Ann M. Martin
My rating: ★★★★★
ISBN: 978-0312643003
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Date of publication: October 7, 2014
Age: Grades 4 - 7
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Themes: Asperger's syndrome, pets, family, homonyms, bravery
Rose Howard has Asperger's syndrome and, as such, some of her favorites things include prime numbers, rules, and homonyms--especially homonyms, because her name has one (rows). When her father comes home with a stray dog that he found in the rain, Rose immediately names her accordingly: Rain (reign, rein). They're inseparable; a much needed companion for Rose, since her father prefers to spend his time at the local bar. But after a terrible storm, Rain goes missing. Now Rose must find her dog, even if it means confronting the limits of her comfort and security.
This book is heartbreakingly beautiful. It's simple—told from Rose's perspective, she talks simply and repetitively. But at the same time, it addresses such complex ideas as single parenthood, alcoholism, courage, perspective, and responsibility. Rose, as a character, is amazingly complex, for a middle-grade (and somewhat short) novel. Now, that all being said, I would suspect that the story may not actually be all that appealing to the average tween. Unless they really love dogs; that's a definite appeal. But all you adults? Yeah. Pick this one up. It's so worth it.
Find it at your library or on Amazon
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