Click the triangle on the media bar below to listen or read the summary of the interview below

Rescuing Crash: A Heartwarming Tale of Healing, Friendship, and the Power of Animals

In the world of children’s literature, stories that touch the heart and inspire hope are treasures that stay with us for a lifetime. One such story is Rescuing Crash, the Good Dog, a middle-grade chapter book by acclaimed author Sue Harrison. Set in the picturesque Upper Peninsula of Michigan, this beautifully crafted tale weaves together themes of family, resilience, friendship, and the healing bond between a young girl and her dog.

As the author behind six bestselling novels set in ancient Alaska, including Mother Earth, Father Sky and My Sister the Moon, Sue Harrison brings her signature storytelling skill to a contemporary, heartfelt story for young readers. With over two million copies sold worldwide and translations into thirteen languages, Harrison’s work resonates across cultures. In this article, we delve deeply into the inspiration, characters, challenges, and messages behind Rescuing Crash, the Good Dog, offering readers an immersive look at this remarkable book and its author’s journey.

Introducing Rescuing Crash, the Good Dog

Rescuing Crash, the Good Dog centers on Britta, an eleven-year-old girl living in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. The story begins with Britta facing an emotional summer—her mother has left to pursue a singing career, leaving Britta and her father to navigate life without her. As she prepares for her fifth-grade birthday celebration at school, Britta discovers a small but significant disappointment: the cookies she bought for her classmates have been taken to her father’s workplace for coffee break. This seemingly minor event sets the tone for a story about loss, healing, and new beginnings.

Instead of receiving the cell phone she hoped for, Britta’s father surprises her with a trip to the local animal shelter to adopt a dog. There, they meet Crash, an Australian Shepherd with a colorful coat and striking blue eyes. Like Britta, Crash has a broken heart, having been given up by a previous family. Together, Britta and Crash embark on a journey of companionship, mutual healing, and growing family bonds.

A Synopsis of the Story

The book opens with Britta’s disappointment and her father’s forgetfulness about her birthday, adding a relatable touch to the family dynamics. The story then follows the process of adopting Crash, the challenges of adjusting to life with a new pet, and the adventures and mishaps that come with it. From the chaos of Crash’s initial destructive behavior—such as shredding curtains and cushions—to moments of joy and friendship, the narrative captures the ups and downs of life with a lively dog.

Throughout the story, Britta also finds friendship in Lucee Black Hawk, a Native American classmate whose stable family provides a supportive figure for Britta. Their friendship is an important element of the narrative, highlighting themes of connection and community support.

One of the tensions in the story occurs when Crash gets lost, leading Britta to face the fear of losing her newfound friend. The resolution is heartwarming and reassuring, with a happy ending that emphasizes hope and the power of love. Importantly, the story does not shy away from the challenges of pet ownership but balances them with humor and warmth.

Inspiration Behind the Story

Sue Harrison’s love for animals and her own experiences with pets were key inspirations for writing this book. She recalls a childhood filled with animals of all kinds—from turtles and birds to a rescued baby raccoon that lived with her family until it could be safely released back into the wild. This deep connection to animals shines through in the authentic and empathetic portrayal of Crash’s character.

Harrison also credits her own dog, Tiffany Pearl, a miniature Schnauzer who serves as her office assistant, as a muse for Crash’s character. This personal touch adds a layer of sincerity to the story that resonates with readers who have experienced the joys and challenges of pet ownership.

The Characters: Britta, Her Father, and Friends

Britta is a blend of many influences from Harrison’s own life and those of her friends. Britta’s experiences reflect the complexities of childhood—coping with parental separation, seeking friendship, and learning responsibility. Her best friend Lucee is a stabilizing presence, offering the kind of encouragement and family support Britta needs.

Britta’s father, portrayed with warmth and humor, is inspired by Harrison’s own father. Unlike Britta’s father, Harrison’s dad was very involved and attentive, but the fictional character’s forgetfulness and good intentions add realistic texture to the family dynamic. The mother, a character who has left to follow her dreams, is not based on anyone specific, allowing the story to explore the impact of parental absence with sensitivity.

Writing Journey and Challenges

The journey to bring Rescuing Crash, the Good Dog to readers was not straightforward. Harrison began the manuscript years earlier but had to pause to care for her husband’s parents, a demanding role that lasted sixteen years. This hiatus interrupted her writing career but underscored her dedication to family and caregiving.

When Harrison resumed writing, she was simultaneously working on a midwife historical series set in the 1850s. During a period when her current project was with an editor, Harrison revisited and modernized the manuscript for Rescuing Crash, relocating the setting to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. This decision to localize the story made it more authentic and meaningful to readers familiar with the area.

Collaboration with Victor Volkman, president of the Upper Peninsula Publishers and Authors Association and editor of Modern History Press, facilitated the book’s publication. Volkman’s editorial guidance helped Harrison refine the language and adapt the text to the middle-grade reading level, a process that revealed some initial challenges.

Addressing Reading Level and Language

One of the biggest challenges Harrison faced was ensuring the vocabulary was accessible to middle-grade readers. Initially, the manuscript contained words that were too advanced for the target audience. Thanks to her editor’s feedback, Harrison reviewed the text carefully, simplifying language where possible and providing explanations within sentences when more complex words were necessary.

This attention to readability is crucial in children’s literature, where the goal is to engage young readers without overwhelming them. Harrison’s willingness to adapt her writing for this purpose demonstrates her commitment to creating an inclusive and enjoyable reading experience.

The Joys and Rewards of Writing for Children

For Harrison, the most gratifying aspect of writing Rescuing Crash, the Good Dog has been the positive reception from children. She shares a touching story of a grandmother whose granddaughter, having recently lost her mother, found comfort in the book. This kind of impact goes beyond literary success, highlighting the therapeutic power of stories.

Another rewarding element is the book’s potential to inspire families to open their homes to animals in need. Harrison hopes that readers will not only enjoy the story but also consider adopting pets and supporting animal shelters, reinforcing a message of compassion and responsibility.

Humor and Realism in the Story

Despite the serious themes, Harrison infuses the book with humor and lighthearted moments. For example, the interactions between Crash and Lucee’s cat, Harold the Horrible, lead to chaotic but funny scenes that any pet owner can relate to. These moments balance the narrative, making it both entertaining and relatable.

Drawing from her own experiences with pets, Harrison understands the unpredictable nature of animals and uses this knowledge to create vivid, authentic scenes. The story’s humor helps children see challenges as part of life’s adventure, encouraging resilience and laughter.

Community and Local Influence

Harrison’s deep ties to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula shine through in the story’s setting and details. She consulted local friends on specifics such as street lighting and animal supply stores to ensure accuracy. This dedication to local color enriches the story, making it resonate strongly with readers familiar with the region.

Her involvement with local animal rescue efforts further grounds the book in community values. Harrison has sponsored ads supporting local shelters and plans to donate proceeds from the book to animal rescue organizations. This commitment reflects the story’s themes of care, hope, and giving back.

Lessons and Takeaways from Rescuing Crash

At its core, Rescuing Crash, the Good Dog offers several important lessons for young readers and their families:

• Healing through companionship: Both Britta and Crash overcome sadness and loss by forming a meaningful bond.
• The importance of friendship: Support from friends like Lucee helps Britta navigate difficult times.
• Family resilience: Despite challenges, Britta and her father grow closer and stronger together.
• Responsibility and empathy: Caring for a pet teaches valuable life skills and compassion.
• Hope and perseverance: Even when Crash goes missing, hope and determination lead to a happy ending.

These themes are woven seamlessly into an engaging narrative that encourages children to believe in the power of love and friendship.

Behind the Scenes: Author Insights and Reflections

Harrison’s reflections on her writing process reveal a thoughtful, humble approach. She acknowledges that no book is perfect and embraces constructive criticism as a tool for growth. Her philosophy—“You do your best”—echoes throughout her career and is a powerful message for aspiring writers and readers alike.

She also shares humorous and insightful anecdotes from her experiences with editors, publishers, and public appearances. For example, a scheduling mishap during an Alaskan book tour illustrated the vastness of the state and the logistical challenges authors can face.

Her advice to writers—“Keep your fingers on the keyboard and your butt in the chair”—is a practical reminder that perseverance and discipline are key to success.

Upcoming Projects and Continuing the Journey

Beyond Rescuing Crash, Harrison is working on a historical midwife trilogy set in Missouri during the Civil War era. The first book, The Midwife’s Touch, recently won an Upper Peninsula Notable Books Award. The series blends historical research with a touch of fantasy, exploring themes of healing and family through the story of a gifted midwife.

This new project showcases Harrison’s versatility as an author and her dedication to crafting rich, immersive stories that educate and entertain.

Final Thoughts: A Story for Every Reader

Rescuing Crash, the Good Dog is more than just a children’s book; it is a heartfelt exploration of life’s complexities through the eyes of a young girl and her new canine companion. Sue Harrison’s authentic storytelling, grounded in personal experience and local culture, creates a narrative that is both touching and uplifting.

Whether you are a parent looking for a meaningful book for your child, an educator seeking stories that teach empathy and responsibility, or simply a lover of animals and human stories, this book offers something special. It reminds us that even in the face of loss and change, hope and love can create new beginnings.

“I want to leave readers with a wish for all wonderful books and many hours of happy reading.” – Sue Harrison

As Sue Harrison wisely advises, support independent authors, cherish local stories, and embrace the joy of reading. Through books like Rescuing Crash, the Good Dog, we find not only entertainment but also inspiration and comfort.

About the Author

Sue Harrison is a celebrated author from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with a distinguished career spanning historical fiction and children’s literature. Her novels, set in ancient Alaska and beyond, have garnered critical acclaim and international readership. With a passion for storytelling and community, Harrison continues to write stories that touch hearts and spark imaginations.

Get Your Copy

Rescuing Crash, the Good Dog is available now from Modern History Press and various booksellers. Dive into this touching story and discover the healing power of friendship and family.

Connect and Support

For readers inspired by the story, consider supporting your local animal shelters and exploring books by independent authors. Together, we can foster communities of care, creativity, and compassion.