Dog to the Rescue: Seventeen True Tales of Dog Heroism
Scholastic Apple Paperback Series
on Goodreads (86)
What’s inside...
A collection of seventeen stories describes the efforts of various dogs to rescue humans, including the tale of the dog who dragged her owner from a burning truck and the St. Bernard who rescued a drowning girl.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
10 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What qualities do the dogs in the book have that make them heroes? Can you think of anyone you know who shares similar qualities?
How did the stories in the book make you feel about dogs and their abilities to help humans?
Which dog's story was your favorite and why?
If you had a pet like one of the dogs in the book, how would you train or take care of it to help others?
Can you think of ways we can help or show gratitude to animals in our community?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading each story, ask your child to predict what heroic act the dog might perform, enhancing their analytical skills.
Relate the bravery or intelligence of the dogs to personal stories or news articles about animals, fostering connections between the book and the real world.
After reading, encourage your child to draw their favorite scene or dog from the book, which helps in visualizing and retaining the story.
Discuss the morals and lessons learned from each dog’s actions, emphasizing the values of courage, teamwork, and compassion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: Through the actions of the heroic dogs saving humans and animals alike, children learn the values of empathy and caring for others.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these values by helping their friends in need or caring for pets and wildlife in their community.
Example Lesson: Bravery and Courage
Explanation: The tales depict dogs facing dangerous situations bravely to help others, highlighting the importance of courage in the face of fear.
Real-World Application: Kids can embrace bravery by standing up for themselves or others, or trying new activities that may seem intimidating at first.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The dogs in the stories undertake major responsibilities, often risking their own safety for others, teaching kids about the importance of being dependable and taking responsibility.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be mirrored in a child's life by taking care of a family pet, completing homework or chores on time, and being reliable in small group activities or projects at school.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Many rescues in the book are accomplished through the concerted efforts of multiple dogs, illustrating the power of working together effectively.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this concept by participating in team sports, group studies, or collaborative projects, learning that teamwork can lead to great achievements.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The dogs often have to find innovative ways to save the day, showcasing active problem solving.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think creatively to solve problems at school or in play, enhancing their analytical and creative thinking skills.