WHO IS FRANCES RAIN? Margaret Buffie. Toronto, ON: Kids Can Press, 1987. 96pp., paper, $4.95. ISBN 0-919-96483-4. CIP. Subject Headings: Children's stories, Canadian. Grandmothers-Juvenile fiction. Family problems-Juvenile fiction. Grades 7-9 / Ages 12-14 Reviewed by A. L. Florence. Volume 16 Number 2 1988 March While holidaying in northern Manitoba with her tension-ridden family, fifteen-year-old Lizzie finds that her mother remains aloof and unreachable, her older brother cynically sneers at everyone, and her smaller sister cries for attention. Even her usually warm and loving grandmother seems difficult to reach. Tim, her new stepfather, who seems to try too hard with everyone, risks danger to save Lizzie from a nasty storm. but Lizzie rebuffs him. Daily she escapes to Rain Island, officially declared out of bounds. where a pair of rusty child's spectacles uncovered amid cabin ruins opens visions of early days and a mysterious past of troubled lives and strong wills. As she moves between the two worlds by means of the old spectacles, Lizzie perceives the problems of both families more clearly and gains greater understanding of actions she can take to help resolve tensions and bridge communication gaps within her own family. A very readable young adult novel that will intrigue junior teenagers. Recommended for twelve to fifteen-year-olds. A. L. Florence, Winnipeg, MB.