I Am Rebel

by Ross Montgomery

A #1 New York Times bestseller!

The Letter for the King meets The Incredible Journey in this story of one dog’s quest to save the human he loves.

I’m Tom’s dog, and he’s my human. We belong to each other.

Rebel is a good dog. He loves his simple, perfect life on the farm with his owner, Tom—until one day, when the war comes too close. Tom is determined to join the rebellion to defeat the king’s men, but Rebel knows that war is dangerous, and he will stop at nothing to save his beloved human. How can he bring Tom home before it’s too late? A heartwarming adventure told from a dog’s perspective as he travels across a pseudo-Civil War Britain on his loyal mission, I Am Rebel holds sure appeal for fans of I, Cosmo; When the Sky Falls; and War Horse.

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

240 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.

[Victor The Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Through the eyes of our protagonist dog, Rebel has a perfect life living on the farm that his boy Tom and his parents live on and his bond with him is very strong. Their bond takes an unexpected turn when the greedy king who rules the village where they live raises their living expenses and has his men threaten them, and Tom cannot stand the corruption anymore and decides to leave home to join a secret rebellion against the king. Despite beliefs that Tom might not come back home, Rebel will embark on a journey to find his boy where he’ll find danger, adventure and even some unexpected help by his side.

Like other stories I’ve read with animal protagonists, “Rebel” is one of them. Our dog’s perspective and character has a lot of emotion, determination and hope as we follow the story through his voice. His story and tone is similar to Katherine Applegate’s works, “War Horse” and a little bit of “Charlotte’s Web”. It also gives us a few surprises along the way, including Jaxon who you’ll definitely like.

A moving and adventurous story of man’s best friend and dog’s best friend.

A (100%/Outstanding)

[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 💕

[Manon · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was such a cute 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.

[Enairolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Il y a des livres qu’on lit, et puis il y a ceux qu’on ressent profondément. Je m’appelle Rebelle fait clairement partie de la seconde catégorie. Ce roman m’a touchée en plein cœur, parfois même sans que je m’y attende. Dès les premières pages, j’ai été happée par cette voix si particulière : celle d’un chien, Rebelle, qui raconte sa vie, son quotidien et surtout son amour inconditionnel pour son humain, Tom. Ce qui m’a immédiatement frappée, c’est la sincérité du récit. Rien ne sonne faux, rien ne semble exagéré. On entre dans l’histoire avec une certaine douceur, presque avec le sourire, avant de comprendre peu à peu que cette lecture ne sera pas simple, ni confortable émotionnellement. Et pourtant, impossible de lâcher ce livre. Pour ma part, ça a été un énorme coup de cœur, une lecture bouleversante, à la fois tendre, cruelle et profondément humaine… même si elle est racontée par un chien.

La plume de Ross Montgomery est d’une justesse remarquable. Elle est volontairement simple, épurée, presque enfantine par moments, mais jamais pauvre. Au contraire, chaque mot semble choisi avec soin pour coller parfaitement à la manière dont Rebelle perçoit le monde. Le récit adopte une voix très instinctive : Rebelle ne comprend pas tout, ne connaît pas les règles politiques ou sociales, mais il ressent absolument tout. Et c’est là que l’écriture devient incroyablement forte. L’auteur ne nous explique pas les émotions, il nous les fait vivre à travers les pensées et les réactions du chien. Une peur, une colère, une tristesse sont traduites par des sensations, des gestes, des odeurs, des habitudes qui changent. Il y a une vraie tendresse dans cette plume, mais aussi une grande lucidité. Ross Montgomery n’adoucit pas la réalité : il la montre telle qu’elle est, parfois injuste, parfois violente, mais toujours vue à travers un regard pur et loyal. Cette manière de raconter rend les moments difficiles encore plus poignants, car ils sont perçus sans filtre, sans distance, avec une sincérité désarmante.

L’univers de Je m’appelle Rebelle est celui d’une campagne anglaise rude, marquée par la pauvreté, les inégalités et l’oppression. Mais au début, cet univers est présenté comme un véritable paradis… du point de vue de Rebelle. La ferme est un terrain de jeu immense, rempli d’odeurs, de champs à parcourir, de plaisirs simples, et surtout d’amour. Ce contraste entre la vision du chien et la réalité humaine est l’un des grands points forts du roman. Là où Rebelle voit un foyer, une routine rassurante et une famille unie, le lecteur perçoit peu à peu la précarité, la fatigue, la peur du lendemain. Lorsque les soldats du roi entrent en scène, l’univers bascule brutalement. La violence du monde extérieur s’infiltre dans ce quotidien jusqu’alors protégé. Pour Rebelle, ces hommes en uniforme représentent une menace incompréhensible, mais palpable. L’atmosphère devient de plus en plus lourde, tendue, et le sentiment de sécurité disparaît progressivement. Cet univers, à la fois simple et oppressant, est construit avec beaucoup de subtilité et de cohérence.

L’histoire suit l’évolution d’un quotidien paisible vers une situation de plus en plus instable. Rebelle vit heureux avec Tom, son humain, son repère absolu. Leur relation est faite de jeux, de gestes simples, de confiance totale. Pour Rebelle, Tom est tout son monde. Lorsque les parents de Tom ne peuvent plus payer les taxes imposées par le roi, la peur s’installe. Tom, encore enfant, est confronté à une injustice qu’il ne comprend pas totalement, mais qu’il ressent violemment. Il commence à parler de révolte, de résistance, de lutte. Rebelle, lui, ne saisit pas ces concepts, mais il sent que quelque chose ne va pas. Le roman pose alors une question centrale, douloureuse et fascinante : jusqu’où peut aller la loyauté ? Rebelle veut être un bon chien, mais être un bon chien signifie-t-il toujours obéir ? Protéger ? Suivre son humain même quand cela mène au danger ? L’histoire avance avec une tension constante, faite de petites ruptures, de changements subtils, jusqu’à atteindre des moments particulièrement éprouvants émotionnellement. Sans jamais tomber dans le sensationnel, Ross Montgomery nous entraîne dans un récit profondément marquant.

Rebelle est sans conteste l’un des personnages les plus touchants que j’aie rencontrés en littérature jeunesse (et même au-delà). Il est naïf, loyal, courageux, et animé par un amour inconditionnel. Sa manière de penser, parfois très simple, parfois étonnamment profonde, rend son personnage incroyablement attachant. On partage ses joies, ses peurs, ses incompréhensions, et surtout ses dilemmes. Tom est un personnage complexe et très crédible. C’est un enfant confronté trop tôt à la dureté du monde adulte. À travers le regard de Rebelle, on le voit changer, mûrir, s’endurcir parfois, tout en restant profondément humain. Sa colère, sa peur et ses élans de courage sont rendus encore plus poignants par le regard aimant et inquiet de son chien. Les personnages secondaires, bien que moins développés, incarnent chacun une facette de ce monde injuste : la résignation, la peur, la colère, l’autorité. Ils participent tous à cette atmosphère de tension croissante qui pèse sur l’histoire.

Je m’appelle Rebelle est un roman bouleversant, qui parle d’amour, de loyauté et de choix impossibles avec une grande justesse. Le point de vue du chien apporte une profondeur émotionnelle rare et rend chaque événement encore plus marquant. C’est une lecture qui serre le cœur, qui fait réfléchir, et qui laisse une trace durable une fois la dernière page tournée. Pour ma part, j’ai refermé ce livre avec une boule dans la gorge et cette sensation très particulière d’avoir vécu une histoire forte, sincère et profondément touchante. Un gros coup de cœur, sans aucune hésitation, pour un roman qui ne cherche pas à séduire par l’excès, mais qui touche en plein cœur par sa simplicité et sa vérité

[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 *

[Kendelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely fantastic junior fiction book that explores loyalty in the best way!

Pg 24; We’re farmers, not fighters. We keep our heads down and we face what’s given to us.”

Pg 176:I know what I see in front of me. A dog who loves so much that he can’t spot the truth. I see a dog who cares so much about losing something that he’ll die to get it back. I see a dog who’s prepared to do everything, anything, for someone who doesn’t care about him. And it breaks my heart, Rebel”.

Pg 178: because that’s what love is. It pins you to things. 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”.

[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!