tcbueti's review against another edition
4.0
I found the first third of this (70pp) a bit fact heavy; it felt like the author was trying to educate me about life in modern-day Alaska and working with dogs--interesting but a bit clunky. After being given a sled dog by a musher friend, thirteen-year-old Tatum has left Nome and flown into a small town with her mom for a few days, and is eager to pursue her interest in dog-sledding (one she shares with her dad) while she's there. BUT, once Tatum heads out on what is supposed to be a few-hours-long training run and gets caught in a freak snowstorm, I couldn't put this down. Her harrowing adventure is one I won't soon forget. And survival books featuring girls are very few and far between. Dog lovers would be another target audience.
While the reading level of this is above many of the third graders in our district when they study the Arctic, this would make a great classroom read-aloud.
While the reading level of this is above many of the third graders in our district when they study the Arctic, this would make a great classroom read-aloud.
cassroberts89's review against another edition
3.0
Meh. I was really hovering between 2 and 3 stars, but rounded up because of the possible educational jumping off points. It was interesting reading little tidbits about native Yupik culture and the dog sledders, etc. The story itself was an interesting one, and I definitely didn't want to just not finish the book. But the writing was kind of awkward and sporadic in places, especially during the long stretches of the kids' travel over what appeared to be a frozen wasteland. I did not at all feel like I was there with them, and I had a really hard time visualizing the sleds and their surroundings based on the author's descriptions. It was just hard to follow sometimes. I may hand it to my kids to read when we touch on this region/culture in school, and they may enjoy it more. It was just a little too confusing for me.
ashleymae's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
4.25
serendipity_viv's review against another edition
3.0
Did you know there are ninety nine different words for ice in the Yupik language, depending on its size and consistency?
No?
How about that Alaska had fifty different types of wild berries including chokeberries; bearberries and salmonberries?
Still no?
Mad isn't it. This is why I love doing weekly specials of different parts of America, the culture is just so diverse.
This book really brought to life the Alaskan culture I was looking to find during this experience. The Alaskan traditions were strongly described in this book, bringing to life whaling and mushing. I felt this book was extremely well researched and provided a clear understanding of the culture of the Alaskans. The grandfather in the book, brought tears to my eyes as he described the traditions dying out as the younger generations wanted to live like the rest of America. It really is sad to see them slowly being lost.
I thought Tatum made a brilliant lead character. Her quest to compete in the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, when she was older, has consumed her life, but kept her alive as the book progressed. I didn't warm to Cole; I couldn't help but feel he had been a bit foolish, leading Tatum out and into so much danger.
The second half of the book really goes off at a pace and you feel exhausted and cold as the story comes to a climax. You cannot help but feel frozen, and you find yourself putting on extra layers as you read on.
The dogs really made this book for me. I fell completely in love with Bandit, who reminded me of Lassie. She was such an intelligent dog and knew exactly when trouble would wasn't far away.
I really enjoyed the book, but there were a couple of little things that annoyed me about the plot. Now this will contain spoilers,so if you are planning to read it, please do not continue reading.
Spoiler Alert! Spoiler Alert! Spoiler Alert!
Firstly, when Bandit had the puppies, I didn't see it coming and I felt like it was dealt with far too quickly. I can't imagine that puppies instantly appear and I felt it was a case of just telling us what happened rather than showing.
Secondly, I found that the book ended rather abruptly. I was left with too many questions. I wanted to see what happened after they were rescued and that just didn't happen.
Spoilers Over!
Apart from these two little niggles, I did enjoy the book and I felt I learnt quite a lot about Alaska and the traditions held dearly there.
No?
How about that Alaska had fifty different types of wild berries including chokeberries; bearberries and salmonberries?
Still no?
Mad isn't it. This is why I love doing weekly specials of different parts of America, the culture is just so diverse.
This book really brought to life the Alaskan culture I was looking to find during this experience. The Alaskan traditions were strongly described in this book, bringing to life whaling and mushing. I felt this book was extremely well researched and provided a clear understanding of the culture of the Alaskans. The grandfather in the book, brought tears to my eyes as he described the traditions dying out as the younger generations wanted to live like the rest of America. It really is sad to see them slowly being lost.
I thought Tatum made a brilliant lead character. Her quest to compete in the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, when she was older, has consumed her life, but kept her alive as the book progressed. I didn't warm to Cole; I couldn't help but feel he had been a bit foolish, leading Tatum out and into so much danger.
The second half of the book really goes off at a pace and you feel exhausted and cold as the story comes to a climax. You cannot help but feel frozen, and you find yourself putting on extra layers as you read on.
The dogs really made this book for me. I fell completely in love with Bandit, who reminded me of Lassie. She was such an intelligent dog and knew exactly when trouble would wasn't far away.
I really enjoyed the book, but there were a couple of little things that annoyed me about the plot. Now this will contain spoilers,so if you are planning to read it, please do not continue reading.
Spoiler Alert! Spoiler Alert! Spoiler Alert!
Firstly, when Bandit had the puppies, I didn't see it coming and I felt like it was dealt with far too quickly. I can't imagine that puppies instantly appear and I felt it was a case of just telling us what happened rather than showing.
Secondly, I found that the book ended rather abruptly. I was left with too many questions. I wanted to see what happened after they were rescued and that just didn't happen.
Spoilers Over!
Apart from these two little niggles, I did enjoy the book and I felt I learnt quite a lot about Alaska and the traditions held dearly there.
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