Dog Driven by Terry Lynn Johnson
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on December 3, 2019
ISBN: 1328551598
Pages: 240
Genres: Adventure, Animals, Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

Fourteen old McKenna is competing in a sled dog race from Sault St. Marie to White River, Ontario to commemorate the early postal carriers from the mid-1800s to the early 1900s. Her sister, Em, has a degenerative eye disease called Stargart’s. Em wants McKenna to run this race to help raise awareness about her disease. McKenna knows the signs of this disease and is well aware of what is happening with her own failing vision, but is keeping it a secret from her parents. McKenna is very apprehensive about this race in the Canadian wilderness, but is determined to compete. The race is difficult and dangerous. The characters are well developed in this action filled novel. The descriptions of the sled dogs and their handling is informative and engaging. This story about perseverance, friendship, sacrifice, and trust will appeal to a large audience. It would work well as a classroom novel. There is an author’s note that explains that many of the elements of the story are based on historical events. The author is a very experienced musher and lives in Ontario. I highly recommend this exciting and enjoyable book for ages 10 and up. Reviewed by Kris Zuidema, retired school librarian, Standish.
Recommend for Cream of the Crop