Twelve-year-old Charlie's life is in tatters: his parents are splitting, he's quit soccer, he hasn't had a growth spurt like all his friends, and he wants a dog more than anything. When he volunteers at the vet's, he meets Buster, the Chocolate Labrador Retriever with magical powers who flies Charlie through a series of adventures in which he rescues others, and eventually, himself.
Marie Etchell has spent most of her life sharing her living space with Chocolate Labrador Retrievers, and is constantly inspired by their playfulness and loyalty and character. This is her debut novel. She lives in Victoria, BC.
"Animal lovers, readers who enjoy stories blending realism with fantastical touches, and young people struggling with parental conflict will enjoy this accessible novel… A gentle, slightly fantastical story about hurting and healing."
— Kirkus Reviews"
"Rescue explores how a child may experience their parents separating and feeling the awkwardness of not quite fitting in with their friends because they're not growing as quickly or can't quite be the person they used to be… The story of Charlie and Buster is touching and shows what can be hiding under the surface - a shuffling senior dog with magical powers or a young boy struggling to accept what is happening around him. Rescue is a good book for any child to read, with an ending that may surprise you."
— Canadian Children's BookNews
Winner of the Chocolate Lily Book Award in the Novel Category (Grades 4 to 7)
Nominated for the 2024 Diamond Willow Award!
Also available as an eBook in the following formats. Our web site is not set up to sell eBooks. Our eBooks are available at most major vendors:
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