Balto and Togo: Hero Dogs of Alaska {Review}

 

This middle school historical fiction takes readers back to the diphtheria outbreak of 1924.  The town of Nome is facing a deadly disease attacking it's citizens.  But getting one million units of antitoxin to Alaska in the middle of the winter is no easy task.  Nome's only hope lies in the hands of Alaska's mushers and sled dogs.  Are these dogs up for the task?  Or will Alska find itself in the midst of a full-blown epidemic?

Balto and Togo: Hero Dogs of Alaska tells this true story from the perspective of townspeople, mushers, and sled dogs.  While the townsfolk understand what's happening, the dogs sense the urgency of the situation and rise to the challenge.  The dog chapters not only focus on Balto and Togo, but the many dog teams that banded together to make the Serum Run a success.  The author does a beautiful job of weaving fact and fiction together, keeping me on the edge of my seat for the entire book.  I also asked my 12 year old son what he thought.  He really enjoyed this book as he said he knew a little about the Serum Run, but Balto and Togo made the background information so much clearer.  He really came away from this book with a better understanding of the events.

All in all, I would whole heartedly recommend this one.  It would make a great read aloud as well as an independent read for any middle schooler.  Cannot recommend this title highly enough.

*Disclaimer: I recieved a free copy of this book from the publisher.  All opinions are my own.