Rain Is Not My Indian Name

In a voice that resonates with insight and humor, New York Times bestselling author Cynthia Leitich Smith tells the story of a teenage girl who must face down her grief and reclaim her place in the world with the help of her intertribal community.

It's been six months since Cassidy Rain Berghoff’s best friend, Galen, died, and up until now she has succeeded in shutting herself off from the world. But when controversy arises around Aunt Georgia’s Indian Camp in their mostly white midwestern community, Rain decides to face the outside world again, with a new job photographing the campers for her town’s newspaper.

Soon, Rain has to decide how involved she wants to become in Indian Camp. Does she want to keep a professional distance from her fellow Native teens? And, though she is still grieving, will she be able to embrace new friends and new beginnings?

In partnership with We Need Diverse Books

Coming of Age Story: After six months of hiding from the world, 14-year-old Rain must confront her sorrow when a controversial new project forces her back into the light. Found Family & Friendship: Navigating new friendships and old heartbreaks, Rain has to decide if she can open her heart again after losing her best friend, Galen. Native American & Biracial Identity: At a summer camp for Native teens, Rain’s assignment as a photographer makes her question her own place in the intertribal community and what her heritage means to her. Small Town Contemporary: A thoughtful, funny, and heartfelt look at modern Indigenous life, small-town politics, and the power of finding your own voice.