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Rescue Dogs #1
Ember
Action and adventure with high stakes and a happy ending -- and dogs!
After Ember is rescued from a devastating house fire, she longs for a forever home. But every family that adopts the yellow Lab puppy brings her back, saying she is untrainable, has too much energy, or is just plain destructive. After three failed placements, young Ember is out of options.
The Sterling family runs a ranch that turns rescued dogs into rescue dogs. They're willing to take a chance on the young Lab, not knowing that Ember's first rescue will test her skills and strength beyond imagination...
After Ember is rescued from a devastating house fire, she longs for a forever home. But every family that adopts the yellow Lab puppy brings her back, saying she is untrainable, has too much energy, or is just plain destructive. After three failed placements, young Ember is out of options.
The Sterling family runs a ranch that turns rescued dogs into rescue dogs. They're willing to take a chance on the young Lab, not knowing that Ember's first rescue will test her skills and strength beyond imagination...
304 pages, Paperback
Published January 7, 2020
28 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
About the author
Jane B. Mason
119 books102 followers Jane B. Mason grew up in a large family in northern Minnesota. She has written books for kids of all ages under many names and on many subjects, among them ghosts, Jedi, detective duos, princesses, twins, mean girls, and slam books.
Jane has lived in the midwest and on both coasts, but appears to have settled in Oakland, California, and writes almost every day at either a friend's dining room table or a little studio in her back yard, where she has a purple loveseat, a whole lotta books, and an odd selection of trinkets she has unwittingly been collecting since she was a child.
Jane has lived in the midwest and on both coasts, but appears to have settled in Oakland, California, and writes almost every day at either a friend's dining room table or a little studio in her back yard, where she has a purple loveseat, a whole lotta books, and an odd selection of trinkets she has unwittingly been collecting since she was a child.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
May 7, 2024
Excellent book! It just felt well written and well balanced. I got choked up with emotion a few times which is a another good indicator. it is obvious that the author researched the subject very well and captured details of the training of Search & Rescue dogs.
As in the book, high energy dogs often wind up in shelters and can make very good SAR dogs.
I only have a couple of quotes I want to share from the book. One aspect of the training is keeping a training log. I like the idea of a training progress log.
'Ember’s training log was tucked securely under her arm...she carried it almost everywhere she went these days. Every dog had one—a dedicated logbook filled with detailed notes on each and every training session, general comments about a dog’s progress, disposition, ideas for the dog’s future, etc. By the time a dog left Sterling, every page in its log would be filled with information.'
I also liked to think of that moment when a service or SAR dog is united with their future owner:
'Introduction day was always fun to observe. Sometimes the connection between a dog and a handier was instantaneous.. When that happened, it was almost like watching two cartoon characters fall in love. While nobody’s eyes changed to red hearts and big clouds of love didn’t magically appear around them, the connection was so obvious, they should have. And even when the bond was a little slower to form, you could usually tell if there was something there.'
In summary, I really really liked the book. Would be great for anyone of any age. And no Kleenex needed for sad tears at the end of the book. I look forward to reading more books in this series and from this author.
As in the book, high energy dogs often wind up in shelters and can make very good SAR dogs.
I only have a couple of quotes I want to share from the book. One aspect of the training is keeping a training log. I like the idea of a training progress log.
'Ember’s training log was tucked securely under her arm...she carried it almost everywhere she went these days. Every dog had one—a dedicated logbook filled with detailed notes on each and every training session, general comments about a dog’s progress, disposition, ideas for the dog’s future, etc. By the time a dog left Sterling, every page in its log would be filled with information.'
I also liked to think of that moment when a service or SAR dog is united with their future owner:
'Introduction day was always fun to observe. Sometimes the connection between a dog and a handier was instantaneous.. When that happened, it was almost like watching two cartoon characters fall in love. While nobody’s eyes changed to red hearts and big clouds of love didn’t magically appear around them, the connection was so obvious, they should have. And even when the bond was a little slower to form, you could usually tell if there was something there.'
In summary, I really really liked the book. Would be great for anyone of any age. And no Kleenex needed for sad tears at the end of the book. I look forward to reading more books in this series and from this author.
June 13, 2022
I had never heard of this series or seen this book before I found it among some books my aunt was getting rid of. Since I love dogs, and rescue dogs are even better, I picked up the book. Yes, it was written for younger readers than me, but I still enjoyed it.
I liked seeing the different aspects of training a SAR (search and rescue) dog and some of the things that go into it. Ember was such a sweet dog!
The different members of the family who owned and ran the training place were different and fun. I didn't really like Shelby, but she wasn't bad. The one who really bugged me was Juniper and her cat! But then Juniper is the baby of the family and is rather spoiled.
This was a clean story. Not Christian, but nothing was in it that would make me hesitate to hand it to a child.
I liked seeing the different aspects of training a SAR (search and rescue) dog and some of the things that go into it. Ember was such a sweet dog!
The different members of the family who owned and ran the training place were different and fun. I didn't really like Shelby, but she wasn't bad. The one who really bugged me was Juniper and her cat! But then Juniper is the baby of the family and is rather spoiled.
This was a clean story. Not Christian, but nothing was in it that would make me hesitate to hand it to a child.
October 14, 2023
I loved this book but I predicted the ending 😁
January 21, 2020
As a puppy, Ember received her name after being rescued and resuscitated after a house fire. Ever after she carries with her the glove of the firefighter who saved her life. But her energy and enthusiasm have made it difficult for her to find a home. After being returned to the shelter for the third time, it appears she's squandered her last chance. She's finally placed at the Sterling Center to see if she has what it takes to be a search and rescue dog. Ember demonstrates that she's finally found her niche. But challenges remain as she tries to train while relating to the various members of the Sterling family, including a cranky cat named Twig who loves to distract her. After proving herself, Ember is matched up with a handler and sets out to prove her skills in the field. Missing hikers and a forest fire set Ember and her handler up for a difficult first search. For middle grade readers who enjoy dog stories this is an interesting one. I found the training parts particularly intriguing. It's clear from the story (as well as the author's note at the end) that the authors did their homework regarding dogs in search and rescue. It makes the book that much more believable, and informative as well as entertaining.
July 1, 2024
WORST. BOOK. EVERRR. I read it for school and I hated it, the same as all my classmates. It is horrible, slow paced, boring, uninteresting. I’m telling you: DO NOT READ IT
April 23, 2024
If your child likes dogs (animals) or being out in nature, they will enjoy this book!
August 30, 2025
A rambunctious dog is given one last chance when it joins the rescue crew. Can Ember make the grade?
I might have liked this one when I was eight.
I might have liked this one when I was eight.
September 30, 2019
Got my hands on an uncorrected proof. Love dogs so I’ll read just about anything with a dog in it. Pretty cool look into Rescue training and dog training in general.
February 14, 2020
This is the beginning of a new series and I think it will be a good one.
May 1, 2020
The first chapter made me sad but then it just got better
November 8, 2022
Copy provided by Young Adult Books Central
When a house fire endangers a litter of yellow lab puppies and their mother, they are saved from their hiding spot under the house. One of the firefighters, Marcus, takes a shine to one of the puppies, Ember, but doesn't feel that he can adopt another dog, since he currently has an older one at home. Ember gets put up for adoption and struggles through three placements that don't work out due to her energy. When she returns to the shelter, the worker contacts a Search and Rescue dog facility, the Sterling Center, to ask if they would be interested. Roxanne and Martin, who run the center with their family, agrees to try Ember out. Children Forrest and Morgan are very excited to be part of her training; Forrest already works a lot with the dogs, and younger Morgan has read up on them extensively. Juniper is more interested in her cat, Twig. Ember is a great dog, and grateful to be with a family who does not yell at her, but training for SAR is very particular, and Ember struggles with certain aspects of it, such as being distracted. Still, the family continues training, even when challenges arise, such as Twig going missing. Will Ember be able to pass her tests, and will she be able to work with the firefighter from her past if she is assigned to him?
Dog stories, especially ones that feature working dogs in action-packed story lines, have been more popular in recent years, and this is a great addition to books of this genre. The training is well described, and the path to becoming a Search and Rescue dog isn't always smooth. Ember's experiences with other families before coming to the Sterling Center highlights the fact that it's important to match high energy dogs with families who understand their need for purpose and exercise!
The Sterlings are an interesting family, and watching them work together on the ranch is enlightening. The day-to-day challenges of feeding and cleaning up after animals is addressed, and my favorite scene was where Morgan, desperate to help out, takes over some of her brother's more onerous chores in a bid to be assigned more work! Doing the grunt work isn't always pleasant, but it can certainly be more rewarding, and I love stories that show this to young readers.
This centers mainly on Ember's training, but does have some Search and Rescue scenes that add some excitement, and Twig's disappearance adds an air of mystery as well.
Readers who like books with lots of adventure like Sutter's Air Raid Search and Rescue and Shotz's Firefighter, Hero, and other titles, will find that this is a good backstory about the training that occurs before disasters happen, and reader who avidly read Miles' Puppy Place series and Klimo's Dog Diaries will look forward to the next installment of the Sterling's adventures.
When a house fire endangers a litter of yellow lab puppies and their mother, they are saved from their hiding spot under the house. One of the firefighters, Marcus, takes a shine to one of the puppies, Ember, but doesn't feel that he can adopt another dog, since he currently has an older one at home. Ember gets put up for adoption and struggles through three placements that don't work out due to her energy. When she returns to the shelter, the worker contacts a Search and Rescue dog facility, the Sterling Center, to ask if they would be interested. Roxanne and Martin, who run the center with their family, agrees to try Ember out. Children Forrest and Morgan are very excited to be part of her training; Forrest already works a lot with the dogs, and younger Morgan has read up on them extensively. Juniper is more interested in her cat, Twig. Ember is a great dog, and grateful to be with a family who does not yell at her, but training for SAR is very particular, and Ember struggles with certain aspects of it, such as being distracted. Still, the family continues training, even when challenges arise, such as Twig going missing. Will Ember be able to pass her tests, and will she be able to work with the firefighter from her past if she is assigned to him?
Dog stories, especially ones that feature working dogs in action-packed story lines, have been more popular in recent years, and this is a great addition to books of this genre. The training is well described, and the path to becoming a Search and Rescue dog isn't always smooth. Ember's experiences with other families before coming to the Sterling Center highlights the fact that it's important to match high energy dogs with families who understand their need for purpose and exercise!
The Sterlings are an interesting family, and watching them work together on the ranch is enlightening. The day-to-day challenges of feeding and cleaning up after animals is addressed, and my favorite scene was where Morgan, desperate to help out, takes over some of her brother's more onerous chores in a bid to be assigned more work! Doing the grunt work isn't always pleasant, but it can certainly be more rewarding, and I love stories that show this to young readers.
This centers mainly on Ember's training, but does have some Search and Rescue scenes that add some excitement, and Twig's disappearance adds an air of mystery as well.
Readers who like books with lots of adventure like Sutter's Air Raid Search and Rescue and Shotz's Firefighter, Hero, and other titles, will find that this is a good backstory about the training that occurs before disasters happen, and reader who avidly read Miles' Puppy Place series and Klimo's Dog Diaries will look forward to the next installment of the Sterling's adventures.
January 23, 2025
The Rescue Dogs: Ember by Jane B. Mason is a heartfelt and emotional story about the power of love and second chances. It centers on Ember, a brave rescue dog, and the journey she takes alongside her new owner to build trust and form an unbreakable bond. As a 14-year-old, I found myself drawn into Ember's story because it shows both the struggles and the joys of starting over. The book portrays the challenges Ember faces as a rescue dog with a difficult past and how patience and care can make all the difference in her life.
What I loved most about the book was how relatable and real the characters felt. The story isn't just about a dog; it's about people learning to grow and heal together with Ember. The way Jane B. Mason describes the emotions and situations felt so authentic—it made me want to cheer for every small victory. The book also gives readers an important message about animal adoption and the responsibility that comes with it. Overall, The Rescue Dogs: Ember is an inspiring and uplifting read that made me feel hopeful about how kindness and second chances can truly change lives, whether human or animal.
What I loved most about the book was how relatable and real the characters felt. The story isn't just about a dog; it's about people learning to grow and heal together with Ember. The way Jane B. Mason describes the emotions and situations felt so authentic—it made me want to cheer for every small victory. The book also gives readers an important message about animal adoption and the responsibility that comes with it. Overall, The Rescue Dogs: Ember is an inspiring and uplifting read that made me feel hopeful about how kindness and second chances can truly change lives, whether human or animal.
July 20, 2021
Overall Good Plot, but some flaws
I finished this book a few days ago, I believe it is cool how realistic the book is about rescue dogs, and the plot is fine. But I find the book a bit confusing. I struggled to comprehend what point of view the book is mostly standing with, it shows the thoughts of many characters, so it put me off the book. Also, I did not care for the writing style of the novel, as the words used were dry, and kind of boring. However, the plot was alright and all. Now, here comes what the readers of this review want to know, would you recommend this book? Well, I would if the description appeals to you, but just keep in mind that it is easy to get lost with the many characters thoughts. Thank you for reading this review and have a great day! (Or night!)
I finished this book a few days ago, I believe it is cool how realistic the book is about rescue dogs, and the plot is fine. But I find the book a bit confusing. I struggled to comprehend what point of view the book is mostly standing with, it shows the thoughts of many characters, so it put me off the book. Also, I did not care for the writing style of the novel, as the words used were dry, and kind of boring. However, the plot was alright and all. Now, here comes what the readers of this review want to know, would you recommend this book? Well, I would if the description appeals to you, but just keep in mind that it is easy to get lost with the many characters thoughts. Thank you for reading this review and have a great day! (Or night!)
February 7, 2022
My four year old picked up this book at the library - and it has been an absolute wonder!
I never would have thought to mix kid's books with SAR dog information. I know it isn't spot on (SAR dog training takes two years we have learned), but it's a really interesting niche to glimpse.
It's exciting, focuses on helping others, the importance of honing our skills and discipline, etc.
A particular joy in this series (of mine) is the passages which are shared from the dog's perspective. It may not be how dog's actually think, but it at least attempts to give them voice and space as their own living creatures.
I never would have thought to mix kid's books with SAR dog information. I know it isn't spot on (SAR dog training takes two years we have learned), but it's a really interesting niche to glimpse.
It's exciting, focuses on helping others, the importance of honing our skills and discipline, etc.
A particular joy in this series (of mine) is the passages which are shared from the dog's perspective. It may not be how dog's actually think, but it at least attempts to give them voice and space as their own living creatures.
February 10, 2023
Good book, but I would change a few things.
Ember should get more search calls. I think that she should get a lot, but they would be too easy and she would be bored, and then BAM. A call to find a family in the middle of a wildfire!
Ember should have more homes. Before she starts the Sterling training, she should have been placed in, like, 5 or more to make the storyline better and enforce the idea that she's an untrainable, boisterous puppy that no one wants.
Other than those, this is a great book, and I totally recommend this book to dog lovers! If you like this one, definitely check out book two, about a chihuahua named Dusty!
Ember should get more search calls. I think that she should get a lot, but they would be too easy and she would be bored, and then BAM. A call to find a family in the middle of a wildfire!
Ember should have more homes. Before she starts the Sterling training, she should have been placed in, like, 5 or more to make the storyline better and enforce the idea that she's an untrainable, boisterous puppy that no one wants.
Other than those, this is a great book, and I totally recommend this book to dog lovers! If you like this one, definitely check out book two, about a chihuahua named Dusty!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2021
[Review provided by teen volunteer, Rachel.] 4 stars - Ember is a puppy who isn't able to settle in any home, because she has too much energy and is destructive. She was also rescued from a house fire, as a 3-week-old-puppy. Three families tried & failed to adopt her, and so she was taken to the Sterling family's ranch, where they teach rescued dogs how to be rescue dogs. Ember's first rescue comes in, and it will test her strength & skills... I liked this book. I would recommend it to anyone who likes dogs.
May 9, 2022
When I saw the book I knew I had to get it. I have family members that work forest fires and I love to train dogs so I figured I should see if there are some similar things. Ember had a troubled beginning. however, she always had one thing stay the same. The glove from the firefighter that saved her and her littermates from a house fire. From there on things got difficult. She finally found her place after three foster homes. The Sterling Center helped Ember find her calling.
June 1, 2021
This book talks about a rescue dog who was in a fire and wanted to help save people from fires. I like this book because it is very interesting to read what rescue dogs do. I learned that rescue dogs don't only rescue people but they also rescue animals like squirrels, rabbits and other wildlife creatures.
March 7, 2022
Very cute book. Great connection story from beginning to end. I loved Embers story and so did my daughter. The only thing that was a bit off was the point of views switched a lot and sometimes in the middle of chapters so I would be confused who was speaking because there were at least 4 to 5 speakers. Other than that it was good.
June 10, 2024
This was such a cute story! It's definitely the kind of series I would've loved as a kid, and I learned a lot about search and rescue dogs while reading it. Part of me wishes that the book was more focused on Ember's point of view than all the human characters, but it was still a fun, heartwarming book to read.
May 15, 2025
"It was amazing! I liked that it had facts on actual SAR training, & that it showed the struggles & successes of Ember. It felt like I was reading about a real dog." - my 9-year-old son.
As an adult reading this to my kiddos, I approve! This will be a series that we'll be keeping up with, for sure. (3.5 stars for myself.)
As an adult reading this to my kiddos, I approve! This will be a series that we'll be keeping up with, for sure. (3.5 stars for myself.)
October 31, 2020
This is a great book to explain to people of all ages about the training of Search and Rescue (SAR) dogs! It tells about a family who raises and trains these dogs, and especially the story of the one dog named Ember. It features an African-American family, as well.
November 21, 2020
there are a lot of point of view switches, but they all make sense in the story and are easy to follow. not to mention, we get a bit of Ember's perspective too!
March 23, 2022
Good start to a dog rescue series. I’ll recommend to fans of dog fiction.
January 10, 2023
Edge of your seat action all the way through. Great for dog lovers.
February 2, 2023
Well done
Great story. I love that it was from a dogs perspective. The characters are well thought out, and make the story intriguing.
Great story. I love that it was from a dogs perspective. The characters are well thought out, and make the story intriguing.
May 29, 2024
Loved it!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews