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Road Trip Rescue #1
Road Trip Rescue
A girl with a missing dog. A magazine photo that points north. A pink-haired aunt with a beloved old car and a heart for adventure. Will Kimmy’s rescue mission bring Bo home?
Twelve-year-old Kimmy trusts dogs more than people.
After all, her dog Bo never made fun of her for having one hand. But two years ago, Bo disappeared.
When Kimmy stumbles across a magazine photo of a dog in upstate New York that looks just like Bo, she knows she has to find him. Her parents seem oddly unsupportive, but pink-haired, adventure-hungry Aunt Skylar agrees to a road trip with a stop in the Adirondacks. Kimmy jumps at the chance to bring her furry family member home.
Unfortunately, Aunt Skylar’s idea of a road trip isn’t the rescue mission Kimmy had in mind.
Twelve-year-old Kimmy trusts dogs more than people.
After all, her dog Bo never made fun of her for having one hand. But two years ago, Bo disappeared.
When Kimmy stumbles across a magazine photo of a dog in upstate New York that looks just like Bo, she knows she has to find him. Her parents seem oddly unsupportive, but pink-haired, adventure-hungry Aunt Skylar agrees to a road trip with a stop in the Adirondacks. Kimmy jumps at the chance to bring her furry family member home.
Unfortunately, Aunt Skylar’s idea of a road trip isn’t the rescue mission Kimmy had in mind.
232 pages
Published October 24, 2023
5 people are currently reading
189 people want to read
About the author
Becca Wierwille
12 books41 followersBecca Wierwille is the award-winning author of the Road Trip Rescue series and other stories that show kids they are wonderfully created for the unique adventures in their lives. Her short stories for children and devotions have been featured in numerous magazines and other publications.
Mom by day and novelist by relatively early in the morning, she wishes she could eat peach pie as often as most writers drink coffee. Despite her dreams of sandy beaches and mountain peaks, she loves living in Pennsylvania with her family.
Mom by day and novelist by relatively early in the morning, she wishes she could eat peach pie as often as most writers drink coffee. Despite her dreams of sandy beaches and mountain peaks, she loves living in Pennsylvania with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
June 20, 2025
Kimmy is twelve years old and her dog Bo disappeared two years ago. She desperately wants him back because he’s the only one who didn’t treat her differently or didn’t laugh at her just because she only has one hand.
One day, she sees a picture of Bo in an outdoor magazine. Her parents think she’s wrong. It’s not Bo, it’s just a dog who looks exactly like him.
Kimmy calls the ice cream shop where the photo was taken, but she doesn’t get the answer she’s looking for. She needs to go there and find Bo herself. Luckily, her aunt Skylar is willing to go on a road trip with her.
This is not my usual kind of read, but I love dogs. I know how much the love and support of a dog can mean to people. And how the pain of missing them feels when they’re gone. So I wanted to give this one a chance. While I won’t be continuing the series, I’m still glad I gave it a shot.
The plot is pretty straight forward, though there are some twists that happen during the road trip, thanks to the aunt. I like how she feels that a road trip is not about the destination, it’s about the journey. Though this of course clashes hard with Kimmy who only cares about the destination. And perhaps the aunt is still searching for her own destination.
I’ve never been to America, so for people living there it must be a bit easier to visualize what the settings along the way look like and how they’re travelling. Still, I appreciate the glossary of places at the end. Though I don’t think it needed to clarify that Canada is an actual country. I also think the first half of the story is a bit stronger than the second, though the conclusion of the story is still quite good.
This is definitely a story that pulls some heartstrings, especially if you love dogs. It’s also a very character-driven story about a road trip with meaningful themes like friendship and loneliness. As mentioned, this isn’t my usual kind of read, but it’s a pretty strong and touching story that deserves to be read by the right kind of reader.
One day, she sees a picture of Bo in an outdoor magazine. Her parents think she’s wrong. It’s not Bo, it’s just a dog who looks exactly like him.
Kimmy calls the ice cream shop where the photo was taken, but she doesn’t get the answer she’s looking for. She needs to go there and find Bo herself. Luckily, her aunt Skylar is willing to go on a road trip with her.
This is not my usual kind of read, but I love dogs. I know how much the love and support of a dog can mean to people. And how the pain of missing them feels when they’re gone. So I wanted to give this one a chance. While I won’t be continuing the series, I’m still glad I gave it a shot.
The plot is pretty straight forward, though there are some twists that happen during the road trip, thanks to the aunt. I like how she feels that a road trip is not about the destination, it’s about the journey. Though this of course clashes hard with Kimmy who only cares about the destination. And perhaps the aunt is still searching for her own destination.
I’ve never been to America, so for people living there it must be a bit easier to visualize what the settings along the way look like and how they’re travelling. Still, I appreciate the glossary of places at the end. Though I don’t think it needed to clarify that Canada is an actual country. I also think the first half of the story is a bit stronger than the second, though the conclusion of the story is still quite good.
This is definitely a story that pulls some heartstrings, especially if you love dogs. It’s also a very character-driven story about a road trip with meaningful themes like friendship and loneliness. As mentioned, this isn’t my usual kind of read, but it’s a pretty strong and touching story that deserves to be read by the right kind of reader.
June 12, 2024
3.5 stars
A road trip/middle grade book about a girl looking for her best friend- her lost dog Beau. Kimmy’s story was sweet and emotional and the dog part put you through the ringer but I enjoyed it.
A road trip/middle grade book about a girl looking for her best friend- her lost dog Beau. Kimmy’s story was sweet and emotional and the dog part put you through the ringer but I enjoyed it.
Audio book source: Hoopla
Story Rating: 3.5 stars
Narrators: Talon David
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Middle Grade
Length: 5h 2m
May 14, 2024
3.5 stars, personally.
About this book:
“A girl with a missing dog. A magazine photo that points north. A pink-haired aunt with a beloved old car and a heart for adventure. Will Kimmy’s rescue mission bring Bo home?
Twelve-year-old Kimmy trusts dogs more than people.
After all, her dog Bo never made fun of her for having one hand. But two years ago, Bo disappeared.
When Kimmy stumbles across a magazine photo of a dog in upstate New York that looks just like Bo, she knows she has to find him. Her parents seem oddly unsupportive, but pink-haired, adventure-hungry Aunt Skylar agrees to a road trip with a stop in the Adirondacks. Kimmy jumps at the chance to bring her furry family member home.
Unfortunately, Aunt Skylar’s idea of a road trip isn’t the rescue mission Kimmy had in mind.”
Series: Book #1 in the “Road Trip Rescue” series. Book 2 releases in the fall of 2024.
Spiritual Content- Matthew 28:20 at the beginning; At the end of the book in the author’s note, the author shares about God, salvation, & never being alone because God is with you always; Prayers, Blessings over the food, & Thanking Jesus; A couple talks about God & Him always being with Kimmy (when asked about it once, Kimmy gives the “Sunday school answer” about it, but later believes it herself); 'H's are not capital when referring to God; Mentions of God, Jesus, Him always being with us, God making Kimmy with one hand, & forgiveness; A few mentions of prayers & praying; A few mentions of those in the Bible; A couple mentions of miracles; A couple mentions of Sunday school; A mention of someone thanking Jesus; A mention of Bible verses; A mention of God’s beautiful earth; A mention of Heaven;
*Note: Mentions of a character from Veggie Tales; A mention of a ghost (phrase used).
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘dumb’ and two ‘stupid’s, A mention of a string of curses (said by Kimmy’s aunt, but not written out); A tiny bit of eye rolling; Throwing up (barely-above-not-detailed); Kimmy is scared after nearly being ran off the road & her aunt following the man to yell at him (the man didn’t see them and Kimmy says that they forgive him when the man is near tears); Kimmy cries herself to sleep at times because of her missing dog & things not going as planned; A couple of times, Kimmy lashes out to someone who was trying to be nice to her (she feels guilty and later apologizes); Kimmy lies to an adult (thinking that it didn’t feel good and that her parents would be disappointed, but is upset at them at this moment and thinks that they have no room to speak about not lying); Kimmy scares her aunt by wandering off by herself (*Spoiler* ); Kimmy eavesdrops on her mom’s phone call (despite knowing it was wrong) and is caught, but no punishment is given; *Spoiler* ; Kimmy recalls hearing her (former) BFF talking and laughing about her and her arm with the popular girls (being unkind and calling her a ‘freak’, which really hurt Kimmy and has made her feel very lonely since then; Kimmy wonders if she was just a joke to them); Kimmy wonders why her parents are acting strange about her trying to find her dog (*Spoiler* *Major Spoilers* ); All about many mentions of Kimmy’s dog going missing two years ago & her heartbreak over it (including mentions of what could have happened to him like death, being hit by a car, being attacked by another animal and injured, being dog-napped, & having a new family; barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of an almost car accident & yelling at the other driver; Mentions of injuries, pain, & blood/bleeding (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of throwing up/puking & peeing; Mentions of manure/poop & bad smells; A few mentions of a young boy not remembering his parents (mother died when he was a baby and his father lives in another country); A few mentions of the passing of a man’s wife & his grief; A few mentions of possible fires; A few mentions of hatred; A couple mentions of making up a shark attack story explaining why Kimmy is missing an arm (she does not share it but thinks about it); A couple mentions of the possibility of being electrocuted on a subway; A couple mentions of lying (which Kimmy doesn’t do at one point because she knows it will just make things worse); A couple mentions of cigarettes; A mention of murder; A mention of the death of a mother; A mention of a tunnel collapsing; A mention of a bomb shelter; A mention of stealing; A mention of spreading gossip; A mention of tattoos; A mention of using a paper for toilet paper;
*Note: A side-character (Daniel) is neurodivergent & is scared of loud noises (*Spoiler* ); Kimmy doesn’t like people staring at her because of being one handed so she often wears long sleeves even in the heat and hides her arm (*Spoiler* ); Daniel asks Kimmy if she ever feels like no one wants her around, which makes Kimmy think about it and that that idea does scare her about being lonely; Kimmy’s parents were worried about her going on a road trip with her aunt (particularly because of the aunt’s known irresponsibility and Kimmy’s mom gets upset at the thought); Kimmy’s parents have a “no-phone-until-you’re-thirteen rule” and she thinks about how nice it would be to have one a couple of times; Kimmy sits in the front seat of her aunt’s car because the aunt “cared little for rules” and her parents say nothing about it; Kimmy’s aunt doesn’t want her to call her “aunt” because it makes her feel old (Kimmy doesn’t think she’ll ever break the habit and doesn’t call her by her first name); Kimmy is on the toilet when she sees a photo of what she thinks is her missing dog in a magazine (this is only mentioned because she says that she’s not trying to be funny when she says that her “life changed on the toilet” and later a mention of her pulling up her shorts); A handful of mentions of car brands; A couple mentions of places & restaurants (McDonald’s, Subway); A couple mentions of a TV show (Animal Planet); A couple mentions of a poem (by Robert Frost); A mention of a game (Pictionary); A mention of Google.
Sexual Content- When hearing her aunt talk about her ex-boyfriend & falling in love with him, Kimmy thinks that she knows nothing about falling in love and had a crush on a boy in her class for a while, but stopped when she saw him eat his boogers; *Spoiler* ; Mentions of Kimmy’s aunt’s broken heart, her ex-boyfriend, their break-up, & dating.
-Kimberly “Kimmy” Beckett, age 12
1st person P.O.V. of Kimmy
230 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- Three Stars (and a half)
New Teens- Four Stars
Early High School Teens- Four Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars (and a half)
Even through I don’t really care for road-trips in real-life, reading about road-trips and adventures that happen on them can be really fun. This book almost had a nostalgic feeling to it, but I can’t place why or how. Perhaps it was the charm of middle-fiction fiction with chapter titles.
I can 99.99% of the time expect a dog-themed book to make me cry. I don’t like those odds as someone who prefers not to cry, but yet, I keep reading them. This one was bittersweet for sure. My sensitive dog-loving heart accepted the ending, but my sensitive dog-mom heart wanted to cry out for Kimmy’s sake.
I do feel like the faith content could have been worked in a bit more than Kimmy being told & later realizing that she’s never alone, that God is always with her, but it was good to see God talked about positively in a middle-grade book that could stand up against secular published ones. Neither Kimmy or the adults in the book are perfect and there’s lessons to learn and forgiveness to give.
Overall (and despite my tears), I did enjoy this one. The ending was a tad rushed, but fit anyway. I look forward to reading the second book when it releases!
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
About this book:
“A girl with a missing dog. A magazine photo that points north. A pink-haired aunt with a beloved old car and a heart for adventure. Will Kimmy’s rescue mission bring Bo home?
Twelve-year-old Kimmy trusts dogs more than people.
After all, her dog Bo never made fun of her for having one hand. But two years ago, Bo disappeared.
When Kimmy stumbles across a magazine photo of a dog in upstate New York that looks just like Bo, she knows she has to find him. Her parents seem oddly unsupportive, but pink-haired, adventure-hungry Aunt Skylar agrees to a road trip with a stop in the Adirondacks. Kimmy jumps at the chance to bring her furry family member home.
Unfortunately, Aunt Skylar’s idea of a road trip isn’t the rescue mission Kimmy had in mind.”
Series: Book #1 in the “Road Trip Rescue” series. Book 2 releases in the fall of 2024.
Spiritual Content- Matthew 28:20 at the beginning; At the end of the book in the author’s note, the author shares about God, salvation, & never being alone because God is with you always; Prayers, Blessings over the food, & Thanking Jesus; A couple talks about God & Him always being with Kimmy (when asked about it once, Kimmy gives the “Sunday school answer” about it, but later believes it herself); 'H's are not capital when referring to God; Mentions of God, Jesus, Him always being with us, God making Kimmy with one hand, & forgiveness; A few mentions of prayers & praying; A few mentions of those in the Bible; A couple mentions of miracles; A couple mentions of Sunday school; A mention of someone thanking Jesus; A mention of Bible verses; A mention of God’s beautiful earth; A mention of Heaven;
*Note: Mentions of a character from Veggie Tales; A mention of a ghost (phrase used).
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘dumb’ and two ‘stupid’s, A mention of a string of curses (said by Kimmy’s aunt, but not written out); A tiny bit of eye rolling; Throwing up (barely-above-not-detailed); Kimmy is scared after nearly being ran off the road & her aunt following the man to yell at him (the man didn’t see them and Kimmy says that they forgive him when the man is near tears); Kimmy cries herself to sleep at times because of her missing dog & things not going as planned; A couple of times, Kimmy lashes out to someone who was trying to be nice to her (she feels guilty and later apologizes); Kimmy lies to an adult (thinking that it didn’t feel good and that her parents would be disappointed, but is upset at them at this moment and thinks that they have no room to speak about not lying); Kimmy scares her aunt by wandering off by herself (*Spoiler* ); Kimmy eavesdrops on her mom’s phone call (despite knowing it was wrong) and is caught, but no punishment is given; *Spoiler* ; Kimmy recalls hearing her (former) BFF talking and laughing about her and her arm with the popular girls (being unkind and calling her a ‘freak’, which really hurt Kimmy and has made her feel very lonely since then; Kimmy wonders if she was just a joke to them); Kimmy wonders why her parents are acting strange about her trying to find her dog (*Spoiler* *Major Spoilers* ); All about many mentions of Kimmy’s dog going missing two years ago & her heartbreak over it (including mentions of what could have happened to him like death, being hit by a car, being attacked by another animal and injured, being dog-napped, & having a new family; barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of an almost car accident & yelling at the other driver; Mentions of injuries, pain, & blood/bleeding (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of throwing up/puking & peeing; Mentions of manure/poop & bad smells; A few mentions of a young boy not remembering his parents (mother died when he was a baby and his father lives in another country); A few mentions of the passing of a man’s wife & his grief; A few mentions of possible fires; A few mentions of hatred; A couple mentions of making up a shark attack story explaining why Kimmy is missing an arm (she does not share it but thinks about it); A couple mentions of the possibility of being electrocuted on a subway; A couple mentions of lying (which Kimmy doesn’t do at one point because she knows it will just make things worse); A couple mentions of cigarettes; A mention of murder; A mention of the death of a mother; A mention of a tunnel collapsing; A mention of a bomb shelter; A mention of stealing; A mention of spreading gossip; A mention of tattoos; A mention of using a paper for toilet paper;
*Note: A side-character (Daniel) is neurodivergent & is scared of loud noises (*Spoiler* ); Kimmy doesn’t like people staring at her because of being one handed so she often wears long sleeves even in the heat and hides her arm (*Spoiler* ); Daniel asks Kimmy if she ever feels like no one wants her around, which makes Kimmy think about it and that that idea does scare her about being lonely; Kimmy’s parents were worried about her going on a road trip with her aunt (particularly because of the aunt’s known irresponsibility and Kimmy’s mom gets upset at the thought); Kimmy’s parents have a “no-phone-until-you’re-thirteen rule” and she thinks about how nice it would be to have one a couple of times; Kimmy sits in the front seat of her aunt’s car because the aunt “cared little for rules” and her parents say nothing about it; Kimmy’s aunt doesn’t want her to call her “aunt” because it makes her feel old (Kimmy doesn’t think she’ll ever break the habit and doesn’t call her by her first name); Kimmy is on the toilet when she sees a photo of what she thinks is her missing dog in a magazine (this is only mentioned because she says that she’s not trying to be funny when she says that her “life changed on the toilet” and later a mention of her pulling up her shorts); A handful of mentions of car brands; A couple mentions of places & restaurants (McDonald’s, Subway); A couple mentions of a TV show (Animal Planet); A couple mentions of a poem (by Robert Frost); A mention of a game (Pictionary); A mention of Google.
Sexual Content- When hearing her aunt talk about her ex-boyfriend & falling in love with him, Kimmy thinks that she knows nothing about falling in love and had a crush on a boy in her class for a while, but stopped when she saw him eat his boogers; *Spoiler* ; Mentions of Kimmy’s aunt’s broken heart, her ex-boyfriend, their break-up, & dating.
-Kimberly “Kimmy” Beckett, age 12
1st person P.O.V. of Kimmy
230 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- Three Stars (and a half)
New Teens- Four Stars
Early High School Teens- Four Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars (and a half)
Even through I don’t really care for road-trips in real-life, reading about road-trips and adventures that happen on them can be really fun. This book almost had a nostalgic feeling to it, but I can’t place why or how. Perhaps it was the charm of middle-fiction fiction with chapter titles.
I can 99.99% of the time expect a dog-themed book to make me cry. I don’t like those odds as someone who prefers not to cry, but yet, I keep reading them. This one was bittersweet for sure. My sensitive dog-loving heart accepted the ending, but my sensitive dog-mom heart wanted to cry out for Kimmy’s sake.
I do feel like the faith content could have been worked in a bit more than Kimmy being told & later realizing that she’s never alone, that God is always with her, but it was good to see God talked about positively in a middle-grade book that could stand up against secular published ones. Neither Kimmy or the adults in the book are perfect and there’s lessons to learn and forgiveness to give.
Overall (and despite my tears), I did enjoy this one. The ending was a tad rushed, but fit anyway. I look forward to reading the second book when it releases!
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
June 11, 2024
3.5 stars
The reason for my rating is that the book played with my emotions too much. The story is about a girl whose dog went missing a couple of years ago and thinks she might have found it. Stories involving dogs are hard, for me, because I get too emotionally invested in them.
Despite this, I would read another book by the author, provided it doesn't involve dogs.
The reason for my rating is that the book played with my emotions too much. The story is about a girl whose dog went missing a couple of years ago and thinks she might have found it. Stories involving dogs are hard, for me, because I get too emotionally invested in them.
Despite this, I would read another book by the author, provided it doesn't involve dogs.
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April 8, 2024I have mixed feelings about this book...
I was a huge fan of the characters, especially Daniel and Kimmy. Kimmy was so relatable, and I loved her love of dogs. I was rooting for her all the way to find Bo and/or learn the lessons this experience would teach her. <3 I also appreciated the limb difference rep and the neurodivergence rep.
Unfortunately, partway through I had the sinking feeling this book would take a turn I didn't like. And while it wasn't what I expected, I still felt myself really disappointed in the adults. Also, something felt off about the pacing of the last quarter with Kimmy's character arc wrapped up too easily and too many coincidences near the end, but maybe that's just me.
I'm glad I read this book though, and I'll be keeping an eye out for more from this author.
I was a huge fan of the characters, especially Daniel and Kimmy. Kimmy was so relatable, and I loved her love of dogs. I was rooting for her all the way to find Bo and/or learn the lessons this experience would teach her. <3 I also appreciated the limb difference rep and the neurodivergence rep.
Unfortunately, partway through I had the sinking feeling this book would take a turn I didn't like. And while it wasn't what I expected, I still felt myself really disappointed in the adults. Also, something felt off about the pacing of the last quarter with Kimmy's character arc wrapped up too easily and too many coincidences near the end, but maybe that's just me.
I'm glad I read this book though, and I'll be keeping an eye out for more from this author.
October 24, 2023
Wonderful, heartwarming, and sweet. An incredible debut from author Becca Wierwille.
The story follows twelve-year-old Kimmy who comes across a magazine photo of a dog. But it’s not just any dog. This one looks just like the pup she lost a few years ago. Determined to find him, she ventures on an exciting road trip with her quirky Aunt Skylar.
Their journey is filled with touching moments, plenty of laughs, and a few surprises along the way. Wierwelle’s writing style is superb. She carefully balances important themes and topics with a fun sense of humor and scenes that will stick with readers long after the book is finished.
Road Trip Rescue is one of my favorite middle grade books of the year. If you like wholesome stories with memorable characters and meaningful themes, don’t miss this one.
I had the pleasure of listening to this one via audiobook. The reader is superb and does voices for all of the characters, capturing the joy of the road trip as well as the emotional experiences of the book’s characters. Highly recommended!
The story follows twelve-year-old Kimmy who comes across a magazine photo of a dog. But it’s not just any dog. This one looks just like the pup she lost a few years ago. Determined to find him, she ventures on an exciting road trip with her quirky Aunt Skylar.
Their journey is filled with touching moments, plenty of laughs, and a few surprises along the way. Wierwelle’s writing style is superb. She carefully balances important themes and topics with a fun sense of humor and scenes that will stick with readers long after the book is finished.
Road Trip Rescue is one of my favorite middle grade books of the year. If you like wholesome stories with memorable characters and meaningful themes, don’t miss this one.
I had the pleasure of listening to this one via audiobook. The reader is superb and does voices for all of the characters, capturing the joy of the road trip as well as the emotional experiences of the book’s characters. Highly recommended!
October 2, 2025
This was a very cute book. It was very lightly Christian and was mainly focused on family dynamics.
I was a bit frustrated that the aunt seemed to lose most of her personality the moment she found what she was looking for. Also while the ending was good, it was still very bittersweet.
I was a bit frustrated that the aunt seemed to lose most of her personality the moment she found what she was looking for. Also while the ending was good, it was still very bittersweet.
September 30, 2023
Such a delightful middle grade novel that any dog-loving-kid-looking-for-adventure is going to want to read. It's a coming of age tale where you can grow right along with Kimmy as she learns things like patience, sacrifice, unconditional love and forgiveness.
May 15, 2025
This is my first Christian fiction middle grade book, 'Road Trip Rescue' by Becca Wierwille; wow, this was an adventure. I greatly appreciated the faith elements in this book. I loved seeing Kimmy's character growth. There were times when Kimmy got on my nerves because of how she was towards her parents. As a dog owner myself, this book was unfortunate at times. Towards the end, I tear up a bit. However, I like that this book ended on a good note. I will continue this series.
February 10, 2025
So cute! This had all the aspects of a charming middle-grade read. I definitely enjoyed this and would give it to my younger sister!
And, those chapter titles were so adorable. 😍
✨ 4 Stars ✨
And, those chapter titles were so adorable. 😍
✨ 4 Stars ✨
November 8, 2023
How can you resist a book that starts with a twelve-year-old stating, “I’m not even trying to be funny when I say my life changed on the toilet”?
Kimmy was born with only the top half of one arm. Struggling all her life with the accompanying embarrassment, ridicule and betrayal, she built a sheltering wall of distrust around herself socially and emotionally. However, she had her beloved Dog Bo—short for Boaz—to carry her through. That is, until he mysteriously disappeared.
What Kimmy discovered on that toilet led to a road trip adventure with her restless, somewhat difficult aunt, trying to hunt down a dog that might possibly be the treasured friend who’d been gone for two years. Aunt Skylar adds hilariously challenging road trip rules, quirky stops and passionate thinking to the mix.
At first I was charmed, then I became enmeshed in Kimmy’s point of view so much that I wondered what in the world the adults in the book were thinking! (A favorite exchange between adults and tweens, I might add.) I completely forgot she was fictional.
By the end, inspired by a very real middle schooler, I had shed tears, laughed out loud and been challenged myself about my own reactions to people and situations.
Kimmy was born with only the top half of one arm. Struggling all her life with the accompanying embarrassment, ridicule and betrayal, she built a sheltering wall of distrust around herself socially and emotionally. However, she had her beloved Dog Bo—short for Boaz—to carry her through. That is, until he mysteriously disappeared.
What Kimmy discovered on that toilet led to a road trip adventure with her restless, somewhat difficult aunt, trying to hunt down a dog that might possibly be the treasured friend who’d been gone for two years. Aunt Skylar adds hilariously challenging road trip rules, quirky stops and passionate thinking to the mix.
At first I was charmed, then I became enmeshed in Kimmy’s point of view so much that I wondered what in the world the adults in the book were thinking! (A favorite exchange between adults and tweens, I might add.) I completely forgot she was fictional.
By the end, inspired by a very real middle schooler, I had shed tears, laughed out loud and been challenged myself about my own reactions to people and situations.
October 21, 2023
When 12-year old Kimmy sees in a magazine what she is convinced is a photo of the dog she lost two years ago, she is determined to rescue him and bring him home. Enter Kimmy’s unconventional Aunt Skylar, who is always ready for a road trip adventure. She and Kimmy embark on a most unusual journey to retrieve her beloved pet.
Road Trip Rescue is a middle grade story that readers of all ages can enjoy. The author creates unexpected plot twists as Kimmy suffers through her aunt’s radical changes in plans enroute from her Pennsylvania farm to the Adirondack Mountains. Along the way, Kimmy learns lessons about friendship, forgiveness, family, and self-esteem.
Author Becca Wierwille has created characters who will make you chuckle, smile, pull at your heartstrings, and evoke a few tears. More than a story about a girl with a handicap and her beloved lost pet, Road Trip Rescue sends the message that even when we face bitter disappointment, God has a plan.
This book will speak to the heart of readers who have dealt with a handicap, loneliness, or loss, and any dog lover out there.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Road Trip Rescue is a middle grade story that readers of all ages can enjoy. The author creates unexpected plot twists as Kimmy suffers through her aunt’s radical changes in plans enroute from her Pennsylvania farm to the Adirondack Mountains. Along the way, Kimmy learns lessons about friendship, forgiveness, family, and self-esteem.
Author Becca Wierwille has created characters who will make you chuckle, smile, pull at your heartstrings, and evoke a few tears. More than a story about a girl with a handicap and her beloved lost pet, Road Trip Rescue sends the message that even when we face bitter disappointment, God has a plan.
This book will speak to the heart of readers who have dealt with a handicap, loneliness, or loss, and any dog lover out there.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
September 6, 2023
I'm a proud patreon supporter of the book and Becca. I had the privilege of working with Becca while she was a kindergarten teacher. I now know she is a wonderful teacher and writer!! The book has some great life lessons and amazing God moments. I can't wait to read this to my daughter when she gets a bit older!!! (She's still at an age of picture books only!) The ending had an amazing pay off and did not disappoint!
November 14, 2023
I was thrilled to be able to kickstart this book into the world. Road Trip Rescue has middle grade charm and enduring themes. It kept me guessing and had me crying more than once. Positive without being sappy, this portrayal of a lucky fin main character belongs on every classroom shelf. I was pleased to see quirky characters, postcard locations, sprinkles of realistic faith-based living, and depictions of actual modern farm life. Recommended!
December 4, 2023
Hey, everyone! I just read this awesome book called "Road Trip Rescue" by Becca Wierwille, and I wanna tell you all about it!
So, there's this cool 12-year-old girl named Kimmy, and she loves her dog, Bo. Bo is the best because he never makes fun of Kimmy for having just one hand. But guess what? Kimmy finds a picture in a newspaper, and it shows her dog in Upstate New York! That's far away, and she really wants to find Bo.
Kimmy's parents are acting kinda strange, and she wonders why. But guess what again? Her Aunt Skyler, who always goes on road trips, agrees to take Kimmy on a trip to find Bo! How cool is that? They plan to stop at the Adirondacks, and Kimmy is super excited.
But, uh-oh, Aunt Skylar's idea of a road trip is not what Kimmy thought. It's a road trip rescue! And that's when all the adventure starts!
From this book, I learned two really important things. First, not all books have happy endings. Like, in fairy tales, things are usually happy, but in real life, it's different. And second, what you think will happen might not be what actually happens. But don't be sad because sometimes, what really happens can be super cool, too! So, like, don't judge things before they happen. It's like not judging a new chapter in your life by what it sounds like.
I had so much fun reading "Road Trip Rescue," I think you will too! If you love dogs, adventures, and surprises, this book is for you. Go check it out!
Check out my full review of this book on my YouTube channel. It's got everything you need to know about this amazing read.
https://youtu.be/oV2UDsL3YwE?si=5H7CA...
So, there's this cool 12-year-old girl named Kimmy, and she loves her dog, Bo. Bo is the best because he never makes fun of Kimmy for having just one hand. But guess what? Kimmy finds a picture in a newspaper, and it shows her dog in Upstate New York! That's far away, and she really wants to find Bo.
Kimmy's parents are acting kinda strange, and she wonders why. But guess what again? Her Aunt Skyler, who always goes on road trips, agrees to take Kimmy on a trip to find Bo! How cool is that? They plan to stop at the Adirondacks, and Kimmy is super excited.
But, uh-oh, Aunt Skylar's idea of a road trip is not what Kimmy thought. It's a road trip rescue! And that's when all the adventure starts!
From this book, I learned two really important things. First, not all books have happy endings. Like, in fairy tales, things are usually happy, but in real life, it's different. And second, what you think will happen might not be what actually happens. But don't be sad because sometimes, what really happens can be super cool, too! So, like, don't judge things before they happen. It's like not judging a new chapter in your life by what it sounds like.
I had so much fun reading "Road Trip Rescue," I think you will too! If you love dogs, adventures, and surprises, this book is for you. Go check it out!
Check out my full review of this book on my YouTube channel. It's got everything you need to know about this amazing read.
https://youtu.be/oV2UDsL3YwE?si=5H7CA...
April 10, 2024
Wow! What a amazing story of second chances, family, friendship, and adventure! We read this book aloud to our daughter and the entire family loved this adventure!
Kimmy’s road trip with her aunt was the best twist. Kimmy had one goal while her aunt Skylar had another. Find Bo vs find adventure. The twists, turns, fancy donut shops, old acquaintances along the way, will have you desiring to know what happens next !!!!
This story is overall one of the best family friendly middle grade reads I’ve read so far. It’s very engaging & thought provoking. The author also adds discussions questions at the end which are and would be perfect for a group book club! The lessons learned by Kimmy was heart warming. The ending had me in happy tears! The inclusion of physical differences in herself and her new friend, Daniel we’re really heart opening. It gives you an opportunity to put yourself in their shoes and perhaps create a more empathetic heart towards others A(bilities). As someone who is an aunt to a child with cerebral palsy, this story gave me hope for the future of stories and the inclusion it offers 🥹.
I cannot wait to see what this author does next and I’m so thankful for her faith infused writing! These are the kinds of stories I would love everyone to read 🙏🏼💜
And always remember the adventure is always about the destination! 🚙 🏔️ 🐶 ✨
Kimmy’s road trip with her aunt was the best twist. Kimmy had one goal while her aunt Skylar had another. Find Bo vs find adventure. The twists, turns, fancy donut shops, old acquaintances along the way, will have you desiring to know what happens next !!!!
This story is overall one of the best family friendly middle grade reads I’ve read so far. It’s very engaging & thought provoking. The author also adds discussions questions at the end which are and would be perfect for a group book club! The lessons learned by Kimmy was heart warming. The ending had me in happy tears! The inclusion of physical differences in herself and her new friend, Daniel we’re really heart opening. It gives you an opportunity to put yourself in their shoes and perhaps create a more empathetic heart towards others A(bilities). As someone who is an aunt to a child with cerebral palsy, this story gave me hope for the future of stories and the inclusion it offers 🥹.
I cannot wait to see what this author does next and I’m so thankful for her faith infused writing! These are the kinds of stories I would love everyone to read 🙏🏼💜
And always remember the adventure is always about the destination! 🚙 🏔️ 🐶 ✨
October 20, 2023
I believe Road Trip Rescue will be a 2023 breakout middle school book. This endearing story of 12-year-old Kimmy who lost her dog and goes on an adventure to find him is filled with wonderful lessons middle schoolers won't even realize they're learning. First, there are road trip rules that are inspiring, then there's how to get along with a grumpy aunt, how to make friends, how to deal with life when things don't go your way, what to do when you make a mistake, and more. I love the main character, Kimmy, because she's as real as a middle schooler gets. She shows a range of emotions as she learns things about herself and others. Some of the middle-schooler quips she makes had me laughing out loud. They're a typical 12-year-olds' humor. And then there's Aunt Skylar! She's something else and wait until you read what she brings for them to eat on the road trip. Twelve-year-old Daniel is a doll and has a disability that isn't named, but we see how he behaves and can guess. He teaches Kimmy a profound lesson both young people and adults will love. This is the kind of book you hope your children will read over and over. I finished the last page and smiled. How sweet.
July 12, 2024
What a lovely book! I was utterly enchanted by this middle-grade book about a girl trying to find her missing dog.
Kimmy's dog Bo disappeared two years ago. When she finds a photo in a magazine that looks just like him, she begs her parents to take her to see if that dog in the magazine really is Bo. Kimmy was born with one full arm and hand, and one "little arm" that ends just below her elbow. Over the course of the book, she learns that not all strangers stare, not all people who stare are being intentionally rude, and not everyone thinks that her "little arm" makes her a freak. Most importantly, she learns the power of the forgiveness, and that you can forgive people whether or not they apologize to you.
This is Christian fiction of the best kind, with characters who strive to live out their faith and act according to what the Bible teaches. They read the Bible and they attend church, too.
I plan to have my elementary literature class at our homeschool co-op read this book this year. It's so good!
Kimmy's dog Bo disappeared two years ago. When she finds a photo in a magazine that looks just like him, she begs her parents to take her to see if that dog in the magazine really is Bo. Kimmy was born with one full arm and hand, and one "little arm" that ends just below her elbow. Over the course of the book, she learns that not all strangers stare, not all people who stare are being intentionally rude, and not everyone thinks that her "little arm" makes her a freak. Most importantly, she learns the power of the forgiveness, and that you can forgive people whether or not they apologize to you.
This is Christian fiction of the best kind, with characters who strive to live out their faith and act according to what the Bible teaches. They read the Bible and they attend church, too.
I plan to have my elementary literature class at our homeschool co-op read this book this year. It's so good!
March 21, 2025
Maybe I have forgotten what it was like to be 12 years old and I certainly never had to cope with a visible physical handicap, so perhaps my critique will seem a bit harsh. I found the main character self-centered, rude, rash and disrespectful. Having said that I quickly add that at the end of the book she seems to have learned some lessons about those traits. The presentation of the Gospel was weak. And, I found parts of the book a bit unbelievable, e.g. that two dogs would have exactly the same markings, that she did not notice the size difference between a male dog and a female and that Skylar, who seemed so doggedly opposed to returning to New York suddenly drove to NY and hot-footed it to where her X boyfriend would be. Also, the book never explained why she left NY in the first place. The plot of the book was a good one, but the story as a whole left me flat.
October 9, 2023
Author Becca Wierwille has crafted an engaging story that will capture the hearts of young readers, but adults will definitely enjoy this story too. Wierwille does a remarkable job of helping the reader create a mind movie picture of everything going on. Her character development of Kimmy is a standout feature of the book. As Kimmy faces obstacles head-on and works through her personal inadequacies of a missing hand, readers will witness her growth, determination, and maturity. Themes of friendship, trust, and worthiness interlace with suspense and surprises, culminating in a story to take to heart. I am always looking for action-filled books with wholesome messages to pique the curiosities of my middle-school-aged grandchildren, and this book fits the bill!
November 16, 2024
The girl in this book struggles with how people see her and stare at her. I really enjoyed the insight into her character and situation as a girl with only one hand, doubly special when I knew the author had also been born with only one hand.
A good book if your kid struggles with not fitting in or needs some help learning to see life through someone else's eyes.
I read this with my fourteen-year-old. He might have been a little old for it, but we both still enjoyed the story of learning to be comfortable in your own skin and trying to 'rescue' a kidnapped dog.
I also learned quite a bit about New York, one of the pitstops of the road trip. A fun read!
A good book if your kid struggles with not fitting in or needs some help learning to see life through someone else's eyes.
I read this with my fourteen-year-old. He might have been a little old for it, but we both still enjoyed the story of learning to be comfortable in your own skin and trying to 'rescue' a kidnapped dog.
I also learned quite a bit about New York, one of the pitstops of the road trip. A fun read!
December 30, 2024
Having met this author at a conference and signed up for her mailing list, I later decided to purchase her first book. I was not disappointed. A delightful story, with relateable people and actions, character growth, and good life lessons, especially of acceptance and forgiveness.
Some minor things that I didn't care for so much, were the use of the word "pee," (which I know is common today, but not a word we used in our home, particularly in a public setting), and the pink hair I could have done without, but it did contribute to defining that particular character.
Becca's questions to think about at the end of the book were well done.
4 1/2 stars
Some minor things that I didn't care for so much, were the use of the word "pee," (which I know is common today, but not a word we used in our home, particularly in a public setting), and the pink hair I could have done without, but it did contribute to defining that particular character.
Becca's questions to think about at the end of the book were well done.
4 1/2 stars
May 30, 2025
I wanted to adore this book, the potential was there but the miscommunication between Kimmy and her parents was too much, and Aunt Skyler...Yikes! She is a mess. In my opinion not a likable character at all.
I also thought Bo would be highlighted in this story more. I think the details there at the end were a bit graphic for the target audience. As a dog lover that has been through a very similar situation to this I found it hard to read and the ending didn't really satisfy me.
There was some good faith in this and some adventures, just not what I thought it was going to be.
I also thought Bo would be highlighted in this story more. I think the details there at the end were a bit graphic for the target audience. As a dog lover that has been through a very similar situation to this I found it hard to read and the ending didn't really satisfy me.
There was some good faith in this and some adventures, just not what I thought it was going to be.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2023
Becca paints a great picture of what it's like to want to fit in as an 8-12 year old, all while on a rollicking adventure to find her lost dog. Each character's flaw is evident, something Kimmy grapples with and learns to appreciate--including her own.
This story deals with what every middle grader ponders, do I fit in? It's warm, zany, and takes turns I'd NEVER have expected. I read it aloud with my 8 and 12 year old then listened to the audio version.
Enjoy!
This story deals with what every middle grader ponders, do I fit in? It's warm, zany, and takes turns I'd NEVER have expected. I read it aloud with my 8 and 12 year old then listened to the audio version.
Enjoy!
November 2, 2023
The characters in this book all seem like people you could meet in real life. Although the main character has a unique physical attribute, it makes her very relatable for young readers who are trying to become comfortable with who they are. The book also has a lot of twists and turns—like a real road trip! A great book for reading in a summer hammock.
December 25, 2023
A girl's love of her missing dog launches her adventure with a quirky aunt and some new friends. Delays and distractions challenge the girl's patience. She must learn to ease her expectations and enjoy the trip for what it is, including its unexpected outcome.
A charming read filled with faith.
A charming read filled with faith.
November 11, 2024
I am always thrilled when I come across well-written and entertaining Christian middle grade! What a story!!! This makes me think of the book Wish by Barbara O'Connor and Dirt by Denise Gosliner. The heroine is on a mission, find her dog, her only friend after her human best friend made fun of her for only having one arm. Getting her dog back will make everything right again, right?
February 19, 2025
Appreciated the lessons Kimmy learned during her adventure, though they mostly piled on at the end. Enjoyed the story but the anxiousness of Kimmy made me impatient through portions of the book as I read, annoying myself. Still I imagine a good read for kids, especially if a parent is looking for one with some religious leanings. 3.5 stars
April 20, 2025
Finally a non-cheesy book for 10- 12 year old girls. The story was very interesting and real to my girls and I loved how the author skillfully wove the characters struggle with her faith throughout the story. There is a huge gap in the market for decent books for young girls, I'm so glad this is a trilogy.
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