Balto and the Great Race

March 1, 2000
Gr 3-5-Kimmel presents the legendary story of the part-husky/part-wolf sled dog that braved severe blizzard conditions to take antitoxin serum to a remote Alaskan village in 1925. When the town was stricken by a diphtheria epidemic, Balto overcame unbelievable obstacles to accomplish what other dogs could not. This heroic canine has been immortalized in statue, film, and now in a book that brings his story to life. Kimmel's writing deftly combines geography, sled racing, and historical background with the gripping adventure of Balto's race to save lives. In many ways, the book reads like fast-paced fiction. Koerber's service- able black-and-white illustrations appear throughout and reflect the action. Sure to appeal to beginning chapter-book readers.-Christy Norris Blanchette, Valley Cottage Library, NY

Copyright 2000 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 15, 1999
Gr. 3^-5, younger for reading aloud. The story of how a Siberian husky bravely led a team of dogs through a raging Alaskan snowstorm to deliver medicine to sick children is such an incredible one it's hard to believe it's true. In fact, Kimmel's text reads more like fiction than fact, partly because of her flair for drama and partly because she often relates Balto's thoughts and feelings, a technique that works exceptionally well here, drawing children into the story and transporting them back to 1925 Alaska. The book's only flaw is Kimmel's departure from the story to give readers related information--such as a discussion of the Iditarod, which, unfortunately, comes during one of the most exciting parts. Such discussions could have been saved for an endnote. Still, this exciting tale will thrill its middle-grade target audience and make a great read-aloud for younger children. The illustrations not available for review. ((Reviewed October 15, 1999))(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 1999, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2000
In 1925, the children of Nome, Alaska, were saved from a diphtheria epidemic thanks to the heroic efforts of a sled dog whose team delivered a supply of antitoxin serum. Thoughts and memories attributed to the dog mar the story, but readers will relish this chapter book's account of Balto's hazardous journey and the story of what happened to him after he became a national hero.

(Copyright 2000 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)