ALA Booklist (Fri Oct 01 00:00:00 CDT 1999)

for reading aloud. The story of how a Siberian husky bravely led a team of dogs through a raging Alaskan snowstorm to deliver medicine to sick children is such an incredible one it's hard to believe it's true. In fact, Kimmel's text reads more like fiction than fact, partly because of her flair for drama and partly because she often relates Balto's thoughts and feelings, a technique that works exceptionally well here, drawing children into the story and transporting them back to 1925 Alaska. The book's only flaw is Kimmel's departure from the story to give readers related information--such as a discussion of the Iditarod, which, unfortunately, comes during one of the most exciting parts. Such discussions could have been saved for an endnote. Still, this exciting tale will thrill its middle-grade target audience and make a great read-aloud for younger children. The illustrations not available for review. (Reviewed October 15, 1999)

Horn Book (Tue Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2000)

In 1925, the children of Nome, Alaska, were saved from a diphtheria epidemic thanks to the heroic efforts of a sled dog whose team delivered a supply of antitoxin serum. Thoughts and memories attributed to the dog mar the story, but readers will relish this chapter book's account of Balto's hazardous journey and the story of what happened to him after he became a national hero.

Kirkus Reviews

paper 0-679-89198-6 This Stepping Stone entry takes on the story of Balto, which, in its facts, is thrilling: a Siberian husky becomes lead dog on his team and tracks through a raging blizzard to bring desperately needed antitoxin serum to Nome in 1925. Kimmel (Ice Story, p. 66, etc.) explains how dangerous diphtheria was at the time, how isolated Nome was, and how severe the weather condition, but the telling is often mired in awkward metaphors and repetition. Emily Morgan, the nurse who worked beside Dr. Curtis Welch in Nome, isn't mentioned until halfway through the book. Anthropomorphic analysis of Balto's "feelings" and "thoughts" are included, detracting from the tale for all but the most fanatical of dog-lovers. (b&w illustrations, not seen) (Nonfiction, ages 8-11)

School Library Journal

Gr 3-5-Kimmel presents the legendary story of the part-husky/part-wolf sled dog that braved severe blizzard conditions to take antitoxin serum to a remote Alaskan village in 1925. When the town was stricken by a diphtheria epidemic, Balto overcame unbelievable obstacles to accomplish what other dogs could not. This heroic canine has been immortalized in statue, film, and now in a book that brings his story to life. Kimmel's writing deftly combines geography, sled racing, and historical background with the gripping adventure of Balto's race to save lives. In many ways, the book reads like fast-paced fiction. Koerber's service- able black-and-white illustrations appear throughout and reflect the action. Sure to appeal to beginning chapter-book readers.-Christy Norris Blanchette, Valley Cottage Library, NY Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.