In honor of the Iditarod dog sled race which started March 3, I have chosen these books for my Read to Me Challenge.
By: Shelley Gill Illustrated by Shannon Cartwright
Awards :Alaska's best selling children's book about the Last great race.
Book synopsis: Random House
Kiana is no ordinary dog. Born and bred to race, she leads her team of huskies on a journey unlike any other. The Iditarod - known traditionally as Alaska's 'Last Great Race' - spans 1,049 icy miles from Anchorage to Nome. From the treacherous terrain to the bitter, blowing winds, the trail is full of obstacles Kiana and her team must overcome in order to reach the finish line. Along the way, they encounter packs of wild wolves, a mighty moose, and other dog-sled teams fighting for first place. Can Kiana summon the strength of her team and lead them to victory? Author Shelley Gill brings her firsthand experience as the fifth woman to complete the Iditarod race to this crackling adventure story, while Shannon Cartwright's vibrant color illustrations bring Kiana and her team's extraordinary efforts to life for young readers.
The birch dipped icy spears of light,
to dance upon the scene.
The morning of the last great race,
the dog lot was serene.
The sled was packed the runners sharp,
the harnesses dry and clean.
Atop their houses the huskies lay,
breathing frosty puffs of steam.
Why I like this book: This book is a delightful book written in rhyme telling about the experience of a dog out on the Iditarod trail. This book definitely had to have a lot of explanation because of the use figurative language. That did not stop my critics from enjoying the book or asking me to read it again.
Critique from Room 502
My 2nd graders were held captive by the flow of the Language. Their inquisitiveness led them to ask numerous questions about the iditarod. Hand after hand went up to ask questions, showing my students were truly thinking, isn't that what reading is...thinking. The figurative language made it a little difficult for them to understand the whole story. They are only second graders after all. Lucky for me, we read this book twice and the second time they chimed in enjoying the reading of good book. It goes to show you how important it is to read to children and make sure they are exposed to all kinds of books.
The critics give this book a thumbs up and I give it one too!
Happy Reading and Writing:)
It's so poetic, and it sounds exciting. Glad your 2nd graders enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing Cheryl.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by. Rhyming books are such fun to read.
DeleteI just picked up Kiana's Iditarod at the library yesterday - it was on display. Glad I did, my kids liked the story. I liked how it was told through the dog's pov.
DeleteYeah! Glad they liked it.
DeleteI really like that quote...so visual...I think I might have to go back to the library tomorrow...lol...
ReplyDeleteDonna this is a great book which tells a wonderful story.
DeleteHi Cheryl, I haven't had the chance to read these books yet, but they all do look very lovely. Will check them out next time I visit our library.
ReplyDeleteIf you have boys, they will love these books. Well, my girls loved them too. Thank you for stopping by.
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