I am Rebel

by Ross Montgomery

Rebel is a good dog, and he loves his simple, perfect life on the farm with his owner, Tom, until one day the war comes too close. Now Tom is determined to join the rebellion to defeat the King's men. But Rebel knows war is dangerous, and he will stop at nothing to save the human he loves.

Genres: Middle Grade, Adventure, Animals, Dogs, Historical Fiction, Childrens, War

304 pages, Paperback

First published June 6, 2024

About the author

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

Reviews

[Haly Hoards Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ☆
Montgomery has written so much more than a heartfelt story about the love of a dog for his human. Through the eyes of Rebel we see the wonder and beauty of life. Rebel shows us how to recognize the importance of living in the moment, noticing the contentment that can be gleaned from the common every day. Rebel rejoices in waking up with Tom each morning, the tiny bits of bacon he receives at breakfast, greeting the farm animals, playing fetch, sitting quietly in the meadow with Tom, lamb stew, curling up next to Tom at night.

Montgomery calls it "small nothings," the tiny moments and little joys that people hold dear. The small nothings are the things that people will fight for, that make life worth living. I think of it as the "small things." I also believe that there is a power in the small things. It is often the small things during the day that lift my spirits, put a smile on my face, and creates a sense of joy.

Rebel's character strongly leans into the traits typically associated with dogs; loyalty, protection, unconditional love. Yet, Rebel has a strong sense of right and wrong. It is this sense that leads Rebel to make difficult decisions, especially when the welfare of his friends and Tom are involved. Rebel's open heart makes him so endearing. It is his love that makes him brave.

I am Rebel gives us a lot to think about. It is a tale that makes us focus on what truly matters. It helps us to take time to notice the small nothings.

Favorite Quote:
"'Because that's what love is. It makes you do things that aren't right or clever or sensible, because you're not doing them for you. And that's exactly what makes them important. Because if you haven't got something outside of yourself to love, then you might as well be nothing.'"
Rebel

[Silke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an amazing cute book, i finished it in one sitting and it was such an easy read!
I love reading from an animal pov and this story was not too long or dreading but perfect.
Loved that everyone had a happy ending, no one was left out.
Def going to read it again!

[Jodie Cotgreave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five shining perfect stars for I am Rebel.
Rebel is the best dog, a very good boy, I can't fault this book. It made me laugh, it made me cry (more than once) and it had a happy ending. No dogs died, everyone was reunited.

[Isobel Macleod · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this more than I expected to.

[Beatriz Lemos Moniz · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️

Este livro é absolutamente lindo 🥹 narrado pelo Rebelde, um cão que vive super feliz na sua quinta.

Surpreendi-me completamente com a historia que este livro nos conta, a nivel de revolta popular, de queda de poder, de um rei tirano e pessoas que lutavam pela mudança. Gostei de tudo, sem tirar nem por.

O Rebelde é um lindo menino e sempre será 🥹

Este livro fala-nos do amor verdadeiro que os animais têm para connosco. Sem exigências em troca, sem malícias. Amor puro, genuíno e altruísmo.

A escrita é super simples e fácil, li quase o livro todo de uma vez só e acredito que se tivese tido mais tempo, conseguia lê-lo numa tarde.

É um livro infanto-juvenil, coisa que me faz acreditar que pode não ser bom para toda a gente, mas mesmo assim acredito que quem ama cães vai amar este livro independentemente da idade que tenha.

Amei o final feliz para todas as personagens, todos os animais. Tudo se resolveu pelo melhor e eu amei todos os pequenos desfechos 🥹

[Abril Camino · Rating 4 out of 5]

No esperaba que me gustara y emocionara un libro infantil escrito en inglés. Una historia preciosa para todas las edades.

[Chlo Bolton 🍃 · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK! Oh my gosh! I loved it , so beautifully written. I cried so hard at the ending! 🐕🐾


“Because it can't be the same as it was. The world is changing, all the time, and you have to change with it. You have to use what you have to make it better, even more special, even more beautiful than it already is. You have to plant small nothings while you can, as many as possible.”

[Rhea Nathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know every says this is an instant classic, but it really does have the vibes of a classic book or old Disney film. An inside dog learns how to embrace the wild, an outside dog learns it’s okay to let yourself be loved by others, there are good and bad people along the way, and it has a happy ending.

The book has lots of great lessons, and the overall moral of doing what you think is right. Utterly charming.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I Am Rebel" what a lovely book. I got this for my 9 year old grandson but I wanted to read it first to be sure it would be suitable for his age group. Rebel tells the story in his own words of his life on the farm that he loves and his boy Tom whom he loves even more. It's a little sad but funny and a lesson in kindness, friendship, loyalty and it deserves every one of the stars I gave.

[Les McFarlane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anthropomorphism isn’t my bag - however, that doesn’t stop me recognising great storytelling and wonderful writing.

[Kate Willis · Rating 5 out of 5]

B&N did good naming this one of their Books of the Year. I'm so glad I picked it up. 😭🤍

On the surface, it's just another animal journey story, but it was so beautifully written, creatively set, and Rebel's voice rang so doggishly true, that I fell completely in love. I knew from the author's note to the quote at the beginning to the end of chapter one and all the way through, that this book was for me.

So much to say about love. Makes me want to hug my dogs a little harder. 🤍

CW: wounds, battle, blood, and danger.

[Dara · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this book is already out outside of the US, its US publication is later this month. I enjoyed reading Rebel’s story, as this sweet and loyal dog is the narrator of his own story. Rebel’s boy Tom joins the Reds, an army rising up against a cruel king. Rebel goes after him and has his own adventure along the way. I assumed this was historical fiction, though I am not sure where or when in time it took place. If it was set in real history, it would have been even more interesting! As it was, this book was sweet and I enjoyed all the animals Rebel met on his journey.

[Georgina Monk · Rating 5 out of 5]

You’re a bloody good dog, Rebel. The very best.

[Stephen the Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audio book … A wonderful story of loyalty and friendship amid a civil war.
Full of action and adventure
A great story for 9-12 year olds
Deservedly an award winning children’s novel.

[Dianne Wolfer]

Love Love Love this beautiful book 💕

[Brett · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartwarming book about a dog who will stop at nothing to be reunited with his boy (not master if you have read it). Rebel leaves all that he knows (and the comforts of his farm) to find Tom after civil war comes to the fictional country. This is definitely a young reader / early middle school aged book which is fine so long as the reader doesn't try to apply a too high of a standard.

[Mikayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

It wasn't bad at all, I just didn't emotionally connect like I've done with other similar books.

[Minx Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so so much 5 stars ♡

[Adam Shergold · Rating 3 out of 5]

Who calls a dog Jaxon?

[Cat Giggins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rebel is indeed, a top notch little fella 🥰 lovely story

[Danniiee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. A really fast and easy read. Rebel is such a loveable dog.

[Beanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story about a boy, a dog, and friendship.

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 4 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

Rebel lives an idyllic life on a farm with his boy, Tom, who is twelve. They sleep in a cozy bed, have bacon for breakfast, and spend the days in the fields with the sheep. When the King's Guardsman show up at the house demanding double the taxes, Tom's Mum and Dad say that they will try to gather the money, but Tom thinks they should stand up against this treatment. In the woods, he meets Rider, an outlaw who is organizing a rebellion against the King in the High Tower. He gives Tom a red piece of cloth, but when Tom's parents find this, they are most unhappy. Tom runs away to join the rebellion, leaving the red cloth on Rebel's neck. Rebel is bereft and runs after his beloved owner. Eating some sorrell in the fields, he becomes very ill and is helped by Jaxon, a Masterless Dog. Rebel pleads with him to take him to Drulter, where a pig he has met mentioned the rebels are meeting, but when they get to the town, all they find is a picture Tom has drawn. A pub dog, Rollo, says that he can get them more information, but instead turns them over to Guardsmen. This catapults the two unlikely friends on an epic journey to reunite with Tom that takes them to a bothy where the rebels have stored guns (and where they meet Felix, a mouse whose wife was mistakenly taken a long with them), to the besieged city of Unsk, across a river, to the home of Pol, a shepherdess, and eventually onto the field of battle, where Rebel leads a charge that helps the Red Army defeat the king. On the way back, Rebel, Jaxon, and Tom have to decide what their roles will be after their adventures.
Strengths: This had the feel of a classic animal adventure like Burnford's 1961 The Incredible Journey, but with a historical twist. Rebel is an endearing character who adores his boy and doesn't want to be separated from him. Jaxon is an irascible but good hearted wild dog who reluctantly helps the clueless Rebel from perishing, even though Rebel saves Jaxon twice, tethering the two together. There are a number of other animals as well, whom the pair meet on their way to the High Castle, but also on the way back home. There are a few humans as well, like Pol and her Grandad, who win Jaxon's trust and fix his injured paw. This are some philosophical moments, when Rebel meets the Companion and goes briefly to something like heaven before deciding he needs to stay to find Tom. While he makes it to the field of battle, Tom is injured, and the two sit out the worst of the fighting. Despite the sadness of the setting, this is a warm hearted tale of devotion and gratefulness that dog loving readers will adore.
Weaknesses: This is set in an indeterminate place and time, although it has a pre-1800s feel to it. I personally prefer to know the setting of books, especially when they feel historical, but this doesn't seem to be referencing any particular king or military conflict.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who enjoyed Pennypacker's Pax or the animal tales of Sam Angus or Michael Morpurgo.

[Lúcia Fonseca · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Sou o Rebelde", do Ross Montgomery, é daqueles livros que nos agarra pela emoção logo desde as primeiras páginas, é uma história bonita, humana e inesperadamente profunda, daquelas que ficam connosco depois de termos terminado o livro.

A história acompanha o Rebelde, um cão cheio de personalidade e sensibilidade, cuja perspetiva dá ao livro uma força absolutamente especial. Ver o mundo através dos olhos dele torna tudo mais intenso, a lealdade, o medo, a coragem, a forma pura como ele sente quem ama e o que está em jogo.

Mas o que torna esta narrativa ainda mais forte é a relação dele com o Tom. A ligação entre os dois é o verdadeiro núcleo do livro, uma amizade feita de confiança absoluta, daquelas que não precisam de palavras para ser sentidas. É impossível não torcer por ambos, não sofrer com eles e não sorrir com os pequenos momentos de ternura que partilham.

O autor equilibra aventura, emoção e humanidade com uma mestria impressionante. A escrita flui, toca e deixa marca. Há capítulos que arrepiam, outros que confortam, e muitos que nos lembram porque é que as histórias contadas por animais conseguem ser tão poderosas.

É uma leitura sobre lealdade, perda, esperança e sobre o amor inabalável entre um cão e o seu humano.

[Bill · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a tough one for me to rate. It was a birthday gift from my daughter (?) so I felt compelled to read it even though after the first two pages it was clear that this is not intended for adults. Apparently aimed at younger readers, although I'm not sure specifically what age group.

The story of a dog who talks . . . to other dogs, cats, donkeys, pigs, mice and even a pack of wolves! Oh, yeah and sheep who apparently have a vocabulary limited to variations of "Lost". But humans don't understand any of the animals. Our story begins when our dog's "boy" (Tom) has left the family farm for the first time in his life to join a band of rebels set on ousting the corrupt King. The rest of the book follows Rebel as he tries to reach Tom.

So I guess it's an OK story and seems appropriate for younger readers. I plan to pass it on to my 9-year old neighbor to see what she thinks. In the meantime, 3 *

[Sembray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even as more of a cat than dog person, I loved this! As you'd expect, the main character is brilliant and every moment spent with him is a joy, especially as Montgomery captures the voice and thoughts of a dog so excellently. As well as being a fantastically moving tribute to the unbreakable bond we have with our pets, I Am Rebel offers up a fantastic adventure crammed with witty humour, lovable characters (I particularly enjoyed Jaxon's arc and how it was handled) and gentle yet effective deployment of mature themes such as war, family and how we find and decide on our roles in life. On the whole this is a wonderful read that I would highly recommend both to dog lovers (obviously!) and anyone seeking an emotional and fulfilling journey with an irrepressibly charming main character!

[Lara Gonçalves · Rating 4 out of 5]

ao longo desta aventura Rebelde faz inúmeras amizades com diferentes animais, no entanto há um que se destaca - Jasão.
tanto Rebelde como Jasão ensinam-nos uma grande lição, a da liberdade e a da mudança - o Rebelde que sempre foi um cão de quinta, mas que ao longo do livro começa a prezar mais pela sua liberdade e pela sua paz interior, demonstrando-nos, no fim, que nunca é tarde para decidirmos mudar alguma coisa na nossa vida. já o Jasão, um cão sem-dono, demonstra que mesmo não conseguindo confiar em ninguém, há sempre alguém que nos faz mudar de perspetiva e nos faz voltar a confiar.

[Jamie Bowen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebel has a great life on the farm with his friend Tom, but when trouble strikes Tom feels called to do his duty and fight. With Rebel left behind and never having left his farm before, his love for Tom urges him to find him and bring home. And so begins a journey of adventure, danger and discovery. Rebel will not be the same dog again.

A wonderful book set through the POV of a dog, Rebel. Every dog lover will immediately associate with this and yes, there are bound to be tears.

[Emma Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am Rebel is about a dog called Rebel, who is a good boy and his owner Tom. This was such a cute read. I couldn't put it down and kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. Rebel looks like a dog that was in my family growing up. The story had good pacing and was heart felt. There were some sad parts but not many as we are just following Rebel's journey through the book. I can't recommend this book enough and I look forward to reading more by the author.

[Samantha Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this one. Slightly unusual as it’s narrated by a dog, but this occasionally adds to the humour of it (not that it’s a funny story at all).

It’s set in a fictional time/place, but is - I guess - supposed to be medieval. Although rifles and crisps are also mentioned, so I could be wrong.

Really lovely story with themes of faith, love, tyranny and perseverance. Another for the book corner!