Wolfer, Dianne. Scout and the Rescue Dogs. Tony Flowers, Illus. Walker, 06/2025. 211pp. Fiction. Trade $18.99.978-1-7616-0049-4. GRADES 3–6. ADDITIONAL.
Eleven-year-old Scout’s Christmas break features her joining her dad in his truck as he delivers pallets of donated dog food to shelters along the Australian coast. After a year of upheavals – her mom died and she started at a boarding school – she is happy spending time with her dad, while trying to convince him that she does not need to be at the boarding school. All that sounds like enough, but Scout also really likes dogs and hatches several schemes to help the dogs they see at the shelters. Oh, and Australia is burning, with many huge wildfires, causing lots of smoke and worry everywhere they drive – including at home. Readers may find it hard to understand the Australian setting, terminology, and place names, but will root for Scout, the dogs, and everyone fighting the fires. Wonderful dog rescue ideas may encourage readers to help rescue a pet of their own.
Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library