18 March 2014

Ice Dogs by Terry Lynn Johnson, Book review

  • Ice Dogs

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



SYNOPSIS:


Victoria Secord, a fourteen-year-old Alaskan dogsled racer, loses her way on a routine outing with her dogs. With food gone and temperatures dropping, her survival and that of her dogs and the mysterious boy she meets in the woods is entirely up to her.
The author Terry Lynn Johnson is a musher herself, and her crackling writing puts readers at the reins as Victoria and Chris experience setbacks, mistakes, and small triumphs in their wilderness adventure.


My thoughts:


Those of you who recognized the title might remember it as a suggested reading (HERE), unusual for me  but I was so taken both by the cover (one look was enough!) and the synopsis I just could not resist! 
As it happens I now own my very own copy thanks to Terry Lynn Johnson!  I immediately found a prominent spot for it on my night table just to gaze at those beautiful eyes (the dog's, not Ms. Johnson!). 

Growing up each of us had I am certain a favourite story (make that stories for myself), an adventure allowing us to identify with a character, perhaps visiting a new country or excelling in a talent of sort. 
By the age of 9, I had already followed Marco Polo's adventures through the steppes of Mongolia and I never stopped dreaming!

Terry Lynn Johnson's vivid writing reflects a passion born out of her sled dog knowledge and as such brings readers of all ages a thrilling adventure!  

The suspense builds up from the onset when fourteen year old Victoria, unbeknownst to her mother, treks across the countryside to secure new lead dogs in hopes of winning the White Wolf race. 
Remembering her father's recommendations, she packs a sleeping bag and a few snacks at the last moment, a last minute decision which will prove vital.

Readers of ICE DOGS will find themselves turning page after page to find out what happens next to Victoria and her dogs when per chance they happen on young Chris and his wrecked snowmobile on the trail. 
Chris recently moved from Toronto to Alaska and is ill equipped for any outing in the wild. When a sudden storm moves in, the two young people must team up to survive and find their way home or die in the wilderness.

The author displays a keen knowledge of what makes a teenager do and say (baffling subjects for most of us at the best of times) and thus brings a reality to her characters any youngster will approve. There is at least one adult who understands them! 

With a fabulous plotline and great dialogue, ICE DOGS gives readers the opportunity to experience the challenging world of sled dog races, meet fantastic dogs and enjoy a good, healthy read!

I am certain everyone will find Terry Lynn's dedication to her parents most endearing as she praises their support in her sometimes ill advised adventures. 

A superb story of friendship and survival in the breathtaking but harsh Alaskan countryside!

The perfect gift for anyone, young and old alike and a great 5 stars!!

P.S. I cannot forget to mention the title is spot on Folks! Wait until you read the explanation!!

Note to Readers: This novel has been added to my list of reading gifts! It's that good!!


Meet the Author:

Image of Terry Lynn Johnson


Terry Lynn Johnson has a passion for sled dogs. Her own adventures with her team of eighteen Alaskan Huskies have provided her with a rich background to write from.
She's an award winning member of the Outdoor Writers of Canada, and she recently won the Maxwell Medallion of Excellence from the Dog Writers Association of America.
Ice Dogs, February 4, 2014, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt is a Junior Library Guild Selection.

Visit her website (HERE) for trailer, photos and fun activities!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book courtesy of the author as part of this book promotion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own. 



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