by Ann Martin
“Rose Howard 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.
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. Rose will find Rain, but so will Rain’s original owners.”
I love author Ann Martin and have read a handful of her books. She writes heartfelt stories about real people with real challenges. This middle-grade story’s main character has Asperger’s and is not accepted by her peers at school, nor well-supported by her father, who is an alcoholic and often expresses impatience with her repetitive behaviors. Her only family member to fully accept her as she is, is her Uncle. I felt the character of Rose had great complexity, gave an honest inside look at autism and believe it can be a fantastic family conversation-starter about the subjects of identity, fitting-in, accepting others and special needs students. This book talks about a wide variety of things beside autism, including bullying, parental frustrations, love, loss and so much more. Having the story centralize around her dog helps bring a compassionate note to the story that younger readers can relate to. I hope you will pick up and read this story with your middle school students.
Heidi Y.