Starred Review for Publishers Weekly (Thu Apr 28 00:00:00 CDT 2022)

Readers follow a 15-year-old boy, winner of the two-day, 158-mile Jr. Iditarod, in this photo-essay. "Dusty's stamina, courage and sportsmanship shine through," wrote <EMPHASIS TYPE=""ITALIC"">PW. Ages 8-12. <EMPHASIS TYPE=""ITALIC"">(Sept.)

ALA Booklist

This appealing photo-essay details the story of a 15-year-old Alaskan boy as he prepares for and runs the 158-mile course of the Junior Iditarod. Wood explains how Dusty cares for and trains his sled dogs, describes the equipment necessary for such an arduous trek, and recounts the last-minute preparations for the race. Clear, close-up color photographs portray every stage of the event and offer interesting information about the difficulties and hazards of this two-day competition. Particularly intriguing are an unexpected encounter with a moose and the arrangements that must be made so the dogs can rest during the forced 10-hour break along the trail. A good choice for classes studying Arctic regions, this will also be popular with browsers. (Reviewed March 15, 1996)

Horn Book

This photo essay traces the experiences of fifteen-year-old Dusty Whittemore as he prepares for and participates in the 158-mile Jr. Iditarod, a sled dog race for mushers aged fourteen to seventeen. Dusty's determination and eventual victory are related in measured prose; the large, clear, and greatly appealing color photographs best capture the excitement of the race and the beauty of the landscape.

Kirkus Reviews

A detailed, carefully written account of a 15-year-old boy's participation in the Junior Iditarod in Alaska, with large, colorful, action-packed photographs of the race. Readers learn of the origins of the original Iditarod as well as the more recent junior race, then follow Dusty through his preparations for the 158-mile journey, learning all about dogs and sleds along the way. Wood (with Guy Garcia, Spirit of the Maya, 1995, etc.) keeps the pace brisk and fills the pages with snow scenes, delivering a lot of information, organized in an engaging way. An attractive volume that captures the thrill of the race and comes with a bonus—Dusty takes first place. (map) (Picture book/nonfiction. 8-12)"

School Library Journal

Gr 3 Up--This beautiful photo essay follows 15-year-old Dusty Whittemore of Cantwell, AK, through the 1995 Jr. Iditarod Sled Dog Race--158 miles from Lake Lucille to Yentna and back. A brief history of the original Iditarod plus two maps, one of the adult race route and the larger one of the Junior Sled Dog Race, begin the essay. Unfortunately, some of this introductory information is incorrect, but the errors do not deter readers from seeing what it's like to be involved in dog mushing firsthand. Dusty is an excellent model of a young Alaskan athlete, and the text shows his concern for his dogs, his "trusted partners," and his love for the sport. A nice addition is an inside view of family life and schooling in rural Alaska. The full-color photography is outstanding, capturing the whiteness of the terrain and the hardiness of those who challenge the wilderness in this popular winter sport. This book will appeal to anyone who yearns for an armchair modern day Alaskan adventure. Plus, how many books in the 798's do you have on dog mushing?--Mollie Bynum, formerly at Chester Valley Elementary School, Anchorage, AK