I Am Rebel

by Ross Montgomery, Sam Devereaux (Narrator)

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, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Childrens

Audible Audio

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]

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

[Em Memória de Fátima Linhares]

Quando o seu dono (ou tutor, como agora se diz) resolve juntar-se aos revolucionários para derrubarem o rei tirano, Rebelde ganha uma missão: trazer Tom de volta para casa. Pela primeira vez, atravessa o portão da quinta e vai viver inúmeras aventuras e travar amizade com outros animais que encontra pelo caminho. No meio disto tudo até lidera uma revolução sem querer!

É um livro com uma história fofinha, que me roubou alguns sorrisos e, apesar de algumas frases cliché, tem um cão teimoso e fiel, e isso basta.

[Jodie Cotgreave]

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.

[Silke]

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!

[Isobel Macleod]

Enjoyed this more than I expected to.

[Beatriz Lemos Moniz]

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 🥹

[Chlo Bolton 🍃]

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.”

[Abril Camino]

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

[Hendrikje]

Ontroerend. Avontuurlijk. En dan ook nog in een interview lezen dat de schrijver zijn inspiratie heeft gehaald uit ‘Brief voor de koning’.. Dat maakt het een vijf sterren titel. Voorlezen zeker doen, maar wel eerst zelf lezen. Het kan heftig zijn voor sommige leerlingen in de klas. Zeker passend bij lessen over democratie&burgerschap, ook over vriendschap en persoonlijke groei. Met veel liefde geschreven.

[Rhea Nathan]

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.

[Les McFarlane]

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

[Kate Willis]

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.

[Jackie]

"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.

[Victor The Reader]

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)

[AP]

I really liked this book! It’s about a dog so obviously I’d like it. I also liked that it was through the dog’s perspective. A nice short book!

[Tawny Thomson]

5 stars from my daughter 🐾I’d give it a 4.5, but it was very heartwarming , touching , and overall beautifully written! We listened to the audio for her book club and enjoyed laughing out loud and sharing teary eyed moments. POV from a dog is always 🧑‍🍳💋

[crίѕтίŋα•●Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ●•]

That's the best moment of the day: me and Tom, back in the blankets, safe and warm, knowing that today has been kind to us and tomorrow will be just as good. That we have everything we need, and we always will, because nothing on the farm will ever change.
Why would it change, when it's already so perfect?
- Rebel

——

“Tha'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 gor something outside of yourself to love, then you might as well be nothing.“
- Rebel

——

“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.”
- Rebel

[Ria]

Een tijdloos avonturenboek met existentiële vragen en dan is de hoofdpersoon een hondje. Beleefd, moedig, een onvoorwaardelijk vertrouwen in zijn jongen, een vriend voor vele dieren en een Rebel ook. Heeft iets weg van klassiekers. Speelt zich af in vroeger tijden. Voor nu 4*, stuk volgt.

En het stuk staat, https://lezersgoud.nl/ross-montgomery... - de eerste reactie van hierboven bleef ook staan.

Een goed verhaal van Ross Montgomery, een goede omslagillustratie van Mark Janssen. Goed met een prachtige hoofdletter.
Een verhaal voor lezers vanaf 10 jaar mede door de erg fijne vertaling van Pauline Michgelsen. Een boek dat een blijver in de boekenkast mag zijn. Voorlezen thuis en op scholen waardoor stof tot verdiepende gesprekken. Een absolute leestip. Leesplezier!

[Elizabeth☮]

Rebel belongs to Tom and he loves his boy. Their peaceful life on the farm is disrupted when an uprising is starting and the people are determined to dethrone the king.

Tom gets drawn in by a mythrical drifter in a wolf pelt. He encourages Tom to join the resistance (The Reds). Tom leaves Rebel, but Rebel has to help his boy return him.

What ensues is adventure and friendship and rebellion and I loved it all! Rebel is a great narrator and his animal friends are equally engaging.

I loved that there is a disclaimer on the back that the dog doesn't die.

I will seek out more by Montgomery.

[Dara]

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.

[Mikayla]

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

[Cat Giggins]

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

[Georgina Monk]

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

[Jerry Conte]

We really don’t deserve dogs. Rebel was such a good boy and everyone was reunited in the end.

[Tamara York]

This would be great for a dog lover who likes sweet stories with some adventure. But it wasn’t for me.
After loving the author’s new adult book, Murder at World’s End, I thought I would try one of his middle grade books. Unfortunately, I found this too sentimental and I really didn’t care for the religious element. This was like Incredible Journey meets Pax. It’s from the dog’s perspective set in past Britain against a nondescript fictional civil war backdrop. The vague setting was confusing because I kept trying to figure out if it was referencing a real past war.

[Justine]

I listened to this as an audiobook. For some reason I expected a literary fiction, but this was more of children/young adult literary fiction. And if I had known that going in I don’t know if I would have liked it or started it, but I had such a good time listening to this.

I laughed out loud multiple times listening to Rebel, a dog that decided to follow his boy when he left to join an uprising against the king.

For me this book was about: adventure, friendship, bravery.

I would recommend this for everyone who wants a different kind of story, wants to read something from a dog’s pov, but also to parents. I can imagine myself later in life reading a chapter for my kid(s) before bedtime.

[Kelly Brin]

I adored this story of the love between a dog and his boy. The story was filled with themes of friendship, loyalty, bravery, and following your heart. I listened to the audiobook, and the voice was perfect. The historical fiction aspect of the book was fascinating as well. I love books from the perspective of animals, and this one made me laugh and cry with Rebel’s unique and wonderful dog voice. All of the animal characters were unique and added to the story. 5⭐️

[Stephen the Bookworm]

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]

this was such a cute book!