Rescue and Jessica
Picture Book Read Aloud
book summary
Rescue and Jessica tells the true story of the author’s friendship with her service dog Rescue. Although not mentioned in the book, the author and co-author (husband and wife) were injured in the Boston marathon bombing. Jessica lost both of her legs and her husband, Patrick, lost one leg.
Rescue came from a family of seeing eye dogs and was being trained to become a seeing eye dog. During his training, it was discovered that Rescue would be better suited to be a service dog. Rescue is worried that he won’t make a good service dog, but then he meets Jessica. Jessica’s life had taken an unexpected turn, too. Jessica now needs Rescue to help her with everyday tasks. It turns out that Rescue was a great service dog and just what Jessica needed. Jessica and Rescue form an immediate bond and have a strong symbiotic relationship. Rescue helps Jessica regain the abilities she lost from her disability, and Jessica helps to fulfill Rescue’s role as a service dog.
suggested teaching point
There are several opportunities for readers to make inferences when reading the mentor text Rescue and Jessica.
On page 2, ask readers to describe how Jessica is feeling. What text evidence support their answer? Jessica says that she “didn’t want to let anyone down”. Have readers make an inference. Why does Jessica think that she might be letting people down?
On page 9, Jessica is worried because “she didn’t want to let anyone down”. Have readers make an inference. Why does Jessica think that she might be letting people down?
Looking for more teaching points for this book and other similar books? Check out more Interactive Read Aloud Lessons HERE.
