Author Laurie Halse Anderson’s Vet Volunteers series of books for middle grade readers provides excellent opportunities to enjoy interesting stories while learning about animals and procedures associated with pets. The latest in the series, Storm Rescue, emphasizes disaster preparedness.


The Story

Eleven year-old Sunita is a natural with cats. She volunteers at the veterinary clinic run by Dr. Mac, the grandmother of one of her friends. Her dream is to become a vet, so the clinic offers her the opportunity to interact with cats and learn as much as she can about the care of pets.

When a hurricane threatens her town, Sunita researches information about handling animals in disaster situations. She is surprised to discover that pets might not be able to join their owners in evacuation situations. She realizes that neither she nor her neighbors are prepared if a disaster occurs. And it does.

The hurricane hits hard. Events keep piling up to complicate the situation: animals giving birth, pets freaking out, downed trees, flooding, and people dropping their pets off at the clinic as they evacuate their homes.

Parts of the town flood, and Sunita and her friends find themselves alone and having to save a panicky dog as well as an injured diabetic cat that is trapped in an almost submerged house. Sunita is determined to save the animals, even though she is terrified of the rising water because she can’t swim. Sunita has to face a good deal of conflict and overcome her fears.


Educational Value

The entries in the Vet Volunteers series are not only good pet stories, but teach a great deal about animal issues and care. In Storm Rescue, several important topics are addressed:
• Pets’ sensitivity to weather and how they might react strangely in storm situations;
• How to approach animals that are panicked by weather conditions;
• Medical treatment of animals with anxiety;
• Treatment of animals with broken bones (X-rays, splints, IV drips, sedation, etc.);
• Causes, symptoms, and treatment of diabetes in pets;
• Disaster preparedness for pets – planning ahead.

In an afterword to the story, the author presents an article penned by "Dr. Mac," in which factual information is given concerning disaster planning with pets involved. Making arrangements in advance, having sufficient supplies ready, and dealing with the stress on pets are briefly discussed.

The book also emphasizes the importance of research. Sunita takes it upon herself to find out about handling pets in hurricane situations. She uses internet resources to discover the proper way to prepare for emergencies involving pets. If anything, this book shows that the internet is a source for research as well as entertainment!


Reactions

This story is well-written for the 9 to 12 age group. It’s approximately 110 pages long, so makes a relatively quick read for a good reader in that age group. The chapters are short (8-10 pages).

The plot carefully moves from a relaxed and comfortable opening through an increasingly tense series of events. The main character is believable, and the author does a good job of presenting situations in which Sunia is forced to face and overcome her basic fears. She exhibits bravery (“doing something you need to do even if you’re scared”) and earns the respect of her friends.

This book is ideal for young readers who have not yet graduated to full-blown novels. Actually, it’s good even for those who are already because of its interesting subject matter, suspenseful plot, and factual information about pets. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to middle grade readers, along with its companion books (see below.)

Keep them coming, Author Anderson!

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The complete Vet Volunteers series to date:
Fight for Life
Homeless
Say Good-Bye
Trickster
Manatee Blues
Storm Rescue

Recommended: Yes