Dogsled Dreams is a debut novel by Terry Lynn Johnson about a girl who dreams of racing her dogs in the frozen north. This middle grade novel is fast-paced, stuffed full of doggy goodness and racing lingo, and charmed the anorak off me from the very first page. Johnson has created a story that will appeal equally to 7-year-old boys who love puppies and 12-year-old girls who dream of being on American Idol. That is quite a feat, and mark me impressed.
Rebecca lives with her dad and step-mom, raising their Alaskan Huskies. She dreams of being a champion musher and doesn’t shy away from the hard, cold work of caring for the dogs she loves. But will her dad ever let her run her own team? Or even race? One doggy adventure after another pulls Rebecca and her team toward the fame she imagines in her hilarious daydreams of success. And throughout, Rebecca’s love for her dogs shines as bright as the northern snow.
I wish I knew the reading level of this book, but it doesn’t shy away from the Big Words we discussed on Monday, with beautiful descriptions of the dogs and their snowy world. There’s even a glossary in the back with all the dog mushing terms, and a teacher’s guide on Johnson’s website. But I’m sure this would be a challenging read for young advanced readers, and a simply delightful story for the older ones. Except for the occasional porcupine quill encounters, there’s no violence to speak of in this lovely book. I highly recommend Dogsled Dreams for advanced readers as young as five.
RL: n/a CSM: n/a Rating: G Content: good, clean fun
See this interview of Terry on KarenG’s blog.
Nice review! I am posting an interview with Terry on my blog today. (not this link, the KarenG one) Altho I haven't yet read her book it is top on my to-read list! This makes me want to read it even more.
You already know how I heart, Terry. My daughter participated last year in a class project where they observed the Iditarod race. She even had her own musher. OMGosh, it was the best class project ever! I was even into it.
Oh wow, I bet my kids would love this book! I actually just discussed another dog-centric book on my blog today that really influenced me as a kid. Must be a good day for dogs for some reason LOL. Nice post:)
Sounds great. I had a dream about Dogsled Dreams last night and I didn't remember it until I saw your post. Weird, huh? This seems like it would make a great classroom book or read aloud book!
@Karen I'll have to add a link to your post!!
@Sheri How cool to actually observe that race!!
@Lindsay Dogs rule, cats drool? Or is that the other way around?
@Laura I can totally see dreaming about this book – it's captivating. And I totes recommended this to my favorite teachers.
I haven't read the entire book, but I have read a sample of it. Terri is a great writer. I also write MG, but am not published…yet.
Yay for Terry! Great review Susan. I think Dogsled Dreams is going to be huge hit with schools and kids everywhere. ๐
@Janet She really is talented! It's so fun to see a great new writer, bringing stories to kids!
@Shannon I hope so! I'm telling everyone I know about it! ๐
I loved this book. I've given to my school librarian to read, too! Good job, Susan and Terry!
Hmmm, my daughter might like this one, as she's currently obsessed with dogs.
@Darby Yay! Thanks for spreading the word.
@Bryan This is a girls-dog-book, if there ever was one.
@Bryan Did I mention it's set in Canada? ๐
Susan, I just realized I've never signed up as a "follower!!" (Wow, Darby, you are such a ditz!) There. Now you have 300.
(ooooh – like the Spartans!)
I'm going to check and see if our library bwill get a copy–our daughter would like it.
@Darby YAY!!! Which reminds me, it's about time for a follower contest.
@Carl Awesome! Thanks for spreading the word! ๐
This book is just the ticket for my classroom. Thanks you, Susan, for the recommendation.
Thanks for the great review! It's nice to know there are 'big words' in it too, speaking as an adult fan of MG and YA [g]
@Leslie Yay! It makes me happy Dogsled Dreams is making its way to kids' hands! ๐
@Deniz I was a lover of kidlit (esp boylit) before I was a writer, so I know EXACTLY what you mean. ๐
My copy just arrived in the mail today…I can't wait to read it. ๐ Thanks for the sneak peak!
@Sharon I'm sure you'll love it! And I found out Terry Lynn is working on a YA novel about the frozen north as well… !
I like good clean fun films and books. Maybe this could be made into a family movie.
@Stephen An excellent idea! ๐