Sgt Rico has transitioned from being a military working dog to a civilian pooch.  He can’t escape his military training or the lessons in leadership that he loved so much, although he’s sure tried.  Being a salty veteran with a touch of survivor’s guilt, but with appropriate language, he comes face to face with another prior enlisted mutt from the canine corps who sees the potential in Rico and not what he’s lost.

Written in the form of an ongoing tactical report that details the mission and events going on around him, Sgt Rico has a special gift for storytelling.  He often uses his Army lingo and then explains it in a fun way.  It’s also a lesson in treating others with dignity and respect, even when they might not deserve it and especially when they’re showing signs of wear and tear.  He teaches his young recruits that they have to have heart, especially in the hard times, because it’s what’s on the inside that counts, not what shows on the outside.  There is danger and conflict but it’s written in an age appropriate way that doesn’t give detailed descriptions of the challenges and danger Sgt Rico and his team face.  

Have a military background?  You might find this entertaining and comical.  Have a young reader who enjoys animals, antics, and a touch of dare-devil action?  This book is a great jumping off point for adventure and learning a few fundamental values of how to treat others and overcome our weaker points.  The excitement and adventure make this story fast paced and the characters quickly become treasured friends.  There are four books in this series that are set to be published September 1, 2020.  It looks like they are Samuel Fortsch’s first leap into the published world of writing although his bio on Edelweiss says he’s been writing since the 5th grade.  Based on the first story, I’d highly recommend looking into all four books.  They would also make a great read aloud for the entire family.

Review of a Digital Advanced Reading Copy

This book was sent to Compass Book Ratings for review by Grosset & Dunlap

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language:  None 

Violence/Gore:  A group of bad guys have taken over a village and planted bombs around the border; a bomb explodes in the vicinity of a military person & a military working dog, no description of physical harm but a picture that shows the 2 in the blast zone, implied harm to personnel; a rumor that a monkey bit a mean man leaving a scar; a dog sacrifices himself to save his friends, implied death; a man gets knocked down and passes out; a fire starts in a man’s house, he and his 2 dogs are in danger, not descriptive, no death. 

Sex/Nudity:  None

Mature Subject Matter:

Implied death of friend, military conflict/fighting, bullies, fire, amputees, prosthetics, homelessness, dog catchers. 

Alcohol / Drug Use:

None