Melina Olenberger's Review of "Rain Reign" by Anne M. Martin

Rose Howard is a 5th grade girl who has Asperger’s syndrome, and an obsession with homonyms (even her name is a homonym). She gave her dog Rain a name with two homonyms (Reign, Rein), which, according to Rose’s rules of homonyms, is very special. Rain was a lost dog Rose’s father brought home. Rose and Rain are practically inseparable. And they are often home alone, as Rose’s father spends most evenings at a bar, and doesn’t have much patience for his special-needs daughter.  Rose’s uncle is the exact opposite of her father and is the only one, besides Rain, who seems to understand her.  Just as a storm hits town, Rain goes missing. Rose’s father shouldn’t have let Rain out. Now Rose has to find her dog, even if it means leaving her routines and safe places to search.

Rain Reign is a sweet coming of age story.  Rose’s fascination with homophones is contagious for readers.  If you are a teacher or parent, expect your children to start their own lists of homophones.  As a reader, I couldn’t help but marvel at her ingenuity in her search for her lost dog and her sacrifice when she decides that doing what's right is more important than her happiness. Though the autism spectrum is broad and every autistic person is different, readers may still begin to understand and appreciate their autistic classmates a little more as they get to know Rose.  Although this book falls under the Young Adult Genre, I highly recommend it for readers of all ages.