Fearless - by Kristin F Johnson (Paperback)

About the Book

When a girl steals a dog from a puppy mill, an adventure ensues.

Book Synopsis

A Heartfelt Adventure About Friendship, Courage, and Rescuing a Dog in Need

In Fearless, Jessie Nelson and her dad move to a small town in southern Minnesota while her mom is deployed overseas. Adjusting to a new place is not easy, but Jessie begins to feel less alone after forming a friendship with Nicky, a theater-loving classmate, and Oscar, who understands what it is like to have family serving in the military far from home. As their friendship grows, the three discover an illegal puppy mill hidden in a barn and are faced with a difficult choice about what to do next.

Jessie decides to rescue one of the dogs and bring her home, hoping that this small act of courage can make a real difference. Soon, Jessie realizes that keeping the dog a secret from her dad and grandpa is difficult. She relies on her friends for help as she figures out how to care for the distressed dog while also navigating change, responsibility, anxiety about her mother, and uncertainty. Fearless is a warm and meaningful story about friendship, compassion, and finding bravery in everyday moments. It encourages readers to consider how helping others can help us heal and grow as well.

Perfect for dog lovers, military families, and anyone who believes small acts of kindness can make a big difference.

Key Features:

• Award-Winning Middle Grade Novel: Winner of the Moonbeam Children's Book Award and the Midwest Independent Publishers Award
• Thoughtful Representation of Military Families: Addresses deployment, separation, worry, communication changes, and adjustment
• Meaningful Animal Rescue Plot: The illegal puppy mill rescue highlights responsibility, compassion, and taking action to help others
• Realistic Friendship Dynamics: Shows how new friendships can offer support, understanding, and shared strength during times of change
• Perfect for Ages 8 to 12: Engaging, accessible storytelling suitable for independent reading, family reading, classrooms, libraries, and book clubs
• Strong SEL Themes: Supports conversations about courage, empathy, decision-making, and caring for both people and animals

Also available in Spanish: El secreto de Cross Kennel - a warm and inspiring edition perfect for bilingual families, classrooms, and dual immersion schools.

Review Quotes

Midwest Independent Book Awards (MiPA) Finalist

Moonbeam Children's Award finalist

Battle of the Books Selection, Brainerd, MN, area libraries

St. Paul Pioneer Press, 4 New books for young adult and middle grade readers

Featured on KEYC's Kato Living TV Show

"Johnson has written an adventure story with depth and heart - not too sad, but just enough tension to keep your eight- to ten-year-old (boy or girl) reading." --Superior Reads

"She wove three types of PTSD into the book--a town struggling with PTSD from a tornado; war veterans, young and older, with PTSD from serving their country... and finally the resulting PTSD that dogs develop from being neglected and mistreated in puppy mills." --Nicollet County Ledger

"Picked this up tonight, and I can't put it down. Sleep Maybe I'll just stay up...." --Jennifer H., #bookposse

"FEARLESS gives middle grade readers action, warmth and, hopefully, the encouragement to try new things and to take action when needed despite being afraid." -- Melanie D., #BookAllies

"A sweet story of family, friendship, and what it means to be FEARLESS. Fans of [Erin Soderberg's] Controlled Burn will enjoy this middle grade novel." --Rachel S., #BookAllies

"Have your tissues ready!!" --From Twitter, Book in Hand Stacy, #BookPosse

"You'll love this sweet story of Jessie & Dusty the dog she rescues! I will tug at your heartstrings as Jessie & her family endure loss, separation & her mom's deployment." --Patti B., #BookPosse

"Wow! This one had me hooked right from the get go! Short chap. & only 218 pages, not a ton of characters & an easy to follow but exciting story line! I'm thinking about those students that we try to find a page turner for! They will care about Jessie!" --Cindy S., #BookPosse

"What a great book!" --Candice, #BookPosse