
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.
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Sign in to write a reviewDepicts parents and child processing deep grief and depression.
The book deals directly with the death of a sibling. The approach is secular and realistic, focusing on the psychological impact of grief on a family. The resolution is hopeful but grounded: the pain doesn't disappear, but the protagonist learns to integrate it into her life.
A 10 to 12 year old who has experienced the loss of a loved one or a friend, or a child who feels like an outsider after a major move and needs to see a roadmap for making new connections.
This can be read cold, but parents should be ready to discuss the concept of 'survivor's guilt' and why Rain feels bad about enjoying her new life. Parents may find the depiction of the grieving mother particularly moving or difficult, as she initially struggles to function or connect with Rain due to her own sorrow.
Younger readers (age 8-9) will focus on the friendship and running aspects. Older readers (11-12) will better grasp the nuance of the parents' marriage strain and the complexity of Rain's internal conflict.
Unlike many 'grief' books that focus on the immediate aftermath, this explores the 'second stage' of loss: the guilt of building a life where the deceased person doesn't exist.
After the sudden death of her brother Tommy, Kirby (Rain) and her parents move from Vermont to a rainy neighborhood in Florida for a fresh start. Rain joins the track team and navigates the guilt of moving on while her parents struggle with their own grief. She eventually discovers a secret about her brother that helps her bridge the gap between her past and her new life.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.