17 February 2014

Ice Dogs by Terry Lynn Johnson, Suggestion reading


  • Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers (February 4, 2014)
  • ISBN-13: 978-0547899268
  • Hardcover: 288 pages
  • Age Range: 10 and up 


OVERVIEW:


Victoria Secord, a 14-year-old dog musher, has been struggling in the year since her father died. Her relationship with her mother is falling apart and her best source of comfort is the dog team that once belonged to her father. While out on a run with the animals, she finds and rescues an injured city boy, but after getting lost in a blizzard they both need rescuing. 

With the survival skills she learned from her father, Victoria must lead them all to safety. Written by a musher, this book is full of detailed descriptions of dog sledding and far northern survival. At times the technical details are more fully fleshed out than the character development, but they are never so complex as to break the flow of the story. 

Fast-paced plotting and suspense-filled writing will push readers along as the characters journey from dangerous disasters to lucky breaks. The high-stakes adventure and episodic nature of the chapters will make this book an easy sell for reluctant readers. Even in an arctic setting that can feel as foreign as a distant planet, Johnson keeps a sense of realism in this enjoyable adventure tale.

(Elizabeth Nicolai, Anchorage Public Library, AK)


As to my thoughts:


I don't recall ever posting about a book I have yet to review but Terry Lynn Johnson's ICE DOGS was just too good to postpone! 
For someone who is so looking to Spring, this story was just what I needed to get my heart race (no pun intended).
Yes, you should never judge a book by its cover but this one cannot fail to have you grab a copy! 
One look at those eyes will be enough!
(Note to myself: must order asap!)

A quick overlook at the plot line tells me this is just the sort of books any youngster will enjoy (forget the electronics Guys for a moment!) but also for those of us who want to dream a little (that would be me of course!). 

A visit to Terry Lynn Johnson's website will not only introduce readers to a more in depth look at the behind the scenes but also show you a wonderful photo gallery of sled dogs, information about sled dogs and some cool race links.
Be sure to check out the Fun Facts!





Adventure, friendship and an unforgettable sled dog team!

Note: I was not asked to do this review and was not remunerated for mentioning this book!



8 comments:

  1. Hi Noelle,
    Thank you for your visit today and leaving your very nice comment. Just looking at those blue eyes, makes me miss our husky, Janu. Sounds like a wonderful story. Enjoy your day.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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    Replies
    1. Sandi, our (3/4 Blue Merle - 1/4 Malamute) Dudley the dragon (because of his breath!) also had such eyes and we miss him much since he crossed the Rainbow Bridge...
      Thanks for the visit!

      Delete
  2. As a kid I read many dog stories and I really enjoyed them but it's been years since I've read animal stories, maybe it's time to go back to them as I have become bored with people.
    Merle............

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They are so much easier to love and be loved by, aren't they?!
      I am with you Merle!
      Hope you will give it a try (and check her website when it is too hot under the Australian sun!)
      Thanks for stopping by,

      Delete
  3. Huskys are such lovely animals. Intelligent too.

    God bless.

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  4. Aww the eyes of the dog alone, tug me to this book .
    It does sound like a book I'd enjoy reading
    Now I am going to pop on over to her the sled dog photos too.
    Thanks for this share .
    We had a snow storm here at the farm Saturday , and it's snowing today too. I can't wait to see the crocus .lol

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    Replies
    1. No snow here of course but they have closed 3 passes due to it.
      I hope you enjoy the photos as much as I did!
      Looking forward to flowers in the garden as well,

      Delete
  5. I can not wait to read this. I love dog books!

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