Rescuing Crash, the Good Dog - by Sue Harrison (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Britta, an eleven-year-old girl has lived in soul-deep sorrow since her mother left their family. When Britta's father forgets her birthday, he decides to give her a dog (although Britta asked for a cell phone!). They adopt Crash, an Australian shepherd from their local animal shelter in Sault Ste. Marie, a small city in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and the adventures begin.

Rescuing Crash, the Good Dog is a story about broken hearts-not only Britta's and her father's but also a dog's broken heart-and it is a story about the bonds between daughters and fathers and good dogs and also not-always-so-good cats.

"...a delightful and heartwarming story about the ways our rescued pets rescue us right back." -- Angeline Boulley, NYT Best-Selling author of Firekeeper's Daughter.

"I loved this story about healing broken hearts and broken families-both human and animal... A wonderful and satisfying ending." -Janie Chang, Globe and Mail bestselling author of The Porcelain Moon and The Library of Legends.

"Britta Kent receives the best gift for her eleventh birthday. Her dad decides it is time for her to have a dog, something that she has wanted for a very long time. Girl and canine form a powerful connection, healing one another's broken heart." -- Julie Buchholtz, author of Who Am I?

"A powerful tale of finding friendship in the most unexpected places. Rescuing Crash showcases the true heart of animal rescue in this fast-paced story of companionship, family, and healing. A must-read for young readers." -Nikki Mitchell, author of the Magic Shoebox Adventures

"...perfect for readers who enjoy emotional, character-driven stories about family, resilience, and the special connection between humans and animals. Rescuing Crash is a touching and uplifting read that will resonate with anyone who has ever loved and been loved by a pet." -Michelle Goaley, Project Director Early Literacy Professional Learning, Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators

"As a reader, I took my time soaking up the first half of the book. I wanted to savor the author's use of language. I also laughed at Crash's disasters (he was well-named), and I cried with Britta at the thought of losing him. Then, I couldn't put the book down, and didn't until I had finished the second half in one evening, going to bed rather late. If this old grandma can become immersed in the story and characters, remembering her own childhood pet, so will middle-grade kids identify with Britta." -- Deborah K. Frontiera, UP Book Review

Learn more at SueHarrison.com

Review Quotes

"Sue Harrison never fails to delight. I loved this story about healing broken hearts and broken families - both human and animal. In Rescuing Crash, 11-year-old Britta is trying to hold it together after her mother leaves to join a rock band. Her father thinks a dog is what she needs so they adopt Crash from the local animal shelter. But Crash is rambunctious and independent, creating problems for Britta that complicate her life at home and school. A wonderful and satisfying ending." -Janie Chang, Globe and Mail bestselling author of The Porcelain Moon, The Phoenix Crown (with Kate Quinn), and The Library of Legends.

"Rescuing Crash is a heartfelt and moving novel that beautifully explores themes of loss, healing, and the power of companionship. Through the story of a young girl Britta, who is navigating the pain of her mother's absence, readers witness the journey of a young girl, her father, and a rescue dog, all struggling with their own broken hearts. The book portrays the evolving bond between Britta and Crash, an Australian shepherd from the local shelter, highlighting how love and loyalty can mend even the deepest wounds. This novel is perfect for readers who enjoy emotional, character-driven stories about family, resilience, and the special connection between humans and animals. Rescuing Crash is a touching and uplifting read that will resonate with anyone who has ever loved and been loved by a pet." -Michelle Goaley, Project Director Early Literacy Professional Learning, Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators

"A powerful tale of finding friendship in the most unexpected places. Rescuing Crash showcases the true heart of animal rescue in this fast-paced story of companionship, family, and healing. A must-read for young readers." -Nikki Mitchell, author of the Magic Shoebox Adventures

"Told with a lighthearted touch, Rescuing Crash grabbed my attention from the first page. The author's colorful descriptions of Crash's escapades had me laughing throughout the story. Britta, the story's main character and a fifth-grader, hopes that Crash will help turn her into 'a normal girl again' after her mother's abrupt departure to 'follow her dreams.' Accidents happen but even these events turn Britta's life around drawing friends and neighbors to her. Written with a skilled hand, Rescuing Crash is a rollicking and fun-filled story for readers of all ages." -Ann Dallman, freelance journalist and award-winning author of Cady Whirlwind Thunder mysteries

"Britta Kent receives the best gift for her eleventh birthday. Her dad decides it is time for her to have a dog, something that she has wanted for a very long time. Girl and canine form a powerful connection, healing one another's broken heart." -- Julie Buchholtz, author of Who Am I?

"As a reader, I took my time soaking up the first half of the book. I wanted to savor the author's use of language. I also laughed at Crash's disasters (he was well-named), and I cried with Britta at the thought of losing him. Then, I couldn't put the book down, and didn't until I had finished the second half in one evening, going to bed rather late. If this old grandma can become immersed in the story and characters, remembering her own childhood pet, so will middle-grade kids identify with Britta. Parents, grandparents, and all who work with middle-grade kids shouldn't leave themselves out! They might learn something about relating to kids today." -- Deborah K. Frontiera, UP Book Review