• Age: 12 to 18
• Grade: 8 to 12
• Reading age: 12 to 18

While struggling with the death of her beloved adoptive mother, sixteen-year-old Brenna reconnects with members of her biological family, hoping to discover why her biological mother broke off contact many years earlier.

At the same time, she is falling in love with Ryan, who provides support while she grieves but has to leave her when she needs him most. Despite powerful feelings of abandonment, Brenna realizes that getting strong physically and focusing on the needs of others might just help her move beyond her crippling grief, find peace and plan a future for herself.

Dancing in the Rain continues the story that began in Shelley Hrdlitschka’s bestselling Dancing Naked.

Shelley Hrdlitschka discovered her love for children's literature while teaching school. She decided to try writing her own books, and is now the award-winning author of nine novels for teens, all published by Orca Book Publishers.

Shelley offers school and library presentations on the value of perseverance. She describes the pitfalls she encountered on her path to becoming a published author and discusses where ideas come from using examples from her books. She touches on numerous literary devices, tailored to the age of the audience. Shelley also reads from some of her many rejection letters-the part of the presentation that students seem to like most. She is also available for writing workshops.

Shelley lives in North Vancouver, British Columbia, with her three daughters and an assortment of animals. When she's not writing, she can be found hiking, snowshoeing, practicing yoga or hidden away with a book and some good music. More information can be found at http://shelleyhrdlitschka.wordpress.com.

Shelley Hrdlitschka's profile page

• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens, starred selection

"Explores realistic truth that not all relationships can be mended while also offering healing and hope."

Kirkus Reviews

"The present tense narration is refreshing and lends a sense of urgency to the plot...The characters including Naysa, Brenna and their father, Brett, are well conceived. A reader could easily see these characters as real people going through real events...Highly recommended."

CM Magazine