Akiak : A Tale from the Iditarod [Paperback]

Robert J. Blake (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 40 pages
• Publisher: Scholastic Canada, Limited; Library Edition edition (1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0590642677
• ISBN-13: 978-0590642675
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.6 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,055,430 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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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!