Rain Rising

Reach for this book when your child is struggling with self-worth, the weight of family expectations, or a sense of 'cloudiness' they cannot quite name. Rain Rising is a sensitive and lyrical verse novel that validates the heavy experience of childhood depression while providing a gentle roadmap toward healing. It follows Rain, a young girl who feels overshadowed by her high-achieving brother and burdened by her mother's high standards and the absence of her father. This is an essential choice for parents looking to destigmatize mental health and initiate honest conversations about emotional wellness. Through Rain's journey in a support group and her discovery of the power of her own voice, children learn that it is okay to not be okay and that help is always within reach. It is particularly appropriate for middle grade readers (ages 8 to 12) who are beginning to navigate complex social hierarchies and internal emotional shifts.