Choose Love

I Am Rebel by Ross Montgomery is a powerful children’s novel that I loved. It is perfect for ages eight years and over.

The novel explores the twin themes of love and loyalty as farm-dog Rebel, sets out in search of his twelve-year-old master, Tom. “He [Tom] is my everything. He’s my nights and my mornings and all my hours inbetween.”

Rebel believes that Tom needs saving, not only from war but from himself. “I have to fight for him… I love him. I have to save him, like he saved me.”

Along the way, Rebel meets characters who help him – a stray dog; a mouse; a pig; a donkey; and a little girl and her grandfather. All become a part of Rebel’s story, whilst having their own individual stories.

Rebel learns about the Companion. “Wherever I go, the Companion walks beside me… The Companion led each of us into this world, they will lead us out of it again… They will walk beside you, always.” The Companion is the canine version of the Holy Spirit.

War destroys lives. “War is like a storm cloud – it doesn’t choose what it rains on.”

We see the importance of choices and of choosing well.

I Am Rebel was a powerful read about love. “I do miss him… that’s the price you pay for being lucky enough to have more than one person to love.” Rebel relentlessly searches for Tom, reminding us that when we are lost, God searches for us… as seen in the parable of the lost sheep. Rebel holds on and doesn’t let go.

I Am Rebel is a beautiful tale whatever your age.

JULIA WILSON