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Scout #1
Scout: National Hero
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Li Shotz comes a whole new dog adventure full of courage and canine friendship.
Scout, once a stray puppy with a troubled past, has grown into one of the best search-and-rescue dogs in Mississippi. And now he’s ready for bigger and better Scout is joining the National Guard. But Scout’s new life as a K9 recruit is far from easy as he adjusts to his challenging training and a brand-new family.
Twelve-year-old Matt is determined to help Scout feel at home in Nevada, but when a terrifying flash flood hits town, the pair must save the day and prove their worth.
As Scout and Matt team up to survive treacherous rising water, lead victims to safety, and attempt to rescue Matt’s sister, they quickly learn that bravery is just the first ingredient in the making of a hero. Does the duo have what it takes to protect their town from the fallout of this devastating disaster?
Perfect for fans of Max, Hero, and Cracker!
Search and Rescue Scout isn't just a pet; he's a highly trained K9 recruit facing his biggest test yet when disaster strikes.Action and Adventure for When a flash flood swallows their town, twelve-year-old Matt and Scout must navigate treacherous waters to find and save his sister.Stories about Faced with an impossible situation, a boy and his dog will learn that true heroism is about more than just being brave.Found As the new kid in town with his dad deployed, Matt feels adrift—until he meets Scout, the one partner he can count on for anything.
Scout, once a stray puppy with a troubled past, has grown into one of the best search-and-rescue dogs in Mississippi. And now he’s ready for bigger and better Scout is joining the National Guard. But Scout’s new life as a K9 recruit is far from easy as he adjusts to his challenging training and a brand-new family.
Twelve-year-old Matt is determined to help Scout feel at home in Nevada, but when a terrifying flash flood hits town, the pair must save the day and prove their worth.
As Scout and Matt team up to survive treacherous rising water, lead victims to safety, and attempt to rescue Matt’s sister, they quickly learn that bravery is just the first ingredient in the making of a hero. Does the duo have what it takes to protect their town from the fallout of this devastating disaster?
Perfect for fans of Max, Hero, and Cracker!
Search and Rescue Scout isn't just a pet; he's a highly trained K9 recruit facing his biggest test yet when disaster strikes.Action and Adventure for When a flash flood swallows their town, twelve-year-old Matt and Scout must navigate treacherous waters to find and save his sister.Stories about Faced with an impossible situation, a boy and his dog will learn that true heroism is about more than just being brave.Found As the new kid in town with his dad deployed, Matt feels adrift—until he meets Scout, the one partner he can count on for anything.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 8, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 20, 2023
Scout National Hero was a great book, and I enjoyed it even more than her book Hero which I also liked. I like how her writing always seems to be solid and just the right amount of everything. I love how she weaves a dog into the story, although it is almost always the human aspects that make a dog book good.
In this book, the main character, Matt, has moved to Nevada as his mom is taking over commanding a National Guard base. His father is deployed overseas. She gets in a new dog recruit, named Scout, for their K9 Search and Rescue team. They tie in the other book by her relating what she was told about the dog, “she said Scout grew up with the finest search-and-rescue dog she’s ever known—a black Lab named Hero. He’s a legend. Anyway, Janine said Scout has the same skills.”
The right kind of dog for the work is described as “The perfect combination was an energetic dog who would chase the same toy again and again—who, in fact, was almost impossible to distract from that toy.” Unfortunately, it looks like Scout doesn’t quite fit all the qualifications.
With a name like ‘National Hero’ in the title, you know there is going to be at least one or more opportunities for the dog to save the day. I never get tired of this story and the book finds some unique ways to bring it about because of a flood to the city. It was able to make me feel emotion welling up as I really got into the story.
The book had fun with the main rescue as he goes to rescue his sister. We have gone from a time when the hero, who was almost always a guy, must go rescue the girl. Now we have got used to the opposite where the heroes more often must be women, or at least find a way to save themselves. So, when it looked like in this book Matt will save the girl, I was thinking, ‘Oh, maybe they will do it like they did before.’ The author however finds an interesting way to twist things in a different way.
One thing that Jennifer Li Shotz does superbly is help demonstrate the thinking of boys that get them into trouble. It was the same in the book Hero, but here it is a different motivation:
‘Kids who grew up in one place spent their days with people who knew them. They didn’t have to explain who they were—they just got to be themselves. But kids like Matt had to show people who they were, again and again.’
So having to prove themselves is one thing that can push a kid into doing something reckless. Then another thing that can relate to mistakes of judgement is mentioned well in this passage:
‘Matt felt a familiar sensation growing in his chest. He tried to will it away—it was a feeling that had gotten him into trouble many times before: impatience.’
Her books are so good at teaching kids’ important lessons without feeling preachy. If I had any younger children, I would want them to be reading her books. First they are great fun, but it also helps import some wisdom that is better than my way of just telling my kids ‘don’t be stupid.’
There are some minor aspects worth discussing. Do schools have climbing walls? I thought fear of litigation was keeping all the fun stuff out. Do kids nowadays, outside of with their parents, want to go find tough climbs to do? I remember climbing ‘hole in the rock’ in Arizona, but I am not sure of the way it is portrayed in the book with them having the right knowledge and gear to do things on their own without supervision. Just some little thoughts I had while reading and maybe someone with climbing knowledge and kids doing it could help with a comment.
I am trying to go broad and read book 1 of all the series that include dogs. With this one I will have read book one in her three series (Hero #1, National Hero #1, and American Dog #1), but I like her books so much I have already purchased other books in the series and will probably read them before I go on too many other series book ones. Her books are fun and quick reads which are easier to want to get to before weightier books.
I deliberated on whether I should include this or any of her other books in my list of favorites, I don’t see any great passages I want to copy and save forever but just good solid writing put together to form great stories. Her ability to display and to learn from the motivations that lead boys astray is wonderful. That could check the box on those who look for some profound lesson on life. The dog part is always well told, with her details of search and rescue always feeling very accurate. Since this book feels like my favorite so far, I am going to include it in my shelf ‘dogs-favorite-books’ because it is a great book, but also to represent all her books I have loved so far.
In this book, the main character, Matt, has moved to Nevada as his mom is taking over commanding a National Guard base. His father is deployed overseas. She gets in a new dog recruit, named Scout, for their K9 Search and Rescue team. They tie in the other book by her relating what she was told about the dog, “she said Scout grew up with the finest search-and-rescue dog she’s ever known—a black Lab named Hero. He’s a legend. Anyway, Janine said Scout has the same skills.”
The right kind of dog for the work is described as “The perfect combination was an energetic dog who would chase the same toy again and again—who, in fact, was almost impossible to distract from that toy.” Unfortunately, it looks like Scout doesn’t quite fit all the qualifications.
With a name like ‘National Hero’ in the title, you know there is going to be at least one or more opportunities for the dog to save the day. I never get tired of this story and the book finds some unique ways to bring it about because of a flood to the city. It was able to make me feel emotion welling up as I really got into the story.
The book had fun with the main rescue as he goes to rescue his sister. We have gone from a time when the hero, who was almost always a guy, must go rescue the girl. Now we have got used to the opposite where the heroes more often must be women, or at least find a way to save themselves. So, when it looked like in this book Matt will save the girl, I was thinking, ‘Oh, maybe they will do it like they did before.’ The author however finds an interesting way to twist things in a different way.
One thing that Jennifer Li Shotz does superbly is help demonstrate the thinking of boys that get them into trouble. It was the same in the book Hero, but here it is a different motivation:
‘Kids who grew up in one place spent their days with people who knew them. They didn’t have to explain who they were—they just got to be themselves. But kids like Matt had to show people who they were, again and again.’
So having to prove themselves is one thing that can push a kid into doing something reckless. Then another thing that can relate to mistakes of judgement is mentioned well in this passage:
‘Matt felt a familiar sensation growing in his chest. He tried to will it away—it was a feeling that had gotten him into trouble many times before: impatience.’
Her books are so good at teaching kids’ important lessons without feeling preachy. If I had any younger children, I would want them to be reading her books. First they are great fun, but it also helps import some wisdom that is better than my way of just telling my kids ‘don’t be stupid.’
There are some minor aspects worth discussing. Do schools have climbing walls? I thought fear of litigation was keeping all the fun stuff out. Do kids nowadays, outside of with their parents, want to go find tough climbs to do? I remember climbing ‘hole in the rock’ in Arizona, but I am not sure of the way it is portrayed in the book with them having the right knowledge and gear to do things on their own without supervision. Just some little thoughts I had while reading and maybe someone with climbing knowledge and kids doing it could help with a comment.
I am trying to go broad and read book 1 of all the series that include dogs. With this one I will have read book one in her three series (Hero #1, National Hero #1, and American Dog #1), but I like her books so much I have already purchased other books in the series and will probably read them before I go on too many other series book ones. Her books are fun and quick reads which are easier to want to get to before weightier books.
I deliberated on whether I should include this or any of her other books in my list of favorites, I don’t see any great passages I want to copy and save forever but just good solid writing put together to form great stories. Her ability to display and to learn from the motivations that lead boys astray is wonderful. That could check the box on those who look for some profound lesson on life. The dog part is always well told, with her details of search and rescue always feeling very accurate. Since this book feels like my favorite so far, I am going to include it in my shelf ‘dogs-favorite-books’ because it is a great book, but also to represent all her books I have loved so far.
April 22, 2020
Awesome Book
This was a great book and it was full of adventure friendship and family. I really enjoyed this book, it was great!
This was a great book and it was full of adventure friendship and family. I really enjoyed this book, it was great!
May 19, 2020
A great book!!!
October 1, 2018
This book is about a dog and his best friend. Scout is a guard dog, they don't believe in him in the beginning but Matt kept working with him to really show his true intelligence. Matt is 12 years old boy who loves to be outside, and has lived and nine different states, but currently they are in Nevada because both of his parents are always on the move, Matt is loving it he has a couple of best friends including Dev. I liked this book because it was very interesting and I always wanted to keep reading. You never will know what will happen if you don't read it, on Matt and Scouts crazy adventure.
April 26, 2025
Unlike Hero I actually enjoyed this one and I hope my students will too. 3.5 stars
November 16, 2025
Scout National Hero by Jennifer Li Shotz is a thrilling and heartfelt adventure novel that follows a search-and-rescue dog named Scout and his 12-year-old owner, Matt. As the two face dangerous natural disasters and personal challenges, their bond grows stronger through its exciting plot, realistic characters, and powerful themes. The book shows how courage and teamwork shape true heroism.
One reason Scout National Hero is such an attention grabber is its fast-paced and dramatic plot. The book begins with Scout’s difficult past as a stray puppy, giving the reader a heartfelt foundation for his bravery that is soon shown later in the novel. The tension increases when Scout joins the National Guard’s K9 unit and must learn hard rescue skills. The plot then reaches its climax when a flash flood strikes Matt’s town, putting many lives in immediate danger. Scout and Matt work together in intense rescue missions, searching for missing people and fighting against powerful floodwaters. These high-stakes moments keep readers engaged while also showing how Scout and Matt take on the challenges around them.
In my opinion, Scout National Hero is a great book because it mixes exciting action with emotional moments that feel real. The senses during the flood are intense and make you want to keep reading, but the best part of the story is the relationship between Matt and his dog, Scout. Their teamwork and Trust grow throughout the book, and it's interesting to see how they learn from each other. I also liked the fact that the story shows that being a hero isn't about just being brave, it's also about being responsible and caring about others. Overall, the book is enjoyable and easy to understand what's going on and how they deal with certain situations.
In Scout national hero, Jennifer Li Shotz creates an exciting and meaningful story that keeps readers interested from beginning to end. The exciting plot and believable characters make the book both entertaining and emotional. Most importantly, the story shows how courage and teamwork can help people overcome even the toughest challenges. Overall, it is a great ebook and many readers will enjoy it.
One reason Scout National Hero is such an attention grabber is its fast-paced and dramatic plot. The book begins with Scout’s difficult past as a stray puppy, giving the reader a heartfelt foundation for his bravery that is soon shown later in the novel. The tension increases when Scout joins the National Guard’s K9 unit and must learn hard rescue skills. The plot then reaches its climax when a flash flood strikes Matt’s town, putting many lives in immediate danger. Scout and Matt work together in intense rescue missions, searching for missing people and fighting against powerful floodwaters. These high-stakes moments keep readers engaged while also showing how Scout and Matt take on the challenges around them.
In my opinion, Scout National Hero is a great book because it mixes exciting action with emotional moments that feel real. The senses during the flood are intense and make you want to keep reading, but the best part of the story is the relationship between Matt and his dog, Scout. Their teamwork and Trust grow throughout the book, and it's interesting to see how they learn from each other. I also liked the fact that the story shows that being a hero isn't about just being brave, it's also about being responsible and caring about others. Overall, the book is enjoyable and easy to understand what's going on and how they deal with certain situations.
In Scout national hero, Jennifer Li Shotz creates an exciting and meaningful story that keeps readers interested from beginning to end. The exciting plot and believable characters make the book both entertaining and emotional. Most importantly, the story shows how courage and teamwork can help people overcome even the toughest challenges. Overall, it is a great ebook and many readers will enjoy it.
August 30, 2019
“Know where you are going before you start. But remember that it will change along the way. Don’t be afraid to reroute.” Matt’s Mom and dad are both members of the military. With his dad deployed for the third time and his mom in charge of the K-9 unit at their current base, Matt and his sister Bridget have to start over in yet another new school and town. Scout is sent to the K-9 unit and becomes Matt’s sidekick and later rescuer. When a disaster strikes, Scout relies on his training to help the kids out of a difficult situation.
June 18, 2018
Matt is 12 years old and has already lived in nine different states! He is a skilled kayaker. His dad is deployed and his mom is in charge of a National Guard post that is about to start a canine search and rescue unit.
In this fast-paced book, Scout, an about-to-be-trained search and rescue dog, joins Matt on an amazing and dangerous adventure.
In this fast-paced book, Scout, an about-to-be-trained search and rescue dog, joins Matt on an amazing and dangerous adventure.
August 21, 2022
I am not the intended audience, but I wanted to listen to something with my girls in the car. I thought this was so boring and I am very interested in animals, military and working dogs. My 10 year old loved it though and wanted to go on to the next book in the series.
November 27, 2021
Lots of adventure! And human as well as canine life-or-death heroism.
February 8, 2022
good book
August 21, 2022
Some euphemisms by older sister.
January 7, 2025
This book is awesome!!!!!! 👌
Want to Read
October 6, 2025SM
January 13, 2021
This was Coleman's and my first read together for 2021, and we both really enjoyed it! I actually got into the story more than I thought I would -- Shotz wrote an engaging and suspenseful story.
Great read for youth who are interested in military, animals, and adventure.
Great read for youth who are interested in military, animals, and adventure.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews