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Down Came the Rain
From Jennifer Mathieu, the acclaimed author of Moxie - now a Netflix film - and Bad Girls Never Say Die, comes a bold novel about two young activists who find love and themselves as they tackle the threat of climate change.
After Eliza’s home in Houston is destroyed by Hurricane Harvey, she is forced to transfer to Southwest High School. Traumatized by the floods and anxious in her new surroundings, Eliza throws herself into environmental activism, even if it's against the wishes of her Big Oil dad.
But when she meets Javi – a boy who has experienced climate-related trauma of his own – she's finally able to connect with someone over the devastating mental effects of ecological disaster.
Filled with nuanced themes of mental health, classism, and eco-anxiety, Down Came the Rain is a riveting and moving tale of friendship, first love, and what it means to grow up in an ever-changing world.
After Eliza’s home in Houston is destroyed by Hurricane Harvey, she is forced to transfer to Southwest High School. Traumatized by the floods and anxious in her new surroundings, Eliza throws herself into environmental activism, even if it's against the wishes of her Big Oil dad.
But when she meets Javi – a boy who has experienced climate-related trauma of his own – she's finally able to connect with someone over the devastating mental effects of ecological disaster.
Filled with nuanced themes of mental health, classism, and eco-anxiety, Down Came the Rain is a riveting and moving tale of friendship, first love, and what it means to grow up in an ever-changing world.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published September 26, 2023
17 people are currently reading
340 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Mathieu
10 books1,516 followersI'm a high school English teacher and writer. My novels for young people include MOXIE, THE TRUTH ABOUT ALICE, DOWN CAME THE RAIN, and more.
My fourth novel MOXIE is a film on Netflix, directed by Amy Poehler. :-)
All my YA novels are published by Roaring Brook Press/Macmillan.
In July 2024, I'll be introducing my first novel for adults, THE FACULTY LOUNGE. It's being published by Dutton and follows a sweeping cast of characters who all work at a big public high school in Texas.
I live in Texas with my husband, son, dog, and cat.
When it comes to what I read, I love anything that hooks me on the first page. I adore thoughtful memoirs and creative nonfiction about arts and culture. When it comes to fiction, my favorite contemporary writers are Curtis Sittenfeld, Danielle Evans, and J. Courtney Sullivan. If I could travel into the world of a book (but only for a little bit!), I'd choose an Edith Wharton novel.
My fourth novel MOXIE is a film on Netflix, directed by Amy Poehler. :-)
All my YA novels are published by Roaring Brook Press/Macmillan.
In July 2024, I'll be introducing my first novel for adults, THE FACULTY LOUNGE. It's being published by Dutton and follows a sweeping cast of characters who all work at a big public high school in Texas.
I live in Texas with my husband, son, dog, and cat.
When it comes to what I read, I love anything that hooks me on the first page. I adore thoughtful memoirs and creative nonfiction about arts and culture. When it comes to fiction, my favorite contemporary writers are Curtis Sittenfeld, Danielle Evans, and J. Courtney Sullivan. If I could travel into the world of a book (but only for a little bit!), I'd choose an Edith Wharton novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
March 20, 2024
3.5
I really struggled with some parts of this and enjoyed others, so I ended up going with the middle ground on this. It's rather surprising, as I've rated every other Jennifer Mathieu book highly, but this one didn't sit quite right with me.
Javi's character was very well-written. You could see him struggling with PTSD and not understanding why he had it, and wanting to help the environment but still seeing the other side with his brother Miguel working for an oil refinery. He understood that things needed to change, but that change is rarely so simple. Eliza on the other hand I struggled with a lot. She has more of a I'm-smarter-and-better-than-you attitude and belittles and yells at people who don't agree with her. Her way of getting people to care about climate change is to make them feel like shit for their actions, even if their action is as simple as stating they like chicken. It's a lot harder to sympathize with her when she treats people the way she does. Nowhere in the history of ever has yelling at or belittling someone convinced them to change their mind about something. It usually has the opposite effect. And while I get that she is passionate about climate change, it still doesn't excuse the way she treats people, especially her own family and Javi. There is also the fact that while she enjoys spewing facts about climate change and fossil fuels, she rarely looks at the other side of things, such as how other families who are not as well off as hers can't as easily change things about their situations, living conditions, or jobs, not to mention the fact that there are human rights violations when it comes to the people that have to mine for the minerals to make batteries for cars and what happens when rich countries ship their recyclable items to poor countries and let them deal with it. She does get a bit of enlightenment at the end, but we only able to see a tiny change as it comes so late in the story. And while she is dealing with her own form of PTSD or possibly OCD, it still isn't an excuse for her to treat people the way she does.
Eliza: I gave up meat in eighth grade, not long after learning about its connection to the planet, and it wasn't even that difficult given all the other stuff there is to eat. Heather is always going on and on about how she shops organic at Whole Foods, but meat is meat. It just seems so lazy to not do this one easy little thing that makes such a big impact on the planet. But I keep my mouth shut.
The thing Eliza doesn't realize is that it isn't just laziness and it isn't so simple for a lot of people. Also, if you're getting your meat from the rancher in town, you are probably causing less harm than the person buying their food that was trucked halfway across the country.
I think climate change is important and there is a lot of work to be done. We do need to do something about our reliance on oil and plastic, but we need to realize that there are human lives on the other end of things too.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I really struggled with some parts of this and enjoyed others, so I ended up going with the middle ground on this. It's rather surprising, as I've rated every other Jennifer Mathieu book highly, but this one didn't sit quite right with me.
Javi's character was very well-written. You could see him struggling with PTSD and not understanding why he had it, and wanting to help the environment but still seeing the other side with his brother Miguel working for an oil refinery. He understood that things needed to change, but that change is rarely so simple. Eliza on the other hand I struggled with a lot. She has more of a I'm-smarter-and-better-than-you attitude and belittles and yells at people who don't agree with her. Her way of getting people to care about climate change is to make them feel like shit for their actions, even if their action is as simple as stating they like chicken. It's a lot harder to sympathize with her when she treats people the way she does. Nowhere in the history of ever has yelling at or belittling someone convinced them to change their mind about something. It usually has the opposite effect. And while I get that she is passionate about climate change, it still doesn't excuse the way she treats people, especially her own family and Javi. There is also the fact that while she enjoys spewing facts about climate change and fossil fuels, she rarely looks at the other side of things, such as how other families who are not as well off as hers can't as easily change things about their situations, living conditions, or jobs, not to mention the fact that there are human rights violations when it comes to the people that have to mine for the minerals to make batteries for cars and what happens when rich countries ship their recyclable items to poor countries and let them deal with it. She does get a bit of enlightenment at the end, but we only able to see a tiny change as it comes so late in the story. And while she is dealing with her own form of PTSD or possibly OCD, it still isn't an excuse for her to treat people the way she does.
Eliza: I gave up meat in eighth grade, not long after learning about its connection to the planet, and it wasn't even that difficult given all the other stuff there is to eat. Heather is always going on and on about how she shops organic at Whole Foods, but meat is meat. It just seems so lazy to not do this one easy little thing that makes such a big impact on the planet. But I keep my mouth shut.
The thing Eliza doesn't realize is that it isn't just laziness and it isn't so simple for a lot of people. Also, if you're getting your meat from the rancher in town, you are probably causing less harm than the person buying their food that was trucked halfway across the country.
I think climate change is important and there is a lot of work to be done. We do need to do something about our reliance on oil and plastic, but we need to realize that there are human lives on the other end of things too.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
January 3, 2025
As teen a who experienced Harvey which inspired me to pursue climate work, I felt really seen in this book. I struggled with a lot of the same issues as Eliza and it was really interesting to see someone go through something similar from an outside perspective. This book is adorable, deals with many real issues, and has so many cute little Houston references that always made me smile. Would highly recommend for anyone who wants a generally easy read while still making you think a bit :)
November 3, 2023
Jennifer Mathieu writes teens so well that it's easy to forget she's not a teenager anymore. Moxie remains one of my favorite books.
Down came the rain follows two teens in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, which hit Houston in 2017. Eliza Brady is a very environmentally conscious teen. Her house flooded, so she and her parents are staying with her aunt and uncle and their baby a few miles away. Eliza has to go to a different school, although her teachers would be teaching all their school's high school students until their school is safe to re open after the flooding. She goes to the good public school, Baldwin, and decides to start an environmental club at school.
Javier lives nearby and goes to Southwest High School, which is hosting the Baldwin kids and teachers. His family is working class - not poor but not wealthy. He is shy, into yoga, and has a few friends.
Eliza and Javier have a meet cute over her Meat is Murder t shirt, and after she starts her club she calls ETUP, encouraged SW kids to join she gets Javier to join and become co president of the club.
Eliza is so type A and organized, but almost obsessive about climate change and the environment, especially after Hurricane Harvey. She's aware of her privilege, but she's a little intense at times. Mostly liked how she and Javier became a couple and their club goals. The author does a good job talking about anxiety and therapy.
Eliza goes a little - or a lot too far - and that's where I had to reduce 4 stars to 3. I know that teenagers' brains aren't fully developed and that the logic and reasoning, judgment is not fully there. What happens is maybe not AS bad as it could have been, but still, I was just like NO, ELIZA. WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?
The ending brought it back up a little bit and there was a good heart to heart. In a way, I was kind of envious. Eliza does something bad at age 16, and her parents don't freak or scream at her. She recognized that she got off easy. I just wish the central action that was built up was something positive, like in Moxie, instead of something that hurt people (not physically). There could be so many great things like a community spring clean-up day or similar idea. I would've liked something of that nature to conclude the book in a more positive manner. Nevertheless, the book navigates trauma and anxiety in a very thorough way.
3.35/5☆
Down came the rain follows two teens in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, which hit Houston in 2017. Eliza Brady is a very environmentally conscious teen. Her house flooded, so she and her parents are staying with her aunt and uncle and their baby a few miles away. Eliza has to go to a different school, although her teachers would be teaching all their school's high school students until their school is safe to re open after the flooding. She goes to the good public school, Baldwin, and decides to start an environmental club at school.
Javier lives nearby and goes to Southwest High School, which is hosting the Baldwin kids and teachers. His family is working class - not poor but not wealthy. He is shy, into yoga, and has a few friends.
Eliza and Javier have a meet cute over her Meat is Murder t shirt, and after she starts her club she calls ETUP, encouraged SW kids to join she gets Javier to join and become co president of the club.
Eliza is so type A and organized, but almost obsessive about climate change and the environment, especially after Hurricane Harvey. She's aware of her privilege, but she's a little intense at times. Mostly liked how she and Javier became a couple and their club goals. The author does a good job talking about anxiety and therapy.
Eliza goes a little - or a lot too far - and that's where I had to reduce 4 stars to 3. I know that teenagers' brains aren't fully developed and that the logic and reasoning, judgment is not fully there. What happens is maybe not AS bad as it could have been, but still, I was just like NO, ELIZA. WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?
The ending brought it back up a little bit and there was a good heart to heart. In a way, I was kind of envious. Eliza does something bad at age 16, and her parents don't freak or scream at her. She recognized that she got off easy. I just wish the central action that was built up was something positive, like in Moxie, instead of something that hurt people (not physically). There could be so many great things like a community spring clean-up day or similar idea. I would've liked something of that nature to conclude the book in a more positive manner. Nevertheless, the book navigates trauma and anxiety in a very thorough way.
3.35/5☆
September 26, 2023
Having lived through Hurricane Harvey, I can say that This book really captures the PTSD of it.
October 24, 2024
I understand being passionate about something, but man, she was over the top. This was a hard book to read. I'm glad she is getting help. I really liked Javi.
December 11, 2024
I’m a big Jennifer Mathieu fan. Unfortunately DOWN CAME THE RAIN didn’t work for me.
Set in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, Tess, a wealthy white girl and Javi, a lower middle class boy form a school club to address climate issues.
The first 80% of the book is a lot of virtue signaling through Tess’s character. Tess also recognizes her class and race privilege and when she forgets, she quickly becomes more enlightened. She’s never defensive. Tess’s near obsession with what everyone is doing wrong for the planet results in her committing an act of vandalism. But she’s very sorry and gets off extremely lightly because she has a breakdown when she thinks her boyfriend Javi will be blamed.
If Mathieu had been less heavy handed, I would have enjoyed the book more.
Set in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, Tess, a wealthy white girl and Javi, a lower middle class boy form a school club to address climate issues.
The first 80% of the book is a lot of virtue signaling through Tess’s character. Tess also recognizes her class and race privilege and when she forgets, she quickly becomes more enlightened. She’s never defensive. Tess’s near obsession with what everyone is doing wrong for the planet results in her committing an act of vandalism. But she’s very sorry and gets off extremely lightly because she has a breakdown when she thinks her boyfriend Javi will be blamed.
If Mathieu had been less heavy handed, I would have enjoyed the book more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2023
This author is quite versatile in her writing style and what subject she writes.
This time we have two teens dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. Eliza lost everything to the storm and is currently living with her family in a very cramped house. Javi didn't lose any possessions in the storm but his sense of safety is gone.
These two also come from different parts of town. Eliza is from the richer suburbs, while Javi lives in a house on the middle class side.
We get too see how these teens struggle mentally to put their lives back together. This was the good part of the book.
I get we need to take better care of this planet but it came across way too much in this book and at times felt preachy.
This time we have two teens dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. Eliza lost everything to the storm and is currently living with her family in a very cramped house. Javi didn't lose any possessions in the storm but his sense of safety is gone.
These two also come from different parts of town. Eliza is from the richer suburbs, while Javi lives in a house on the middle class side.
We get too see how these teens struggle mentally to put their lives back together. This was the good part of the book.
I get we need to take better care of this planet but it came across way too much in this book and at times felt preachy.
February 14, 2024
I'm an 8th grade English teacher previewing books about climate change that are fiction but not dystopian or doomsday-ish. This one is realistic fiction post Hurricane Harvey in Houston and is told by alternating narrators, both of whom are in high school. There is some innocent young love involved but not so much to turn students off. I liked the inclusion of climate anxiety and trauma and the feeling of desperation many young adults feel about the climate crisis. Some of the resolutions to the conflicts are oversimplified and cheesy, and I imagine my students would critique this... but I think it could spark interesting conversations about perspectives and hope for change.
August 30, 2024
This book was so well written, it really does get you thinking about climate change and that can be kind of scary. I think it is really good for people to be educated on this kind of stuff so we can prevent it from happening because some of the steps we can take are so simple. I loved how the 2 main characters knew they were meant to be from the very first time they saw each other. They were very understanding of each other and gave each other what they needed.
November 14, 2023
I hate giving such a low review but this book I had to make myself finish. It was so slow...interesting topic with the Houston floods especially because I have family there but I felt like there was no real climax until the last couple of chapters and then it was over so fast. Just not great.
October 5, 2023
YA Read - In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, Houstonians struggled to reclaim their homes, their lives, and a sense of normalcy. Jennifer Mathieu uses Harvey’s devastation as the backdrop of her newest novel.
Eliza Brady is entering her junior year of high school, the most academically important year of her school career. She’s smart, motivated, and passionate about the effects of climate change. The effects of Harvey have left Eliza and her parents displaced while their home is repaired and her & her friends split up while their school is repair. Half of them are sent to Southwest High School, a neighboring district with a very different student body than hers, while the richest kids are sent to a private school nearby. As Eliza throws herself into school, she decides to develop a new environmental club aimed at reducing waste and fossil fuel emissions.
Javier Garza, a student at Southwest, meets Eliza after she hears him crying in the hallway after a thunderstorm one afternoon. Following Harvey, Javi developed major storm anxiety. Eliza offers to drive him home and invites him to join her environmental club. From that moment on, they become friends, later more than friends, and work to better the environment. But while Javi works to overcome his anxiety, Eliza tucks hers away until she explodes.
Mathieu tackles mental health, environmental issues, and familial relationships in her newest novel. She has a knack for addressing societal conflicts that matter to teens in an engaging manner. I definitely recommend reading Down Came the Rain and her another book of hers, Moxie!
Eliza Brady is entering her junior year of high school, the most academically important year of her school career. She’s smart, motivated, and passionate about the effects of climate change. The effects of Harvey have left Eliza and her parents displaced while their home is repaired and her & her friends split up while their school is repair. Half of them are sent to Southwest High School, a neighboring district with a very different student body than hers, while the richest kids are sent to a private school nearby. As Eliza throws herself into school, she decides to develop a new environmental club aimed at reducing waste and fossil fuel emissions.
Javier Garza, a student at Southwest, meets Eliza after she hears him crying in the hallway after a thunderstorm one afternoon. Following Harvey, Javi developed major storm anxiety. Eliza offers to drive him home and invites him to join her environmental club. From that moment on, they become friends, later more than friends, and work to better the environment. But while Javi works to overcome his anxiety, Eliza tucks hers away until she explodes.
Mathieu tackles mental health, environmental issues, and familial relationships in her newest novel. She has a knack for addressing societal conflicts that matter to teens in an engaging manner. I definitely recommend reading Down Came the Rain and her another book of hers, Moxie!
September 25, 2023
Eliza and Javi are high school teenagers living in Houston and dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, disrupting their lives and local communities. Eliza is very passionate and strong-minded about climate change and encouraging others to take action. She forms a club called E-T-U-P to bring awareness about climate change to others at her school. Along the way, she forms a connection with Javi, who also wants to be a part of making change. Together, they organize a recycling program, park clean-ups, and a petition as co-presidents of the school’s environmental club.
Both Eliza and Javi face trauma of their own and must learn how to overcome obstacles. While this book focuses mainly on eco-anxiety and climate change, there is also an underlying theme of the importance of mental health and self-care.
Overall, I thought this book was good, and I think readers of my high school’s library will enjoy it as Moxie and Bad Girls Never Say Die are highly circulated. I really enjoyed seeing Javi’s growth and thought his character was well-written. I struggled with Eliza because I felt that she was so strong-minded that she wasn’t open to anyone else’s ideas. Her relationship and feelings toward her family were also very frustrating. I thought the author did a great job of tackling climate change and presenting it in a way that makes the reader consider the choices they make in their own life. I would give this book 3.5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Both Eliza and Javi face trauma of their own and must learn how to overcome obstacles. While this book focuses mainly on eco-anxiety and climate change, there is also an underlying theme of the importance of mental health and self-care.
Overall, I thought this book was good, and I think readers of my high school’s library will enjoy it as Moxie and Bad Girls Never Say Die are highly circulated. I really enjoyed seeing Javi’s growth and thought his character was well-written. I struggled with Eliza because I felt that she was so strong-minded that she wasn’t open to anyone else’s ideas. Her relationship and feelings toward her family were also very frustrating. I thought the author did a great job of tackling climate change and presenting it in a way that makes the reader consider the choices they make in their own life. I would give this book 3.5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
December 13, 2023
This is a really good novel not only for a niche on the aftermath of a natural disaster (and, in some ways, for being a historical depiction of Hurricane Harvey) and looking into environmentalism for teens—and how they can get involved in activism and making a difference—but for a spotlight on different kinds of anxiety. From PTSD to perfectionism to time anxiety, racing thoughts, and anxiety attacks, all of these phenomena are very real, and teens can both be informed on that (alongside the ecology theme) as well as not feel so alone if they are going through such things themselves.
There’s also a cute romance, realistic depictions of families, occasional bits of humour, and a cry to make these big, overwhelming tasks like environmentalism personal, reasonable, and equitable.
Really, in general, it was cool for me to see Mathieu’s versatility in having written this novel because the only other ones of hers that I’d read so far were her feminist ones.
The diversity in it I also think was great (though I may not be one to talk as a white person.) And I like the not-so-gentle nudge to use your school resources and counselors!
Overall, I would recommend this novel especially to those interested in the above-mentioned topics. I look forward to reading more from Jennifer Mathieu!
There’s also a cute romance, realistic depictions of families, occasional bits of humour, and a cry to make these big, overwhelming tasks like environmentalism personal, reasonable, and equitable.
Really, in general, it was cool for me to see Mathieu’s versatility in having written this novel because the only other ones of hers that I’d read so far were her feminist ones.
The diversity in it I also think was great (though I may not be one to talk as a white person.) And I like the not-so-gentle nudge to use your school resources and counselors!
Overall, I would recommend this novel especially to those interested in the above-mentioned topics. I look forward to reading more from Jennifer Mathieu!
September 26, 2023
This book was so much more than I thought it would be! Yes, it did educate me on climate change and things that we all can do to help out our planet, but it dealt with much more serious issues than I thought it would. The book shows how the young adults in Houston deal with the aftereffects of Hurricane Harvey. When entire neighborhoods become flooded, the school system is forced to combine students from two different high schools into one building. This act forces students from different socioeconomic backgrounds to attend classes together and for some, this is the first time they have been around people that look different from themselves. The book also deals with the trauma that young adults go through after experiencing a natural disaster. Luckily, the school has a counselor that students can take advantage of and who will guide them through some coping skills and relaxation techniques. But, the main concept of this book is climate change and the impact and worry that it places on the youth of our society. It's a scary thought that our world won't be there for our kids to enjoy, but unless we take some action now, it could be a reality. I will definitely recommend this book to my middle-grade kiddos and I think they will enjoy it!
December 7, 2023
Well, Jennifer comes back with force in this one. I loved Moxie, liked Bad Girls (but longed for not a re-telling but original work) and Down came the rain really sums up beautifully the issue of climate change and our sad dependance on fossil fuels. The thing that strikes me is that while the issues are heavy in this book, Jennifer expertly mangages to make them so human in the way she weaves them into her characters and the relationships between them. How do you manage to, like Eliza, a situation where her father works for a oil company when oil without question has very much to do with climate change? I could go deeper and say that as long as we adhere to a capitalistic system, this question will be impossible to solve, but Jennifer doesn't go there, and to be honest I would be surprised if she did, as it would transform this book to something else. I very much like the characters. Eliza and Javier, their relationship is just beautifully written. Ms. Bates, Ms. Holiday - how could you not like them? The fact that Jennifer is a teacher shines through, properly. If you liked her other books, you'll be wanting to dig into this.
August 22, 2023
Flooding in Houston has made Eliza’s home unlivable so she and her parents are shoehorned in with her aunt and uncle and Eliza is sharing a room with her baby nephew while it is being repaired. Her high school is closed for repairs too, so those who can’t afford to leap to private schools are reassigned to neighboring Southwest, with higher poverty and a much more diverse student body. That’s where Eliza meets Javi and their eco-anxiety motivates they to form a school club based on climate action. Javi finds help for his worries but Eliza’s fears and rigidity prove to be much more damaging. Both Eliza’s and Javi’s families work with fossil fuels; secondary characters are nuanced and interesting. Earc from Edelweiss.
December 6, 2023
This was a very interesting book. The author did such a great job showing the fall out after a natural (?) disaster. From the clean-up to the eco-anxiety, so much happens that most people would never realize. Yet many people live with these events every day.
I did struggle a bit with the main character as her attitude was difficult to balance with her economic status. It was hard for me to sympathize with her.
The author did do a great job though giving voice to the environment and what each of us can do to help. She also opened the door to getting help from professionals when life gets to be to much. Thank you for that.
All in all, I really came away with a new awareness of the issues facing those who are affected by natural disasters and it's repercussions.
I did struggle a bit with the main character as her attitude was difficult to balance with her economic status. It was hard for me to sympathize with her.
The author did do a great job though giving voice to the environment and what each of us can do to help. She also opened the door to getting help from professionals when life gets to be to much. Thank you for that.
All in all, I really came away with a new awareness of the issues facing those who are affected by natural disasters and it's repercussions.
gave-up-on
April 9, 2024dnf @ 12%
I had read this author's last book and I really enjoyed it so I had pretty high expectations going into this. While I do think this book did a good job showing characters recognizing and processing their trauma, the writing felt very..... juvenile? There were sooo many cringey lines and so many moments that I just sighed outloud because the things the characters were thinking were just soooo dumbbb. I really wanted to enjoy this because I think this author has a lot of potental and has great ideas but this book just was not it.
Thank you to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group and Roaring Brook Press for providing me with an eBook copy to review on NetGalley
I had read this author's last book and I really enjoyed it so I had pretty high expectations going into this. While I do think this book did a good job showing characters recognizing and processing their trauma, the writing felt very..... juvenile? There were sooo many cringey lines and so many moments that I just sighed outloud because the things the characters were thinking were just soooo dumbbb. I really wanted to enjoy this because I think this author has a lot of potental and has great ideas but this book just was not it.
Thank you to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group and Roaring Brook Press for providing me with an eBook copy to review on NetGalley
December 8, 2024
Contemporary fiction for ages 12-18, this takes place in 2017, after Hurricane Harvey in Houston, TX. chapters alternate between to two main characters. I thought this book was going to be a romance with climate change, but it is primarily about mental health. The romance is lovely, and the climate change and hurricane contribute to what is called eco-anxiety. This book includes good family dynamics and growing up issues, too. It was very good.
Making out is only kissing, no drugs or alcohol, maybe mild swearing, I don't remember.
Making out is only kissing, no drugs or alcohol, maybe mild swearing, I don't remember.
August 5, 2023
A YA book about the impact of Hurricane Harvey on teens’ lives in Houston and how they move on. The way the book showcases the psychological and emotional impact of the hurricane and how it becomes so stressful to the point of a breakdown. This was one of the first books that I have read that truly spotlights the impact of climate change and how it is necessary for us to do whatever it takes to make this a better world.
Read
November 17, 2023Graded By: Scout Luna
Cover Story: Bayou Beauty
BFF Charm: Heck Yes!
Swoonworthy Scale: 5
Talky Talk: Full of Moxie
Bonus Factor: Texas Forever
Anti-Bonus Factor: Climate Change Anxiety
Relationship Status: Fired Up
Read the full book report here.
Cover Story: Bayou Beauty
BFF Charm: Heck Yes!
Swoonworthy Scale: 5
Talky Talk: Full of Moxie
Bonus Factor: Texas Forever
Anti-Bonus Factor: Climate Change Anxiety
Relationship Status: Fired Up
Read the full book report here.
December 15, 2023
*YA-Two teens meet after Hurricane Harvey forces them to attend the same HS in Houston, TX
*Sweet, innocent relationship between Javi & Eliza- best part of the book!
*Environmentally minded youth
*PTSD/anxiety-trauma
*Mindfulness techniques
*Culture awareness
*Bit preachy at times
*Needed distinction between internal thoughts and text messages- got confusing sometimes
Thank you to NetGalley and Macamillan Children's Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
*Sweet, innocent relationship between Javi & Eliza- best part of the book!
*Environmentally minded youth
*PTSD/anxiety-trauma
*Mindfulness techniques
*Culture awareness
*Bit preachy at times
*Needed distinction between internal thoughts and text messages- got confusing sometimes
Thank you to NetGalley and Macamillan Children's Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
September 27, 2023
4.75/5 stars. I liked this, I thought this was an important book about how climate change can impact the youngest people around us. However, while Down Came the Rain discussed things like classism as well, it didn’t feel very deep at times. I wanted deeper character development for Eliza and Javier, more about their traumas and their relationships with family.
March 1, 2025
I enjoyed the alternating viewpoints in this sweet YA romance. I also appreciated the supportive adults Javier and Eliza have in their lives. At the same time, the plot was too issue-driven for me. Climate change is an important issue, and helping teens deal with climate anxiety is crucial. I just don't enjoy such a heavy-handed approach. Still, a book I will recommend to certain readers.
October 4, 2023
sometimes a book finds you at just the right moment. this is that book. this is that moment.
October 12, 2023
So many emotions reading this book, especially at the end. I love the way Mathieu crafts characters that are relatable and real.
October 28, 2023
Always a fan of Jennifer Mathieu! As a Houstonian, I enjoyed this book and seeing another perspective of Hurricane Harvey. Eliza & Javier bring 2 valuable viewpoints.
January 14, 2024
Great characters. Good story. But the pacing was off. For a short book, it took too long to get going. Excellent job dealing with climate change and anxiety in young people.
January 19, 2024
3.5 stars
May 8, 2024
A good look into the climate anxiety young people face today.
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