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Rain Rising by Courtne Comrie Book Trailer - Kristen Tinsley
Rain Rising Super Short Recommendations - @SchaumLib
About the Author
Courtne Comrie is a poet and writer who prefers tackling heavy topics through simplistic and beautiful verse. Born in Toronto, Canada, but raised in the Bronx and Mount Vernon, New York, she graduated from CUNY Lehman College with a BA in creative writing through TheDream.US scholarship for undocumented students. She is an educator, mentor, and an aunt to three amazing humans.
About the Book
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.
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.
Praise for Rain Rising:
A 2023 Bank Street Books Best Children's Book of the Year for Ages 12-14 in Fiction (Contemporary Issues)! [awards, reviews, mentions, etc]
Michigan Association of State Librarians List
MISelf in Books, 2023, Middle School - Michigan
MISelf in Books, 2023, Upper Elementary - Michigan
Junior Book Award, 2024-2025, Grades 6-8 - South Carolina
Lone Star Reading List, 2023, for Grades 6-8 - Texas
Louisiana Young Readers Choice Award, 2025, Grades 6-8
Best Fiction for young adults, 2011-2024
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2015-2023
“This lovingly crafted novel-in-verse is a much-needed reminder that compassion, both for oneself and others, can help make the world right as rain.” —Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review)
“A searing exploration of the intricacies of racism, privilege, and self-worth within the confines of the Black community. Rain’s journey is one that includes an acceptance of all the pieces of her identity that make her whole and unique.” —ALA Booklist
Resources/Teaching Ideas
Author links
https://school.teachingbooks.net/tb.cgi?aid=43870
Interview with the author:
https://school.teachingbooks.net/author_interview.cgi?id=63149
https://school.teachingbooks.net/acr.cgi?r=10&ri=54370&url_id=250903&i=&x=1
Author posts:
https://school.teachingbooks.net/acr.cgi?r=10&ri=54371&url_id=250906&i=&x=1
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