Culture 6 Review - Rescue and Jessica: A Life-Changing Friendship

 

Bibliographic Information

Kensky, J. & Downes, P. 2018. RESCUE AND JESSICA: A LIFE‑CHANGING FRIENDSHIP. Ill. by Scott Magoon. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press. ISBN 9780763696047

Plot Summary

Rescue thought he’d grow up to be a Seeing Eye dog — it’s the family business, after all. When he gets the news that he’s better suited to being a service dog, he’s worried that he’s not up to the task. Then he meets Jessica, a girl whose life is turning out differently than the way she'd imagined it, too. Now Jessica needs Rescue by her side to help her accomplish everyday tasks. And it turns out that Rescue can help Jessica see after all: a way forward, together, one step at a time.

Critical Analysis

Some books give you the warm and fuzzies as soon as you begin reading them. Rescue and Jessica: A Life-Changing Friendship by Jessica Kensky and Patrick Downes is one of those books. Inspired by the authors’ real-life experiences after the Boston Marathon Bombing, this story is about healing, resiliency, and the incredible power of a working dog. It centers the representation of those with disabilities in a way that is both affirming and authentic to all young readers. This book begins with a young girl named Jessica, who must learn to adjust to her new life as life without legs. As Jessica navigates recovery, we are also introduced to Rescue, a black lab who is being trained as a service dog. The narration begins to alternate between the two, eventually bringing them together in a relationship built on mutual support and incredibly deep trust. One of the best parts about this story is that the reader is never made to pity Jessica, but instead, we watch as she handles her disability with hope and strength. 

Even though Jessica is a character with a visible disability, the story doesn’t reduce her to that singular identity. She is a person with a disability, not a disabled person. She is a person, first and foremost. We see her learning new ways to live, move, and thrive. She uses new tools, a wheelchair, and prosthetics. We see her struggling at times, but we also see her succeeding. This type of representation is so important for children who also have disabilities, who rarely see themselves in books. It is also an important lesson to all readers about inclusion, accessibility, and empathy. 

Obviously, as a dog person, I loved the focus on Rescue in this book. It normalized service dogs and showed respect for their role as working dogs. They are helpers, but they are also companions. While Rescue is not a magical solution to Jessica’s challenges, he is a trained partner who helps empower her independence. This distinction matters. Especially in teaching young readers about understanding disability etiquette and respecting boundaries. This book helped reaffirm that the lesson I am teaching my children about respecting working dogs in public is the right thing to do. Anytime we see a dog with a vest in public (or typically any dog in public), I tell my daughter not to approach them, because they are working! She doesn’t always understand why she “can’t pet the puppy”, so we have the conversation, and she comes to understand. Service dogs are working, and they deserve their boundaries to be respected. 

Scott Magoon’s illustrations further support the story’s themes. The expressive artwork uses bold lines and soft tones to convey both emotion and movement. Jessica is never hidden or minimized on the page. Her wheelchair, prosthetic legs, and physical therapy are all shown with clarity and care. Like the conversation with my daughter, books like this help open the door to discussions about ability, perseverance, friendship, and empathy. These stories help to create a space where different experiences are not just acknowledged but valued.

Awards Won & Review Excerpt(s)

*A New York Times bestseller

*A 2019 Schneider Family Book Award Winner

*This riveting story about the relationship between a disabled girl and her black lab service dog is based loosely on Kensky’s own experiences as a double amputee...Throughout, the reader is treated to fascinating details on the many tasks service dogs can accomplish and, more importantly, how Jessica and Rescue saved each other. An inspiring tale of compassion and perseverance. - Booklist (starred review)

Magoon’s digital illustrations are a lovely accompaniment to the text, providing rich detail to the spare story, and the scenes of Jessica and Rescue playing and working with the Boston skyline as a backdrop only add to the poignancy. ­This is a strong selection for any collection, and stories about working dogs never get old; this will be appreciated and enjoyed by a wide variety of young people. - School Library Journal

Magoon uses dark backgrounds to symbolize Jessica's sadness and fear, but scenes with Rescue are open and bright; with Rescue nearby, even the night after her second amputation is lightened (via lamplight and stars). An author's note reveals that both are survivors of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing and includes information on National Education for Assistance Dog Services, the organization that trained Rescue. A gentle introduction to service dogs and acquired disability. - Kirkus Reviews

The quiet and stirring text pairs beautifully with the art, which uses color and white space to convey time, meaning, and emotion with great effect...In the main text, Jessica’s injuries are not explained; the story instead focuses on the power and comfort that come from her relationship with her service dog. - The Horn Book

Connections

*Friends come in all shapes and sizes. Ask students to draw a picture of themselves with their friend(s) doing something they like to do together. Are they friends with animals? If so, which animals? Ask students to label their drawings. 

*Check out the RESCUE & JESSICA virtual school visit! Authors Jessica Kensky, Patrick Downes, Rescue, and Illustrator Scott Magoon were at the Downey School in Westwood, MA, and the visit streamed live to more than 600 schools across the world! https://www.youtube.com/live/kGfebEYz4ng?si=Yzj_KyVUfX_kz55Q

*Partner with a retirement home, nursing home, veterans hospital, or veterans organization to read to residents. Invite patrons to read Rescue and Jessica: A Life-Changing Friendship

aloud and share other favorite books to read aloud and discuss during the visit.