Embedded Files
An experienced Iditarod racer, Gary Paulsen celebrates his lead dog and longtime companion, Cookie, in this intimate essay. Paulsen takes readers inside the kennel as Cookie's last litter of pups grow and learn to pull sleds across the snowy frontier. Includes an author's note.Note From Mrs. Tjaden: This is one of my all time favorite reads! If you have ever had a pet or love animals these reflections Gary Paulsen has are awesome.AR Level: 6 AR Points: 2 Quiz Number: 14482“We have been passive. We have been stupid. We have been lazy. We have done all the things we could do to destroy ourselves. If there is any hope at all for the human race, it has to come from young people. Not from adults.”—Gary Paulsen
A three-time Newbery Honor winner, Gary Paulsen is also winner of the 1997 Margaret A. Edwards Award, which honors an author’s lifetime contribution to writing books for teenagers.
To find out more information about Gary Paulsen or to see a list of his books, check out this Random House Website.
If you like Puppies, Dogs, and Blue Northers....
Children’s Fiction
Children’s Fiction
Balto – Sled Dog of Alaska
by LaVere Anderson (1976 – out of print)
One of the books in the Famous Animal Stories series, this is the fictionalized account of Balto and the 1925 Serum Run to Nome.
Grades 3-5.
Very Last First Time
By Jan Andrews (1985)
In this picture book, Andrews tells the story of an Inuit girl’s first solo-walk to collect mussels on the bottom of the sea.
To See the Moon
by Ethel Bacon (1996)
Diane wonders if Kimo, the runt of the litter, will ever make it as a sled dog.
Picture book.
A Bear Named Trouble
by Marion Dane Bauer (2005)
Based on a true story, a 10-year old boy sets out to get even with the bear cub that killed his favorite animal at Anchorage’s Alaska Zoo.
Grades 4-6.
Over in the Arctic: Where the Cold Winds Blow
by Marianne Berkes (2008)
A counting rhyme book that features animals and climate found in the Arctic.
Picture book.
Akiak: A Tale from the Iditarod
by Robert J. Blake (1997)
Akiak is running her last Iditarod, but she is hurt on the fourth day. Will she be able to help her team?
Picture book.
Togo
by Robert Blake (2002)
Based on fact, the story of Leonard Seppala’s lead dog Togo and the 1925 Serum Run. Picture book.
Granite
By Susan Butcher and David Monson (2007)
Four time Iditarod champion Susan Butcher tells the story of her lead dog Granite and their journey together.
Picture book
Books by Shannon Cartwright (Shannon is the illustrator of many other books.)
Alaska 123 Colors and Numbers
Alaska’s ABC Bears
Alaska’s Train Story
Half-Breed: A Story of the Klondike Gold Rush
by Pamela Deed (2004)
Ages 9 – 12.
The Iditarod: The Greatest Win Ever
by Monica Devine (1997)
The story of Kara’s experience on the Iditarod combined with history of the race and information on Alaska.
Grades 4-6.
Down by the River: An Alaskan Counting Rhyme
by Sara Feriante Donkersloot (1999)
A counting rhyme book that features animals found Alaska’s rivers.
Picture book.
Out on the Tundra: An Alaskan Counting Rhyme
by Sara Feriante Donkersloot (2002)
A counting rhyme book that features animals from Alaska’s tundra.
Picture book.
Stone Fox
by John Reynolds Gardiner (1980)
Little Willy and his dog Searchlight need to beat the undefeated Stone Fox in an upcoming dogsled race in order to save his grandfather and the farm.
Grades 3-5.
Kiana’s Iditarod
by Shelley Gill (1984)
illustrated by Shannon Cartwright
This book follows a dog’s journey on the Iditarod. Glossary. Picture book.
Danger the Dog Yard Cat
by Shelley Gill (1987)
Danger the cat leads Libby Riddles dog team in the Iditarod. Picture book.
The Stolen Sun: A Story of Native Alaska
by Amanda Hall (2002)
In this original story, told in the tradition of a folktale, Raven creates the world, but when he sees people become greedy he takes away the sun. How will the people come out of the darkness? Picture book.
Where’s the Boss: A Sleddog’s Tale from Alaska’s Iditarod Trail
by Lois Harter (1999)
Lead dogs, Toby and Crystal must figure out what do to when their musher is missing on the Iditarod Trail. Grades 3-5.
Elim: The Determined Athlete
by Joan Jackson (1998)
illustrated by Robert Ferrin Gilmore
Based on a true story, a puppy follows Jeff King’s dogsled team out of the Elim checkpoint in the 1996 Iditarod race. Picture book.
Wind-Wild Dog
by Barbara Joosse (2006)
illustrated by Kate Kiesler
Ziva, a young sled dog, decides whether to stay with the man that has trained her or to run free. Picture book.
The Seasons and Someone
by Virginia L. Kroll (1994)
A poetic account of a year in the life of a young Inuit girl. Picture book.
The Mystery on Alaska’s Iditarod Trail
by Carol Marsh (2003)
Four children head to Alaska just in time for the Iditarod and find themselves involved in a mystery that takes them digging through Gold Rush history to solve. Grades 4-6.
Dogteam
by Gary Paulsen (1993)
Enjoy the beauty of the outdoors as Gary and Ruth Paulsen collaborate to produce this lyrical account of a dog team’s night run. Picture book.
Arctic Fives Arrive
by Elinor J. Pinczes (1996)
A counting book in which Arctic animals arrive five by five to share a view of the northern lights.
The Blizzard’s Robe
By Robert Sabuda (1999)
A picture-book story of a girl who made robes to keep her people warm in the winter, thus changing them from a people who feared winter to “the People of the Northern Lights.”
Coho Waterboy the Flat-Footed Web-footed Alaska Sled Dog
by Marianne Schlegelmilch (2009)
Solo takes the young Coho under his guidance and inspires Coho to overcome his disadvantages and gain the confidence he needs to earn his own special moment in Nome. (Sequel to Solo Flite)
Solo Flite
by Marianne Schlegelmilch
This is a story about a lost young puppy who ends up living at the kennel of Joe Redington.
The Alaskan Happy Dog Trilogy by Mary Shields
Can Dogs Talk? (1991) – Rita and Ryan find out the answer to their question with the help of Mary Shields and her team of huskies.
Loving a Happy Dog (1993) – Rita and Ryan learn the responsibilities that come with owning a new puppy.
Secret Messages – Training a Happy Dog (1994) – Rita and Ryan learn how to train their dog.
Silver
by Gloria Whelan (1988)
illustrated by Stephen Marchesi
Silver is the runt of the litter, but Rachel believes he will be a champion leader. When her father finishes the Iditarod, she discovers Silver is missing and embarks on a search to find him. Grades 2-3.
Young Adult Fiction
Young Adult Fiction
Sixteen in Nome
by Max Brand (1930, 1995)
Sixteen-year-old Joe May comes to Alaska to stake his claim during the Gold Rush of the 1890’s. He meets two mining partners who clash over a dog named Alec and a mystery woman. Young Adult.
Rivers. Diary of a Blind Alaska Racing Sled Dog
by Mike Dillingham (2001)
The diary of Rivers, a blind dog, and his adventures, as he forms a bond with man and learns to become part of a sled dog team. Rivers is a real dog and the events in this book are based on actual events. Grades 7 and up.
Rivers. (Book Two) Through the Eyes of a Blind Dog
by Mike Dillingham (2003)
The continued adventures of Rivers and his human companion Mike, racing across Alaska the team finds a lost child. Grade 7 and up.
Rivers (Book Three) Unknown Trails
by Mike Dillingham (2008)
Race across Alaska with Rivers and Mike to raise funds for an orphanage as the adventures continue.
Diamond Willow
by Helen Frost (2008)
Twelve-year-old Willow convinces her parents to let her take a dog sled with three dogs to her grandparents’ cabin by herself. What happens when she encounters a downed tree on the trail? Grade 5 and up.
Julie Series by Jean Craighead George
Julie of the Wolves (1972)
Winner of the 1973 Newbery Medal
Julie (1994 )
Julie’s Wolf Pack (1997)
Julie runs away from her Eskimo village and an arranged marriage and finds herself lost in the Alaskan wilderness. After learning their language and earning their trust, Julie is slowly accepted by a pack of Arctic wolves.
Aleutian Sparrow
by Karen Hesse (2003)
In 1942 Japan attacked Alaska’s Aleutian Islands. Vera, the narrator, tells of how the native people, the Aleuts, were removed from the islands and relocated to the Alaska mainland. Grades 5 and up.
Jason’s Gold
by Will Hobbs (1999)
When new of the discovery of gold in the Yukon Territory in 1897 reaches fifteen-year-old Jason, he embarks on a 10,000-mile journey to strike it rich. Historical Fiction. Young Adult.
Leaving Protection
by Will Hobbs (2004)
When sixteen-year-old Robbie boards a troller fishing for king salmon off southeastern Alaska, he finds himself in danger when he discovers the captain’s true intentions. Young Adult.
Black Star, Bright Dawn
by Scott O’Dell (1988)
Bright Dawn encounters the challenges of the Iditarod sled dog race alone when her father is injured. Grades 4-6.
Dogsong
by Gary Paulsen (1985)
Newbery Honor Book 1986
A fourteen-year-old Eskimo boy longing for the old ways takes a 1,400-mile journey by dog sled across ice, tundra, and mountains seeking his own “song”.
The Call of the Wild
by Jack London (1903)
The adventures of an unusual dog named Buck, who is forcibly taken to the Klondike gold fields, where he eventually becomes the leader of a wolf pack. Young Adult.
White Fang
by Jack London (1903)
Part wolf and part dog, White Fang relies on his instincts as well as his strength and courage to survive in the Yukon wilderness despite both animal and human predators. Young Adult.
The Trap
by John Smelcer (2006)
Written in alternating chapters that relate the stories of Johnny and his grandfather, this story addresses the hardships of life in the far north working traplines. Grades 4-6.
Children’s Non-Fiction Books
Children’s Non-Fiction Books
Dogs of the North
by Alaska Geographic Society (Vol 14, No 1, 1987)
Alaskan working dogs and their history are detailed in this reference book, which includes photographs and biographies of sled dogs and mushers.
Journey into the Arctic
by Bryan & Cherry Alexander (2003)
Beautiful color photographs and well-designed pages take readers on a dogsled tour of life in the Arctic.
Grades 1 – 5
Meet Lydia: A Native Girl from Southeast Alaska
by Miranda Belarde-Lewis (2004)
One of the My World: Young Native Americans Today series, this book explores the life of Tlingit girl Lydia Mills and the history and culture of her tribe.
Ages 9 – 12
Life in the Arctic
by Sheldon Brooks (2004)
Brooks defines the Arctic, and tells how life survives in this extreme environment.
Ages 9 – 12
Children of the Midnight Sun: Young Native Voices of Alaska
by Tricia Brown (1998, 2007)
Named a “Best Book of the Year” (1998) by both Parenting Magazine and School Library Journal, Children of the Midnight Sun profiles the lives of eight Native American Alaskan children and includes photographs by Roy Corral.
Grades 3 – 7
Iditarod Country: Exploring the Route of the Last Great Race
by Tricia Brown (1998)
Brown and photographer Jeff Schultz introduce readers to the people and history at the checkpoints along the Iditarod Trail.
Grade 6 and up
Born to Pull
by Bob Carey (1999)
With illustrations by Gail de Marcken, author Carey introduces dog mushing and life on the trail, emphasizing the bond between musher and dog.
Ages 4 – 8
The Adventures of Balto
By Patricia Chargot (2006)
Chargot allows the reader to gain a richer understanding about Balto and the role he played in the 1925 Serum Run.
Grades 5 and up
The Story of Seward’s Folly
by Susan Clinton (1987)
Clinton examines the controversy over Secretary of State William Seward’s 1867 push to purchase Alaska from Russia.
Grades 3 – 6
Racing Sled Dogs: An Original North American Sport
by Michael Cooper (1988)
The author chronicles the history of sled dog racing in North America, including sections on training methods and the world of amateur and professional racing.
Grades 4 – 6
Racing the Iditarod Trail
by Ruth Crisman (1993)
This is a detailed account of the Iditarod from 1973 – 1992.
Grades 4 – 6
Susan Butcher and the Iditarod Trail
by Ellen M. Dolan (1993)
The inspiring story of Susan Butcher, four time Iditarod winner, superb athlete, and gifted dog trainer, is told in this biography.
Grades 3 – 6
Arctic Memories
by Normee Ekoomiak (1988)
Ekoomiak, an Inuit who grew up in Quebec, describes in this autobiography a now vanishing way of life. The book’s text is in both Inuktitut and English.
Grades 4 – 6
Big-Enough Anna: The Little Sled Dog Who Braved the Arctic
By Pam Flowers with Ann Dixon (2003)
A true story about how the runt of the litter became the lead sled dog.
Ages 4 – 8
Douggie: The Playful Pup Who Became a Sled Dog Hero
by Pam Flowers
Flowers pays tribute to the class-clown puppy who, with patient training, became the lead dog for a 325-mile expedition to the Magnetic North Pole.
Ages 9 – 12
Living in the Arctic
by Allan Fowler (2000)
One of the “Rookie Read-About Geography” series.
Ages 4 – 8
Arctic Son
by Jean Craighead George (1997 – out of print)
This picture book chronicles the birth and early years of George’s grandson Luke, who lives in Barrow, Alaska, and learns of the Inupiat Eskimo culture.
Grades K – 3
The Big Caribou Herd: Life in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
by Bruce Hiscock (2008)
The author-illustrator follows a herd of Caribou through the year, presenting to his life in the Alaskan wilderness.
Grades 2 – 5
Arctic Hunter
by Diane Hoyt-Goldsmith (1992)
A ten-year old Inupiat boy and his family journey to their spring hunting and fishing camp north of the Arctic Circle.
Grades 4 – 6
Alaska
by Shelley Gill (2007)
Gill offers a basic introduction to Alaska using facts, poetry, and native lore.
Grades 4 to 7
Up on Denali: Alaska’s Wild Mountain
by Shelley Gill (2006)
In this picture book, Shelley covers all aspects of the unique ecosystem which comprises the tallest mountain in North America – Denali, also known as Mt. McKinley.
Grades 2 – 4
Keep On! The Story of Matthew Henson Co-Discoverer of the North Pole
by Deborah Hopkinson (2009)
This picture book biography of Matthew Henson features the importance of sled dogs to the mission.
Ages 9 – 12
Alaska (Hello USA)
by Joyce Johnston (1996, 2001)
This introduction to the 50th state includes its history, geography, economy and people.
Ages 9 – 12
Dog Heroes: True Stories about Extraordinary Animals Around the World
by Tim Jones (1995)
This collection of true stories about famous dogs from around the world, including Serum Run leaders Balto and Togo, is illustrated by Alaskan artist and Iditarod racer Jon Van Zyle.
Grades 4 – 6
Life in the Far North
by Bobbie Kalman and Rebecca Sjonger (2004)
Each two-page spread is its own chapter on an aspect of life in the Far North, the area of land and water north of the Arctic Circle. The book includes a table of contents, a glossary, and an index.
Ages 9 – 12
The Story of Admiral Peary at the North Pole
by Zachary Kent (1988)
With illustrations and historic photographs, Kent tells the true story of Peary’s quest to become the first person to reach the North Pole.
Grades 4 – 6
Snow Baby: The Arctic Childhood of Admiral Robert E. Peary’s Daring Daughter
by Katherine Kirkpatrick (2007)
Kirkpatrick’s in-depth research and use of historical photographs tell the story of Admiral Peary’s daughter, whose birth and life in the arctic shocked Victorian society and earned her the name “Snow Baby” from the Inuit.
Grades 4 – 8
Adventure in Alaska
by Sydelle A. Kramer (1993)
One of the Read to Believe It series, this is a biographical account of Libby Riddles, the first woman to win the Iditarod.
Grades 3 – 4
The Big Alaska Activity Book
by Carole Marsh (2001)
The book features reproducible worksheet puzzles and games for learning about Alaska.
Ages 9 – 12
Wild Hearts, Dog Sledding the Rockies
by Dagny McKinley
Book full of dynamic and spectacular photographs of sled dogs living in Colorado, text provides information about a dog’s life at a sled dog kennel and how the dogs affect the lives of the humans who live and work with them.
All ages
Arctic Lights, Arctic Nights
by Debbie S. Miller (2003)
Miller records the changing Arctic light from one summer solstice to the next, and the way in which animals continually adapt to the changing light each month of the year. The book includes an excellent introduction and glossary.
Ages 6 – 9
The Great Serum Race: Blazing the Iditarod Trail
by Debbie S. Miller (2002)
A picture book for older children, this well-researched account of the 1925 serum run to Nome includes illustrations by Jon Van Zyle, Iditarod musher and official Iditarod artist.
Grades 2 – 6
Big Alaska: Journey Across America’s Most Amazing State
By Debbie S. Miller (2006)
Travel across Alaska’s extraordinary landscapes through the eyes of a bald eagle, learning about state symbols, climate records, and Alaska’s special places.
Grades 2 – 4
The Inuits
by Shirlee P. Newman (1993)
With text and photographs, Newman presents the history and culture of the Inuits.
Grades 4 – 6
Crimp! On-By!! The True Story of a Most Unlikely Iditarod Lead Dog
By Liz Parrish and Jan Kelley
Crimp overcame obstacles to become a lead dog on Liz’s 2008 Iditarod Team. Important facts about the race, mushing, and dogs are included in the book. Appropriate for all ages.
Guts
by Gary Paulsen (2001)
Paulsen tells of the hardships he faced in various life adventures, including the extremes of exhaustion and cold he knew in running the Iditarod, and how he used these lessons in his Hatchet books.
Grades 5 and up
My Life in Dog Years
by Gary Paulsen (1998)
Paulsen tells of eight dogs which have had a special place in his life.
Grades 4 and up
Puppies, Dogs and Blue Northers: Reflections on Being Raised by a Pack of Sled Dogs
by Gary Paulsen (1996, 1998, 2002, 2007, 2008)
Paulsen recounts his special relationship with his lead dog Cookie.
Grades 4 – 6
Storm Run: The Story of the First Woman to Win the Iditarod Sled Dog Race
by Libby Riddles (1996, 2001)
As the first woman to win the Iditarod, Libby Riddles details what inspired her to train for the race, and what it took to win in 1985.
Grades 2 – 5
Sled Dogs: Arctic Athletes
By Elizabeth Ring (1994)
Ring explains the history, training and care of the breeds typically uses as sled dogs.
Grades 1 – 3
Getting Ready to Race
By Susan Ring (1999)
This book provides an introduction to mushing.
Grades 1 – 3
SoloFlite: An Alaskan Puppy Becomes a Legend
by Marianne Schlegelmilch (2002)
A lost puppy, given a home at a kennel in Fairbanks, becomes an Iditarod legend.
Ages 4 – 8
Dogs of the Iditarod
by Jeff Schultz (2003)
A well-written and beautifully illustrated overview of the Iditarod, showcasing the amazing dogs that make it possible.
Grades 3 – 6
Dashing Through the Snow: The Story of the Junior Iditarod
by Sherry Shahan (1997)
With a course map, list of mandatory equipment and review of mushing terminology, this book follows the 150 journey of the Junior Iditarod.
Grades 4 – 6
Mush: Across Alaska in the World’s Longest Sled-Dog Race
by Patricia Siebert (1992)
Siebert’s overview of the Iditarod includes a brief history of Alaska.
Grades 3 – 5
Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
by Alexandra Say (1991)
One of the Circle of Life Series, this book explores the plant and animal life of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge on the Alaskan tundra.
Grades 3 – 6
Eskimos: The Inuit of the Arctic
by J. H. Greg Smith (1987)
A history of the culture and the people.
Grades 3 – 6
The Bravest Dog Ever: The True Story of Balto
by Natalie Standiford (1989)
The story of the 1925 serum race to Nome is told in this Step Into Reading book.
Grades 1 – 3
Over the Top of the World: Explorer Will Steger’s Trek Across the Arctic
by Will Steger and Jon Bowermaster (1997)
Steger tells of his 1994 expedition traveling by dogsled and canoe-sled over the top of the world.
Grades 4 – 7
The Race to Nome: Alaska’s Heroic Race to Save Lives
by Kenneth A. Ungermann (1963)
Factual account of Balto, Togo, and how man helped man to beat the Diphtheria Epidemic.
Grades 2 and up
Susan Butcher: Sled Dog Racer
by Ginger Wadsworth (1994)
A biographical profile of the four-time Iditarod champion and her dogs as they face the rigors of Alaska’s great race.
Grades 4 – 7
Clueless in Alaska: Know More! An Activity Book Filled with Puzzles, Fun Facts, Games and Jokes
by Jen Funk Weber (2006)
Learning about Alaska is made fun in this full-color, photo-illustrated activity book.
Ages 9 – 12
Foxy’s Tale: The True Story of a Champion Alaskan Sled Dog
by Ed White and Donna Freedman (1995)
Foxy, the runt of the litter who has a life-threatening accident and then is stolen, becomes a champion in the Junior World Championships.
Grades 3 – 6
Snow Dogs! Racers of the North
by Ian Whitelaw (2008)
This DK Reader introduces children to sled dog racing, and what it takes to be the leader of the pack.
Ages 9 – 12
Northern Lights (Science Matters)
by David Whitfield (2006)
An introductory overview of the science, technology, and myths related to the Northern Lights.
Ages 9 – 12
Iditarod Dream: Dusty and His Sled Dogs Compete in Alaska’s Junior Iditarod
by Ted Wood (1996)
This photo-essay tells the true story of 15-year-old Dusty Whittemore, as he and his dogs prepare for, run and win the Junior Iditarod.
Grades 3 – 5
Young Adult Non-Fiction
Young Adult Non-Fiction
Arctic Peoples (Native American)
by Craig A. Doherty (2008)
Part of a ten-volume set called Native America, this book explores the history and culture of the Native American Arctic peoples, and includes a timeline, related websites, and a list of museums.
Young Adult
Woodsong
by Gary Paulsen (1990)
Gary Paulsen’s experiences as he trains and ultimately runs the Iditarod dogsled race. Paulsen vividly describes the effects of bone-chilling cold, physical exhaustion, and the spirit of competitiveness that dominates the event. Grades 6 and up.
No End in Sight: My Life as a Blind Iditarod Racer
by Rachael Scdoris and Rick Steber (2006)
The story of Rachael Sedoris, who legally blind, becomes the youngest athlete to complete in a 500-mile race, but her goal is to run the Iditarod. With the help of a visual interpreter and insurmountable courage, Rachel competes in the Iditarod. Grades 6 and up.
Note: Grade or age recommendations are based on the information provided at amazon.com.
*Taken from The Official Site of the Iditerod
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