Balto and the Great Race

I enjoyed this book for two reasons. First, I really love the development of Balto’s character throughout the book. With lines like, “Balto knew what was expected of him. In the past, Kaasen had sometimes noticed Balto acting with wisdom and understanding. But, Balto had never seemed more aware of what was expected of him than on this day,” and “Balto leaned forward in his harness, straining to be on his way. He leaned, without being told, in the direction of Nome. He remembered what they had left behind in that town and why they needed to return.” These lines give Balto a personal touch and allow readers to understand the development of his leadership. I also like the illustrations in this transition chapter book. The show more illustrations help readers, who most likely, have no prior knowledge on mushing or Alaska, to have a visual. One of the pictures shows Balto and his team mushing. To simply describe this sport with words, lacks meaning. To accompany the words with a realistic illustration creates a more meaningful read. The main idea of this book is that anyone can be a leader. show less

“Balto and the Great Race” by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel is a chapter book that tells the historical story of the sled dog Balto. Balto and his team must go on a long and dangerous journey to get medicine to save their isolated Alaskan town’s sick children. The book highlights dogs-human relationships, bravery, intuition, and accurate historical attributes. I love these themes and would absolutely have this book in my class. This drama creates a unique perspective from the dogs, individuals, and cities as a whole. The illustrations includes maps of the journey and realistic pictures of the landscapes that make the book a reality in a way that encourages reading comprehension. I actually recall reading this book as a young learner and show more being engrossed in the story because of the unique historical perspective and the setting being in a place I had never imagined living. show less

Balto has a quiet life as a sled dog--until tragedy strikes. Dozens of children in Nome become sick with diphtheria. Without antitoxin serum, they will perish--and the closest supply is 650 miles away! The only way to get the serum to Nome is by sled, but can the dogs deliver it in time? Heading bravely into a brutal blizzard, Balto leads the race for life.

Quick easy read but nothing to write home about.

excellent