SCOUT AND THE RESCUE DOGS

In this Australian import, 11-year-old Scout, rock-tumbling enthusiast and dog lover, is facing her first Christmas season without her mother and struggling with loneliness at her boarding school, where she’s cruelly teased.

Over their school break, Scout’s class receives a challenging online assignment (her teacher is concerned about bullying and trying to forge positive bonds among students), but her true adventure begins when she and her dad set out to deliver dog food to rural animal rescues. Wolfer skillfully blends serious themes—grief, climate change, life-threatening wildfires, and animal welfare—with lighthearted moments, terrible dad jokes, Australian slang, and the joys of summer road trips. Scout is both relatable and inspiring, and her journey is one of growth, fortitude, and self-discovery. She’s portrayed as human and fallible—and as someone who approaches challenges with intelligence, compassion, and determination. Her growing friendships and interactions, including a sweet and honest depiction of a first crush, add further depth to the story. The novel also highlights important real-world issues, from the impact of Australia’s devastating bushfires to the challenges faced by truck drivers like her dad and the ethics of puppy mills. The engaging storytelling and emotional depth are complemented by details about Australian animals and Flowers’ charming illustrations. Scout is cued white, and contextual clues point to some ethnic diversity in the supporting cast.

Offers powerful life lessons about empathy, resilience, community, and helping others with humor and compassion.