Akiak: A Tale From the Iditarod [Paperback]

Robert J. Blake (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

When she hurts her paw on the fourth day of the race, Akiak can no longer compete in the Iditarod—the famed dogsledding race through 1,151 miles of Alaskan terrain. Her musher has no choice but to leave her behind. The rules say once a dog is dropped from the race, it may not rejoin the team. But ten-year-old lead dog Akiak doesn’t know the rules, and nothing will stop her from catching up to her team. Akiak has never won the race before. Will she be able to help her team win this time?

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3. Left behind because of an injury, a lead husky sets out on her own to find her team and win the race. An action-packed tale of daring, determination, and dedication.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Kirkus Reviews

From Jack London's Call of the Wild to Gary Paulsen's many tales, the relationship between humans and dogs as they face the harsh northern climes has captivated readers. Recapitulating that theme is Blake's story of the 1,151-mile Iditarod from Anchorage to Nome; Mick's lead dog is Akiak, who pounds through wind and across snow, never getting lost. Then, on Day Four, ice jams up one of Akiak's pawpads and she is taken out of the race and almost flown home. She twists free of her handler before the plane takes off, pushes through blizzards and past checkpoints, sticking to the trail and eventually meeting up with Mick; according to the rules, Akiak cannot be harnessed up again but she does prevent her mistress from taking the wrong trail before climbing aboard the sled for the ride to a first-place finish. Blake's naturalistic icy blue paintings chronicle Akiak's independent race across lone landscapes, burrowing in snowdrifts for shelter and escaping well-meaning trail volunteers. The rugged style translates well from the ocean setting of Spray (1996) to the untamed Alaskan terrain; the textured slathers of oil paint in repeated cold tones are perfect for icy plains, tracks in the snow, and rooftop icicles. Akiak's efforts may not constitute life-and-death drama, but young readers will cheer the heroic dog on in this satisfying outdoor adventure. (Picture book. 5-10) -- Copyright ©1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Paperback: 40 pages
• Publisher: Puffin (October 21, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0142401854
• ISBN-13: 978-0142401859
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 7.8 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #80,074 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #12 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Sports & Activities > Sports > Winter Sports
  • #18 in Books > Children's Books > Sports & Games > Sports > Winter Sports
  • #33 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Sports & Activities > Sports > General

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A heartwarming dog story from the land of bitter cold!, May 10, 2001

By 

Volkert Volkersz (Snohomish, WA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Akiak : A Tale from the Iditarod (Hardcover)

We recently added "Akiak" to our elementary school library collection, because one of our primary classes was following this year's Iditarod. It instantly became a popular title, and several other classes have thoroughly enjoyed it as a read-aloud.

I can see "Akiak" becoming an annual tradition, right before the first "mush" of the famous Alaskan sled-dog race.

In frosty clear language, accompanied by his museum-quality oil paintings, Robert Blake, presents a day by day account of Mick's team, initially led by 10 year-old Akiak, until she "can't run on that paw." Akiak is left at a dog drop, but refusing to be flown out, she breaks free to chase after her team, many hours behind.

In this "incredible journey," students get a taste of the Alaskan's passion for this unique sport, learning about the hardships and rules of the race along the way. The trail map on the end papers would be helpful for those wanting to turn this into a simple geography lesson.

This excellent story works on many levels. This is worth reading, even if you're just looking for a heartwarming dog story!

14 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Colorful dramatic paintings add to the descriptive narrative, October 22, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Akiak : A Tale from the Iditarod (Hardcover)

I strongly advise parents to adopt this book as one of their all time favorites. It explains an American tradition that most of us are unfamiliar with. The paintings alone are worth the cost of the book. Mr. Blake has used true artistry to describe the trama of the Iditarod. We Loved It!

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Iditarod brought to life, March 30, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Akiak : A Tale from the Iditarod (Hardcover)

My kids thoroughly enjoyed this story of the dog who refused to give up when it becomes injured during the race and runs the Iditarod trail alone. The pictures are absolutely beautiful as well. There is plenty of action and suspense, and my children beg to hear it every night!