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!