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Rescue & Jessica: A Life-Changing Friendship
Based on a real-life partnership, the heartening story of the love and teamwork between a girl and her service dog will illuminate and inspire.
Rescue thought he'd grow up to be a Seeing Eye dog -- it's the family business, after all. When he gets the news that he's better suited to being a service dog, he's worried that he's not up to the task. Then he meets Jessica, a girl whose life is turning out differently than the way she'd imagined it, too. Now Jessica needs Rescue by her side to help her accomplish everyday tasks. And it turns out that Rescue can help Jessica see after all: a way forward, together, one step at a time. An endnote from the authors tells more about the training and extraordinary abilities of service dogs, particularly their real-life best friend and black lab, Rescue.
Rescue thought he'd grow up to be a Seeing Eye dog -- it's the family business, after all. When he gets the news that he's better suited to being a service dog, he's worried that he's not up to the task. Then he meets Jessica, a girl whose life is turning out differently than the way she'd imagined it, too. Now Jessica needs Rescue by her side to help her accomplish everyday tasks. And it turns out that Rescue can help Jessica see after all: a way forward, together, one step at a time. An endnote from the authors tells more about the training and extraordinary abilities of service dogs, particularly their real-life best friend and black lab, Rescue.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published April 3, 2018
About the author
Jessica Kensky
2 books20 followersJessica Kensky and Patrick Downes are a married couple who were both injured during the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013. Jessica’s service dog, Rescue, joined their family in 2014. Jessica Kensky and Patrick Downes live in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 464 reviews
January 31, 2019
Cried twice reading this to my kid. Then spent half an hour talking about disability and service dogs with him (couldn’t bring myself to address Boston marathon bombing yet). I think this justifies 5 stars.
March 13, 2019
Now as a story in and of itself Rescue & Jessica: A Life-Canging Friendship has been a sweet and encouraging account of how the former, how author Jessica Kensky (who along with her husband and fellow author Patrick Downes' was severely injured during the Boston Marathon terrorism attack and had to have both of her legs amputated) is teamed up with a service dog named Rescue (a Black Labrador Retriever that did not have the skills to become a seeing-eye dog for the blind but has ended up being the perfect service dog, partner and companion for Jessica).
However, as much as Rescue & Jessica: A Life-Canging Friendship has tugged at my emotional heartstrings (with Scott Magoon's accompanying illustrations providing a both colourfully imaginative and also delightfully realistic mirror of and for Jessica Kensky and Patrick Downes' encouraging and uplifting narrative) and as much as I have appreciated the presented text for what it is and what it describes (Rescue's training, Jessica's long recuperation from her severe injuries and how having Rescue as her service animal also helps and sustains her when Jessica's doctors decide that they also need to amputate her other leg in order to keep her healthy), I also have had my personal issues with certain aspects and parts of Rescue & Jessica: A Life-Canging Friendship. For one, unless the book in question is a fantasy or a fairy tale, I tend to not personally enjoy animals being depicted as thinking and acting like humans all that much (and this especially with regard to realistic scenarios based on actual and real-life events). And therefore, the constant musings of Rescue wondering if he would be a good service dog for Jessica, if he would make the grade and be successful and appreciated by her, while I guess sweet enough, also have kind of left me a bit cold and unsatisfied (as I simply do not like and have never really enjoyed that kind of anthropomorphism in stories which are not fantastical or based on fairy and folklore). And for two, considering that Jessica Kensky was an adult when she was hurt in the Boston Marathon bombing, indeed, I was and remain rather disappointed that in Rescue & Jessica: A Life-Canging Friendship, Jessica has been changed into a teenager and that the entire Boston Marathon bombing scenario is not even mentioned within the text proper (as really, even if Rescue & Jessica: A Life-Canging Friendship is a picture book geared towards younger children, I do strongly think that they deserve the truth in so far as showing that Jessica Kensky was wounded during a deliberate act of terrorism against America and I truly and really do not understand the reasons behind turning Jessica into a teenager, for not keeping her an adult). And thus, while I would still recommend Rescue & Jessica: A Life-Canging Friendship, on a personal and reading pleasure level, I definitely do consider that the story is made considerably weaker and its emotional impact rather lessened by in particular not pointing out the truth of the matter that she was injured, that her amputated legs are due to a deliberate act of domestic terrorism.
Furthermore and finally, I also do have to wonder and question (generally speaking) why in oh so many if not even the majority of modern children's books about service dogs, the featured and presented canines are almost always totally and readily accepted, appreciated and even much loved by basically everyone. For honestly, considering that there are also individuals who have serious and dangerous pet danger allergies, people who have previously been bitten and attacked by dogs and are thus legitimately afraid and phobic of canines or simply individuals who just do not much like dogs, I do think that it would make much more sense and be increasingly realistic if in children's literature about service dogs (both fiction and nonfiction), there also were potential issues to overcome at say school, college/university, at the grocery store and the like, that the dog or dogs in question would not always just be so readily accepted en masse, in other words, if there were bona fide and actual problems to tackle and deal with (such as a service dog in an enclosed classroom situation where a fellow student has serious PTSD due to having been mauled by a canine or severe asthma due to dog hair). And no, this is not anything against dogs on my part, I am just wondering if the almost universal and ready acceptance in especially contemporary children's literature (and yes especially in picture books) regarding service dogs in general, not only out and about in public but in particular with them being ever increasingly present in stores, banks, classrooms and the like is a bit of wishful thinking and not altogether totally realistic and natural.
However, as much as Rescue & Jessica: A Life-Canging Friendship has tugged at my emotional heartstrings (with Scott Magoon's accompanying illustrations providing a both colourfully imaginative and also delightfully realistic mirror of and for Jessica Kensky and Patrick Downes' encouraging and uplifting narrative) and as much as I have appreciated the presented text for what it is and what it describes (Rescue's training, Jessica's long recuperation from her severe injuries and how having Rescue as her service animal also helps and sustains her when Jessica's doctors decide that they also need to amputate her other leg in order to keep her healthy), I also have had my personal issues with certain aspects and parts of Rescue & Jessica: A Life-Canging Friendship. For one, unless the book in question is a fantasy or a fairy tale, I tend to not personally enjoy animals being depicted as thinking and acting like humans all that much (and this especially with regard to realistic scenarios based on actual and real-life events). And therefore, the constant musings of Rescue wondering if he would be a good service dog for Jessica, if he would make the grade and be successful and appreciated by her, while I guess sweet enough, also have kind of left me a bit cold and unsatisfied (as I simply do not like and have never really enjoyed that kind of anthropomorphism in stories which are not fantastical or based on fairy and folklore). And for two, considering that Jessica Kensky was an adult when she was hurt in the Boston Marathon bombing, indeed, I was and remain rather disappointed that in Rescue & Jessica: A Life-Canging Friendship, Jessica has been changed into a teenager and that the entire Boston Marathon bombing scenario is not even mentioned within the text proper (as really, even if Rescue & Jessica: A Life-Canging Friendship is a picture book geared towards younger children, I do strongly think that they deserve the truth in so far as showing that Jessica Kensky was wounded during a deliberate act of terrorism against America and I truly and really do not understand the reasons behind turning Jessica into a teenager, for not keeping her an adult). And thus, while I would still recommend Rescue & Jessica: A Life-Canging Friendship, on a personal and reading pleasure level, I definitely do consider that the story is made considerably weaker and its emotional impact rather lessened by in particular not pointing out the truth of the matter that she was injured, that her amputated legs are due to a deliberate act of domestic terrorism.
Furthermore and finally, I also do have to wonder and question (generally speaking) why in oh so many if not even the majority of modern children's books about service dogs, the featured and presented canines are almost always totally and readily accepted, appreciated and even much loved by basically everyone. For honestly, considering that there are also individuals who have serious and dangerous pet danger allergies, people who have previously been bitten and attacked by dogs and are thus legitimately afraid and phobic of canines or simply individuals who just do not much like dogs, I do think that it would make much more sense and be increasingly realistic if in children's literature about service dogs (both fiction and nonfiction), there also were potential issues to overcome at say school, college/university, at the grocery store and the like, that the dog or dogs in question would not always just be so readily accepted en masse, in other words, if there were bona fide and actual problems to tackle and deal with (such as a service dog in an enclosed classroom situation where a fellow student has serious PTSD due to having been mauled by a canine or severe asthma due to dog hair). And no, this is not anything against dogs on my part, I am just wondering if the almost universal and ready acceptance in especially contemporary children's literature (and yes especially in picture books) regarding service dogs in general, not only out and about in public but in particular with them being ever increasingly present in stores, banks, classrooms and the like is a bit of wishful thinking and not altogether totally realistic and natural.
January 2, 2020
This story is so powerful. The writer is a Boston Marathon bombing survivor who based this story on her own life experiences but following a young girl going through the same thing. I love this change. It's perfect for kids. It's relatable and deep enough to get the point across but also has a child as the main character so kids can see themselves in this situation.
The pictures were beautiful and I loved how the dog had a voice as well. It was inspiring and didn't sugar coat anything but also didn't scare the kids. It's the perfect read for kids any age.
October 26, 2018
Jessica has lost the use of her legs, and Rescue has been told he will become a service dog rather than a seeing-eye dog. Then they find each other and learn to help each other. Clear and moving text accompanied with gentle illustrations.
April 18, 2019
Our Meri (14) read this aloud to the family tonight. Lovely story.
September 29, 2020
Inspired by the true story of Jessica Kensky who was injured in 2013's Boston Marathon bombing, this fictionalized account casts Jessica as a young girl who becomes a double amputee. The story tells how she met Rescue, the special dog who became her helper, and dear companion. It's a touching tale, though I would have preferred a little less of the dog's inner thoughts, and a more thorough look at how he was trained to perform various tasks. I've always found it amazing how these animals are taught not just to react, but to anticipate, and I suspect younger readers would be equally fascinated.
November 17, 2019
Husband-and-wife team and first-time co-authors Jessica Kensky and Patrick Downes relate the parallel stories of Rescue the service dog and Jessica, the double-amputee with whom Rescue is eventually paired, in this immensely moving picture-book. Dog and human must each contend with the unexpected path their life takes, and their uncertainty about their own ability to succeed on that path. Rescue had expected to be a seeing eye dog, like his family, while Jessica had never thought to lose first one leg, and then the other. But these two eventually discover all the many things that they can do, especially when together...
Kensky and Downes, newlyweds who were both injured during the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, losing limbs as a consequence, draw upon their own experiences in this autobiographical picture-book, which is illustrated by Boston-area artist Scott Magoon, who was himself running in the marathon that fateful day. The story here is moving, and the narrative itself skillfully woven. The authors only address the cause of Jessica's injuries in their afterword, choosing instead to focus on the emotional reality of losing a limb, and preparing to face a life that looks very different from what one had expected. The text is understated, but powerful, with certain phrases - things being described as "hard to hear," for instance - that evoked a strong emotional reaction in me, despite their simplicity. Magoon's artwork is lovely, capturing the emotional register of each scene perfectly. I found myself tearing up, while reading this one. Highly recommended to anyone looking for picture-books about disability, service dogs and/or the unexpected paths life might take, and how to deal with unimaginable challenges.
Kensky and Downes, newlyweds who were both injured during the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, losing limbs as a consequence, draw upon their own experiences in this autobiographical picture-book, which is illustrated by Boston-area artist Scott Magoon, who was himself running in the marathon that fateful day. The story here is moving, and the narrative itself skillfully woven. The authors only address the cause of Jessica's injuries in their afterword, choosing instead to focus on the emotional reality of losing a limb, and preparing to face a life that looks very different from what one had expected. The text is understated, but powerful, with certain phrases - things being described as "hard to hear," for instance - that evoked a strong emotional reaction in me, despite their simplicity. Magoon's artwork is lovely, capturing the emotional register of each scene perfectly. I found myself tearing up, while reading this one. Highly recommended to anyone looking for picture-books about disability, service dogs and/or the unexpected paths life might take, and how to deal with unimaginable challenges.
April 19, 2018
Rescue and Jessica: A Life-Changing Friendship tells the side-by-side nonfiction stories of a service dog in training and a young woman recovering from the loss of her legs. Rescue, the service dog, initially doubts his abilities but eventually becomes confident in the wide range of ways he supports Jessica. Similarly, Jessica struggles emotionally and physically with the loss of her legs, but with Rescue’s help she bravely copes and adapts to the changes in her life. The back matter reveals that Jessica’s injuries were incurred in the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, but that aspect isn’t mentioned in the main narrative, concentrating instead on how a mutually beneficial relationship develops between Rescue and Jessica. Their story definitely has moments of drama, but the big lessons here involve empathy and resilience.
December 4, 2018
An inspiring story of the partnership between a girl and her service dog. I loved the way the perspective shifted between the two of them! Sometimes picture books don't translate well to audio, but there was only one place where I felt like I had missed something by not being able to see the illustrations. A great introduction to the topic of service dogs for kids!
April 10, 2018
This book means so much to me - as someone who has seen loved ones go through trauma (different from the book), there were parts I could relate to. I'm glad this book is here.
March 21, 2019
I mean did I almost cry in public reading this? Yes. Yes, I did.
January 21, 2021
#21 in my 365 Kids Books challenge and request to GoodReads that the Top Readers, etc. lists be fixed. For a full explanation see my review for 101 Amazing Facts about Australia You can see all the books on their own shelf.
For a while my meeting schedule at work put me in just the right place to see the hospital-pups-in-training as they were leaving work each week. Guaranteed joy. The handlers were always so good about answering all the questions, and the ring of people taking turns petting the pups was humanity at its best. And so is this book.
Since today's theme has been about what providing strength and comfort to one another can achieve, and has had me crying most of the day, this seemed like an appropriate choice, even before I understood the horror that precedes the story. This is resilience, this is grace.
Library copy
For a while my meeting schedule at work put me in just the right place to see the hospital-pups-in-training as they were leaving work each week. Guaranteed joy. The handlers were always so good about answering all the questions, and the ring of people taking turns petting the pups was humanity at its best. And so is this book.
Since today's theme has been about what providing strength and comfort to one another can achieve, and has had me crying most of the day, this seemed like an appropriate choice, even before I understood the horror that precedes the story. This is resilience, this is grace.
Library copy
March 6, 2019
This inspiring, almost-true story shows how a trained service dog can help someone who has lost both legs. The story is based on Jessica Kensky, who lost her legs as a result of the Boston Marathon bombing; however, the character Jessica in the story is much younger than the real woman. But that does not limit the impact of the story. In addition, the story also conveys service dog Rescue's thoughts. The digital illustrations do a great job of depicting and extending the story.
September 6, 2018
3.5/5
This is a children’s story book written by one of the survivors of the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013. Although it is written by in adult, the story is written from the perspective of a younger girl. It tells the tale of her challenges as a new amputee and the relationship she forms with her service dog, Rescue, who becomes a service dog after failing to meet the criteria for a seeing-eye dog.
This is a children’s story book written by one of the survivors of the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013. Although it is written by in adult, the story is written from the perspective of a younger girl. It tells the tale of her challenges as a new amputee and the relationship she forms with her service dog, Rescue, who becomes a service dog after failing to meet the criteria for a seeing-eye dog.
March 31, 2018
Jessica's journey as a double amputee after the Boston Marathon bombing, aided by Rescue, a service dog. Their relationship is heartwarming and hopeful, as life and love goes on after that tragic event.
May 26, 2019
How Jessica survived the Boston City Marathon bombing, lost both legs and a dog named Rescue that saved her.
November 3, 2021
Rescue and Jessica: A Life Changing Friendship is a children’s book by Jessica Kensky and husband Patrick Downes, and it is illustrated by Scott Magoon. I chose this book after reading a blog titled “11 Books About Disability to Read With Your Family” from freewheelchairmission.org. The story begins by showing a young puppy training on a desolate farm to fulfill his life's purpose as a guide dog. The story then quickly transitions to a young woman named Jessica who is in the hospital after an accident that caused her to lose her leg. The reader is immersed in Jessica's story as she learns to walk again using a prosthetic leg. Later, Jessica becomes sick once more and discovers she will have to lose her other leg as well. However, she is not discouraged and never gives up. As Jessica is leaving the hospital, she expresses the want and need for a service dog. This is where Rescue and Jessica's stories collide. Rescue is introduced to Jessica and we see the beginning of a beautiful friendship between these two characters, as Rescue helps Jessica complete her tasks of daily life. At the end of the story the author reveals that this book is based on her own personal life journey after becoming injured in the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013.
This book contains an AD550 Lexile reading level, meaning it is best taught under adult direction. This title would best be suited for students from kindergarten through 4th grade. However, due to the topics of diversity and inclusion it would best be taught as a read-aloud by the teacher. I would use this with younger students to embrace the differences in people and show that even though you may look different on the outside, it doesn’t limit you. This could serve as a text to teach about respect, inclusion, and what service dogs are for.
The drawn images throughout the story not only give the reader a visual of what Jessica and Rescue look like, but they also show the ways in which Rescue helps serve Jessica. This could be used as a teaching point with younger readers to show them that some dogs are pets and other dogs are workers who help their owners.
This book contains an AD550 Lexile reading level, meaning it is best taught under adult direction. This title would best be suited for students from kindergarten through 4th grade. However, due to the topics of diversity and inclusion it would best be taught as a read-aloud by the teacher. I would use this with younger students to embrace the differences in people and show that even though you may look different on the outside, it doesn’t limit you. This could serve as a text to teach about respect, inclusion, and what service dogs are for.
The drawn images throughout the story not only give the reader a visual of what Jessica and Rescue look like, but they also show the ways in which Rescue helps serve Jessica. This could be used as a teaching point with younger readers to show them that some dogs are pets and other dogs are workers who help their owners.
March 18, 2020
Rescue and Jessica: A Life-Changing Friendship is a nonfiction, inclusion picture book that is based on a true story. This Monarch Award Nominee of 2020 talks about the love and teamwork between a girl and her service dog that inspires all readers no matter what age group. Rescue & Jessica is the story of Jessica Kensky’s who takes on the struggling battle of recovering after the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing which robbed her of the use of legs. Throughout the story, we are seeing the struggle that Jessica is faced with and the challenges she experiences with what seemed normal before but is hard to overcome. Then she is introduced to Rescue, the service dog, who initially doubts his abilities but eventually becomes confident in the wide range of ways he supports Jessica. Throughout the pages, readers see Jessica's struggles emotionally and physically with the loss of her legs, but with Rescue's support and building on to her perseverance, Jessica begins to cope and adapts to the changes in her life. Jessica experiences setbacks as she learns to accomplish everyday tasks with prosthetics. Rescue, too, must recalibrate his sense of purpose and build upon his strengths as he assists Jessica as a service dog.
This book was inspirational and truly shows readers that when obstacles become challenging to the point where you want to give up, you have those who love and support you every step of the way to work through those struggles. The author and illustrator have such a good balance with one another to portray physical disability not as a devastation but showing a journey and working toward a goal as everyone would have in their own lives. Scott Magoon’s illustrations are bright and colorful, underlining the optimism and pleasure that both dog and human bring to each other’s lives. I enjoyed reading the back of the author’s note where it provides more details about the relationship between Rescue and Jessica and gives readers some more information about service dog organizations. The text shows how this story brings out a powerful moment for an individual and it allows readers to relate it the book physically or emotionally or whether you have a disability or not.
I thought Recuse & Jessica is a fantastic read-aloud for readers of any ages. It is a way for readers to see that life can take unexpected turns and facing unimaginable challenges, yet it is important to pick yourself back up and lean on the ones who can help you along the way. I think this picture book would be a great addition to units on animals, difference, and overcoming obstacles. It can also be used as a picture book autobiography unit of study where readers can compare and contrast these types of books with information about the author with other types of autobiographies.
This book was inspirational and truly shows readers that when obstacles become challenging to the point where you want to give up, you have those who love and support you every step of the way to work through those struggles. The author and illustrator have such a good balance with one another to portray physical disability not as a devastation but showing a journey and working toward a goal as everyone would have in their own lives. Scott Magoon’s illustrations are bright and colorful, underlining the optimism and pleasure that both dog and human bring to each other’s lives. I enjoyed reading the back of the author’s note where it provides more details about the relationship between Rescue and Jessica and gives readers some more information about service dog organizations. The text shows how this story brings out a powerful moment for an individual and it allows readers to relate it the book physically or emotionally or whether you have a disability or not.
I thought Recuse & Jessica is a fantastic read-aloud for readers of any ages. It is a way for readers to see that life can take unexpected turns and facing unimaginable challenges, yet it is important to pick yourself back up and lean on the ones who can help you along the way. I think this picture book would be a great addition to units on animals, difference, and overcoming obstacles. It can also be used as a picture book autobiography unit of study where readers can compare and contrast these types of books with information about the author with other types of autobiographies.
December 16, 2020
Read this short children's book while organizing our library shelves the other day and 100% got teary-eyed.
It's a beautiful look at a service dog who wonders if he has what it takes to help his person, and a woman who has to learn how to live with prosthetics. Together, Rescue and Jessica work hard to adjust to a new way of life together, and the two share a special bond that is well-depicted in the adorable illustrations.
The fact that this book was based on the true story of a Boston Marathon bombing survivor and her service dog makes it even better. The true story is told in the back of the book.
It's a beautiful look at a service dog who wonders if he has what it takes to help his person, and a woman who has to learn how to live with prosthetics. Together, Rescue and Jessica work hard to adjust to a new way of life together, and the two share a special bond that is well-depicted in the adorable illustrations.
The fact that this book was based on the true story of a Boston Marathon bombing survivor and her service dog makes it even better. The true story is told in the back of the book.
September 15, 2020
This book made me tear up, oh my goodness. I think this would be great for kids to read, whether they have physical disabilities or not. And the fact that this is based on Kensky's life makes it even more touching and powerful because people can still learn from her experiences.
November 12, 2019
Dogs are my favorite animals, so this book was one I loved from very first glance at the cover! I have spent a lot of time with service dogs in elementary schools while they sit there and have children read to them, so this book was one I knew I that would hit my heart hard. This story is all about a sweet dog names rescue who is ready to grow up and be a seeing eye dog, since everyone else in his family are seeing eye dogs. He ends up becoming a service dog for Jessica, who needs him desperately. The two lean on each other for everything and need one another. It also ends up that Rescue does help Jessica see, more than she thinks she can. My personal favorite part of the story was the end note that gave a great explanation about training service dogs. I think since most elementary schools do get to have service dogs or emotional support dogs come into their schools, this is a great book to show them about all they can do! Most students and children see them as dogs they can read too, or they don’t see why it is so important to not pet them. This story can show students the importance of these dogs in people’s lives and why they need to be respected out in public.
September 3, 2019
Both Rescue and Jessica’s lives have taken different paths than what they expected. Rescue was originally intended to be a Seeing Eye dog. But one day, his trainer realizes he’s meant to work beside his partner as a service dog, instead. Meanwhile, Jessica (who’s illustrated as a young girl) endured an accident and had to have part of her leg removed. When these two are paired, the world becomes a better place for both.
For children, this book will allow many questions and answers as it showcases illustrations of Jessica after her first surgery and again after her second surgery. They can see her in a wheelchair, using and falling with her crutches, and the artwork even showcases a close up image of her prosthetic legs. Furthermore, Rescue is shown hard a work doing his chores and also playing with Jessica in the park. If read in a group setting, be prepared for lots of active discussion! 🙂
The back matter provides an Author’s Note explaining the real life friendship of Jessica Kensky and Rescue (who was named in honor of the Worcester, Massachusetts firefighter Jon Davies who gave his life in the line of duty on December 8, 2011). Also included is information about NEADS, the organization that trains Service Dogs, and a photograph of Jessica Kensky & Patrick Downes who both lost their legs in the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing.
The artwork for this book was created digitally.
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!
For children, this book will allow many questions and answers as it showcases illustrations of Jessica after her first surgery and again after her second surgery. They can see her in a wheelchair, using and falling with her crutches, and the artwork even showcases a close up image of her prosthetic legs. Furthermore, Rescue is shown hard a work doing his chores and also playing with Jessica in the park. If read in a group setting, be prepared for lots of active discussion! 🙂
The back matter provides an Author’s Note explaining the real life friendship of Jessica Kensky and Rescue (who was named in honor of the Worcester, Massachusetts firefighter Jon Davies who gave his life in the line of duty on December 8, 2011). Also included is information about NEADS, the organization that trains Service Dogs, and a photograph of Jessica Kensky & Patrick Downes who both lost their legs in the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing.
The artwork for this book was created digitally.
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!
April 14, 2018
Kensky, Jessica and Patrick Downes Rescue and Jessica: A Life-Changing Friendship, illustrated by Scott Magoon. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick, 2018. $17. 9780763696047.
Jessica was badly injured and not only lost one of her legs, but both of them. Rescue thought he was going to be a seeing-eye dog, but instead he became a service dog. Together, Rescue and Jessica made a loving place for both of them to enjoy the world to its fullest.
Though the book shows a young Jessica with her family helping after her accident, this is based on the true story is Jessica and her husband Patrick who were both injured in the 2013 Boston Marathon Bombing and of their dog Rescue, who has helped them so much. The couple wrote an excellent look at the relationship between a rescue dog and its companion. What a great book to read aloud to a class.
EL (K-3), EL – ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library Teacher
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
Jessica was badly injured and not only lost one of her legs, but both of them. Rescue thought he was going to be a seeing-eye dog, but instead he became a service dog. Together, Rescue and Jessica made a loving place for both of them to enjoy the world to its fullest.
Though the book shows a young Jessica with her family helping after her accident, this is based on the true story is Jessica and her husband Patrick who were both injured in the 2013 Boston Marathon Bombing and of their dog Rescue, who has helped them so much. The couple wrote an excellent look at the relationship between a rescue dog and its companion. What a great book to read aloud to a class.
EL (K-3), EL – ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library Teacher
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
March 16, 2018
An excellent story of both the skills and the emotional support provided by a working support dog. The two authors are survivors of the Boston Marathon bombing and both lost limbs. This story blends fiction and fact, drawing on their real-life experiences with Rescue, a support dog who has greatly impacted their lives.
There is plenty of information provided about what support dogs can do and the tasks they can perform. What comes through the most, however, is the loving bond between human and dog in this working relationship. Scott Magoon's lovely soft illustrations use color wonderfully to emphasize these emotions.
I was fortunate enough to meet the authors and the real Rescue at an ALA breakfast and all three are so impressive. Their courage and dedication is truly inspiring and their book is a terrific addition to any collection.
There is plenty of information provided about what support dogs can do and the tasks they can perform. What comes through the most, however, is the loving bond between human and dog in this working relationship. Scott Magoon's lovely soft illustrations use color wonderfully to emphasize these emotions.
I was fortunate enough to meet the authors and the real Rescue at an ALA breakfast and all three are so impressive. Their courage and dedication is truly inspiring and their book is a terrific addition to any collection.
February 20, 2019
Rescue & Jessica: A Life Changing Friendship is based on the real story of Jessica Kensky who was injured in the Boston Marathon bombing and her service dog Rescue. This book is the 2019 recipient of the Schneider Family Book Award. Students can benefit from being exposed to the disability representation in this book as well as the positive message of overcoming adversity.
Students will be interested in this book because the illustrations help them discern context clues to follow along in the story, which makes it a good book for use in early elementary classes and for students with disabilities and English language learners. Additionally, teachers can use this to teach students to answer wh- questions and to identify main idea and theme.
Students will be interested in this book because the illustrations help them discern context clues to follow along in the story, which makes it a good book for use in early elementary classes and for students with disabilities and English language learners. Additionally, teachers can use this to teach students to answer wh- questions and to identify main idea and theme.
June 6, 2018
A touching story of a young woman who loses one leg and is adjusting to her life, when she is told that they need to amputate her other leg too. Rescue doesn't make it as a seeing eye dog, but after service dog training is paired with Jessica. Rescue's training and Jessica's struggles are dealt with appropriately, though Rescue's worries seemed a bit contrived. However, I was impressed that the authors are both survivors of the Boston Marathon bombing and I was truly impressed by Magoon's quote: "I am deeply inspired by how each of us - regardless of our challenges, advantages, or species - is just a little bit better when we work together..."
March 13, 2019
This is a good introduction to how service animals assist their humans and will prompt young readers to think about what their lives might be like if they were differently-abled. I struggled a little with Rescue's voice since it read as decidedly human rather than canine and it seemed like more of a device than anything else - would a dog really think a human is "pretty"? Regardless, I think this does what it sets out to do and will definitely be a welcome addition to picture books about differently-abled people.
April 2, 2019
I liked this book. It was about a dog named Rescue and a girl named Jessica. Rescue was supposed to be a Seeing Eye dog but ended up being a service dog. Jessica was hurt and lost her legs. Rescue and Jessica both had their worries with their new lives. Throughout the book, the audience is able to see what they are thinking. Rescue soon becomes Jessica’s service dog and everything is great. I liked seeing how they went through different changes in their lives and overcame them with the help of one another.
February 11, 2018
An inspirational story for all ages. Jessica lost a leg as a result of the Boston Marathon vombing and Tehen has to have her other leg amputated. Rescue is her therapy dog. The relationship between them is described with great affection and children will be inspired about how the relationship saves them both and also how one moves their life forward in the face of great adversity . If your u get a chance to hear them speak about this book go for it.
July 10, 2018
Oh boy. Cue the waterworks.
Stories about military dogs or service dogs always get me. That Rescue & Jessica is based on a true story of a Boston Marathon victim only makes it more special. The disability was handled with honesty yet care (this is a children's picture book, after all). The lovely illustrations especially brought the reader in to the struggles and triumphs experienced by the characters.
Stories about military dogs or service dogs always get me. That Rescue & Jessica is based on a true story of a Boston Marathon victim only makes it more special. The disability was handled with honesty yet care (this is a children's picture book, after all). The lovely illustrations especially brought the reader in to the struggles and triumphs experienced by the characters.
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