I
ce Dogs
Terry Lynn Johnson
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Fiction, 2014
Suitable for Ages: 10-14
Themes: Sled dogs, Alaska, Wilderness, Survival, Grief
Opening: All eight of my dogs are stretched in front of me in pairs along the gangline. They claw the ground in frustration as the loudspeaker blares. “Here’s team number five. Our hometown girl, fourteen-year-old Victoria Secord!”
Synopsis: Victoria is a dogsled racer in Alaska. Since the recent death of her father, who taught her everything she knows about being a musher, she pours herself into training her dogs and preparing for the White Wolf Classic. On a routine run, she comes across Chris who is injured in a snowmobile accident. A fast-approaching blizzard catches Victoria by surprise and covers her sled trails. She finds herself lost in the frozen wilderness with little food or protection. Her real race becomes one of survival against time. Will she be able to save Chris and herself?
Why I like this book: This inspiring and gripping story by Terry Lynn Johnson, is a page turner. Johnson, who once owned and raced 18 Alaskan huskies, knows how beautiful, peaceful and unforgiving the wilderness can be. Reading a novel based on Johnson’s knowledge and experience makes for great realistic fiction and a very vivid setting. Her plot is fast-paced with high-adventure, danger, courage and hope. Her main characters, Victoria and Chris, are well-developed. The story is narrated by Victoria, a fiercely independent, strong, brave, and smart teen coping with the tragic death of her father in the wilderness. She is determined to carry on his legacy as a musher. Chris, a city boy from Toronto, offers a bit of comic relief. Their relationship is full of tension, emotion and complexity. He steps up to the plate and works with Victoria in a race for their survival. Ice Dogs is a spellbinding story that will appeal to young readers. Visit Terry Lynn Johnson at her website where you can view a video, read interesting information, and check out her blog. Johnson is a conservation officer in Whitefish Falls, Ontario, Canada.
A special thank you to Amanda at Born Bookish, who first introduced me to Ice Dogs. Click on her blog to read her review.
I’ve heard of this book; sounds great! We enjoy watching movies and reading about the Iditarod.
LikeLike
Tina, this is a heartwarming story with a lot of suspsense. Because the author was a musher, it adds a lot of depth to the book.
LikeLike
Sounds like a really interesting, fast-paced read. Will add it to my list. Thanks for reviewing, Pat!
LikeLike
I read the book in two days. Couldn’t put it down because it was so realistic.
LikeLike
I’ve seen this one several times now, and I’ve even “met” Terry online. This one is on my TBR list. I absolutely loved books like this as a kid. Jack London, Jim Kjelgaard, Gary Paulsen, Jean Craighead George…I think I could have survived in the wilderness alone based solely on what I learned in those books!
LikeLike
Yes, I first learned about Terry online and was so intrigued I had to get the book. I’ve been to Alaska and Denali National Park where they show dog sled demonstrations. Love that Terry has written a strong female survival hero. Thought of Gary Paulsen and Jean Craighead as I read her book. You’d enjoy this novel!
LikeLike
Happy to hear you picked this one up and enjoyed it as much as me =)
LikeLike
Yes, I loved the book. I couldn’t remember what blogger had featured Terry’s book. I normally make a mention. Thank you for saying something!
LikeLike
The raw wilderness with the connecting energy of dogs seems like the perfect setting for a story about grief. You are adding one to my reading list again! I’m looking forward to reading Ice Dogs.
LikeLike
It was a perfect setting for Victoria to work through her grief and guilt about her father’s death. She comes to many realizations that help her. But, I won’t give it away!
LikeLike
I’ve not seen this one before! It looks great! A gutsy girl and working dogs and wilderness. Excellent combination. I’ll have to check this one out! Thanks for sharing!
LikeLike
Rhythm, you would love this story about dogs doing a different kind of sport. High suspense!
LikeLike
This sounds like something my son would enjoy. He loves books like this. They are always his first choice.
And to answer your question about the book on my blog, it is YA fiction book, and I would definitely recommend it for a teenager. Thank you for visiting!
LikeLike
I think your son would love this book because of the suspense and adventure. It would be a good book for a reluctant reader too.
LikeLike
This sounds like an exciting read about a subject many of us know little about. I like the sound of the main female character too. Since it takes place in Alaska, children will learn about the north while reading the book. I’ll keep this one in mind as a must read for me.
LikeLike
I love that the author features a girl as the hero in a survival story. But, the author was a musher and racer, so I’m sure she’s had some suspense herself. Yes, it’s a good book to teach about the beauty of Alaska, but the perils of the unforbidding wilderness. Thank you so much for tweeting my review.
LikeLike
What a marvelous opening! This book sounds great! 😀
LikeLike
I was hoping you’d catch this review. This is a book you’d like a lot. You’re a fast reader so you’d problably read it in a day or so.
LikeLike
I bet this is a real page-turner! Great theme, and dogs are just so clever and evocative.
LikeLike
This is a great read for MG readers this summer. It is a page-turner and an exciting read.
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Plum Tree Books Blog and commented:
Patricia Tilton runs a blog called Children’s Books Heal. She reviews wonderful books ~ all of which are carefully chosen and all of which embody significant issues that children face from all walks of life. We all wish our little ones didn’t have to grow up too early, but should they have to because life deals them a rough hand, books such as Patricia brings to our attention are like little friends and companions that keep our little people company when things are really difficult. Thank you, Patricia for all that you do.l
LikeLike
Thank you Niamh. Your comments means so much to me!
LikeLike