Rain Rising (PB) (2023)

An inspiring debut middle grade novel-in-verse about Rain, who must overcome sadness after her all-star brother is badly beaten up at a frat party. Genesis Begins Again meets Brown Girl Dreaming in this powerful story of perseverance, family, and hope.

"A gorgeous debut: a necessary, cathartic, immersive healing experience."--Kirkus (starred review)

Rain is keeping a big secret from everyone around her: She's sad. All the time. Rain struggles with her image and feels inferior to her best friend, Nara. Not even her all-star student-athlete big brother (and personal superhero), Xander, can help Rain with her dark thoughts and low self-esteem.

And when Xander becomes the victim of violence at a predominantly white university, Rain's life and mind take a turn for the worse. But when her favorite teacher, Miss Walia, invites her to an after-school circle group, Rain finds the courage to help herself and her family heal.

Like the rain, she is both gentle and a force, finding strength to rise again.

"You can't help but fall in love with this book. Heartbreaking, emotional, and a ride well worth taking." --Marie Arnold, author of The Year I Flew Away and I Rise

"Everyone who reads this will be inspired by Rain's dedication to finding healing." --Elisabet Velasquez, author of When We Make It

A 2023 Bank Street Books Best Children's Book of the Year for ages 12-14 in Fiction (Contemporary Issues)!