“I’m Tom’s dog, and he’s my boy. And if he’s stepped right inside the jaws of death, then I’m going to follow him into them and bring him back out.”

I AM REBEL won the prestigious Waterstone’s 2024 Children’s Book of the Year in Great Britain. Candlewick Books has now brought this engaging and heartwarming story to the states.

Rebel is a five year old cute as can be mutt who lives with his owner, 12-year-old Tom and his parents on their farm. Life is getting increasingly difficult given the taxes the King has imposed on working citizens. He lives in a lavish castle and seems to care only about himself.

Tom sneaks away and joins the rebellion to defeat the King and his troops. Rebel is told to stay. He does so at first but then he can’t stand having his best friend gone and in danger. Rebel takes off in search of Tom.

The story moves from one danger to another and Rebel narrates each encounter through the 36 chapters with gripping reality. He meets more humans who are helpful and other animals. Dog lovers will understand the bond that can happen between a dog and his best friend. I AM REBEL has a classic feel to it and one that will keep young readers glued to its pages.

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: I AM REBEL by Ross Montgomery

1. Jaxon is a tough minded dog that Rebel meets during a time of need. Jaxon isn’t owned by anyone and roams the hillsides freely. They disagree on many things but soon begin to see each other in a more positive way. Their bond is also a memorable part of the story.
2. Sadness is the gripping reality in each chapter, but by the end you will be smiling at the outcome.
3. Loyalty and friendship comes forth with each word Rebel narrates. Good dog! A great point of view and one that was exceptionally done, giving you the feeling of being right there.
4. The cover is perfect. There’s danger behind Rebel but those eyes are only searhcing out Tom (and probably a lot of new readers!)
5. Hesitant readers will be glad to know that no dogs die in this tale.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ross Montgomery has worked as a pig farmer, a postman and a primary school teacher, so writing books was the next logical step. He spent his childhood reading everything he could get his hands on, from Jacqueline Wilson to Beano annuals, and it taught him pretty much everything that’s worth knowing. If you looked through his pockets you’d find empty crisp packets, lists of things to do, and a bottle of that stuff you put on your nails to stop you biting them. He lives in London with his girlfriend, a cat called Fun Bobby, and a cactus on every available surface. (Ross’s Author Website)

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