*sniff sniff*

Do you smell that? That’s 2019. And it’s right around the corner. And by “right around the corner” I mean “technically six months away but what-the-heck let’s do a cover reveal for a 2019 book today anyway”.

So this is a bit of a thrill. I don’t usually do cover reveals quite this far in advance. Usually the folks making the books like to hit that merry sweet spot where it isn’t too far in the future (when people might forget about it) and not too close to the release (when it’s no longer a surprise). But lest we forget, there are distinct advantages to an early reveal. Which brings us to today.

If the name “Lindsey Stoddard” is ringing any bells, that may be because her debut middle-grade novel, Just Like Jackie, received two starred reviews, a Junior Library Guild selection, placement on the Indie Kids’ Next list, and blurbs from the likes of Sara Pennypacker and Ann M. Martin. Now she has another book coming out. Why reveal its cover with me? Because it takes place on the streets of NYC, a burg I’m rather fond of when all is said and done. What’s the book about? Here’s what they tell me:

Before …

They were a family of four

There was laughter and fun and stories around the dinner table

There was a two-story house and a big backyard and friends at school and a top spot on the track team

 

Now…

There’s quiet and closed doors and stillness

There’s Rain’s mom finding a new job in New York, and moving the family from small town Vermont to a big city.

Nothing feels quite right.

 

The one thing Rain can hold onto is running. Soon she’s running in a pair, and then in a trio, and then with a whole team. And maybe things won’t ever be the same, but maybe things will get back to a different kind of normal. And Rain’s okay with that.

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Right As Rain:

Thanks to Stephen Barbara and Harper for the reveal.