REVIEWED BY REBEKAH, GRADE 5, NSW
I am Rebel by Ross Montgomery, Walker Books, ISBN 9781529502909
Rebekah’s review of this book was longlisted in the 2024 Young Reviewers’ Competition.
This heartachingly tender quest novel is an adventure from the very first page.
In Ross Montgomery’s I Am Rebel, readers are whisked away into a world where bravery and imagination collide. Set against the backdrop of a dystopian, war-torn world, this middle-grade novel introduces us to a canine protagonist, Rebel, who embodies the true essence of loyalty. As I journeyed through its pages, I found myself captivated by Rebel’s courageous spirit and the profound themes woven into Montgomery’s narrative tapestry. I Am Rebel not only entertains but also challenges young readers to experience the world in a refreshingly new way.
Rebel is a good dog, and he loves his simple, perfect life on the farm with his owner, Tom — until one day, the war comes too close …
Now Tom is determined to join the rebellion to defeat the king’s men. But Rebel knows war is dangerous, and he will stop at nothing to save the human he loves, meeting unexpected friends along the way.
The main characters of this story include Rebel, Tom, and the animals Rebel befriends on his journey to find Tom:
– Rebel’s role in this story is key; the book is told from his perspective and his role is just to be the true embodiment of doggedness. He stops at nothing to find Tom or help his friends, and he is caring, kind and courageous. At one point, he says:
I’m Tom’s dog, and he’s my boy. And if he’s stepped right inside the jaws of death, then I’m going to follow him into them and bring him back out.
– Tom is a determined 12-year-old, and he lies that he is 16 so that he can join the rebellion. Tom’s role in this story is to be Rebel’s goal to reach.
– Rebel’s animal friends provide him with shelter and help him navigate his way to the High Castle, where Tom is.
The themes in I am Rebel are meaningful and deep, especially in the dystopian world that Rebel must navigate through.
Themes of friendship, love and loyalty are explored in this book. Rebel’s hunt for Tom is the central message of this story, and it displays all of these.
The author, Ross Montgomery, has woven these themes in such a way that they are rooted in every nook and cranny that they can be.
Montgomery uses much description, and as I delved deeply into this book, it was as if I could feel pain, or heat, or rushing water. The emotive language is heartwarming, and the tension keeps you on the edge of your seat. There are parts where you bury your face in the pages and say: “No! It can’t end there!” Montgomery has used these elements in a perfectly balanced way.
Some other feedback from other readers:
“I Am Rebel both broke my heart and made it sing. This book is as close to perfect as it’s possible to get.” Natasha Farrant.
“A beautiful, heartfelt adventure.” Sophie Anderson.
Overall, this book is a classic; with strong themes, description, and the occasional dash of humour, it’s a treasure of writing.
Rebekah’s review was longlisted in the Primary category of Alphabet Soup’s 2024 Young Reviewers’ Competition. The competition is now closed, but we publish book reviews by young writers all year round. To send us YOUR book review, read our submission guidelines. Happy reading!
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