfer to Southwest High School. Traumatized by the floods and anxious in her new surroundings, Eliza throws herself into environmental activism, even if it's against the wishes of her big-oil dad. But when she meets Javi – a boy who has experienced climate-related trauma of his own – she's finally able to connect with someone over the devastating mental effects of ecological disaster. Filled with nuanced themes of mental health, classism, and eco-anxiety, Down Came the Rain is a riveting and moving tale of friendship, first love, and what it means to grow up in an ever-changing world.