Rescue and Jessica: A Life-Changing Friendship
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Description
“An inspiring tale of compassion and perseverance.” —Booklist (starred review) Rescue thought he’d grow up to be a Seeing Eye dog, but 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. Based on a real-life partnership, this 2019 Schneider Family Book Award Winner features an endnote from the authors about service dogs, including their real-life best friend and black lab, Rescue.
AI Overview
Title: "Rescue and Jessica: A Life-Changing Friendship"
Authors: Jessica Kensky and Patrick Downes
Illustrator: Scott Magoon
Overview:
"Rescue and Jessica: A Life-Changing Friendship" is a heartwarming and inspiring book that tells the story of an extraordinary bond between a young girl named Jessica and her service dog, Rescue. The book is based on the real-life experiences of the authors, who are both survivors of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing.
Key Themes:
- Friendship and Partnership: The book highlights the deep and meaningful friendship between Jessica and Rescue, showcasing how their partnership transforms their lives.
- Resilience and Adaptation: Jessica, who has lost her legs, and Rescue, who initially doubts his ability to be a service dog, both face challenges and learn to adapt and thrive.
- Service Dogs: The book educates readers about the role of service dogs in assisting individuals with disabilities, emphasizing their importance in daily life.
- Hope and Determination: Through their journey, Jessica and Rescue demonstrate unwavering hope and determination, inspiring readers to face their own challenges with courage.
Plot Summary:
The story begins with Rescue, a black lab, who is initially trained to be a Seeing Eye dog but is reassigned to be a service dog. He worries that he is not up to the task, but he soon meets Jessica, a young girl who has lost her legs in the Boston Marathon bombing. Despite initial doubts, Rescue quickly becomes an integral part of Jessica's life, helping her with everyday tasks and providing emotional support.
As they navigate their new lives together, Jessica and Rescue face various challenges. However, their bond grows stronger with each passing day. The book illustrates how Rescue helps Jessica see a way forward, one step at a time, both literally and metaphorically.
Critical Reception:
- Awards and Recognition: The book won the 2019 Schneider Family Book Award, which recognizes books that embody an artistic expression of the disability experience.
- Endnote on Service Dogs: The authors include an endnote about service dogs, sharing insights into their real-life experiences with Rescue, their black lab.
- Educational Value: The book is part of the RedRover Readers Program, designed to educate children about animal welfare and the importance of service dogs[1].
Additional Information:
- Real-Life Inspiration: The story is deeply rooted in the real-life experiences of the authors, who have been through significant challenges and have found hope and support in their service dogs.
- Illustrations: The book features illustrations by Scott Magoon, which help to bring the story to life and make it accessible to a younger audience.
Overall, "Rescue and Jessica: A Life-Changing Friendship" is a powerful and uplifting tale that celebrates the transformative power of friendship and the invaluable role of service dogs in our lives.