Review from Kirkus Reviews for ALASKA! Danger on the Mushing
"...Failing has concocted an inspiring adventure here, with enough details about Alaska—especially the dogsledding world—to give readers an enticing taste of the 49th state.
The action, particularly the heart-pounding climactic race, is exciting, and the characters, led by Josh and Lizzie, are well drawn and largely sympathetic and likeable. The lessons they learn about overcoming fears and doing the right thing (even when it’s difficult)
will resonate with young readers.
And there’s more to come—Josh and Lizzie’s parents are travel bloggers, and that profession lends itself to a peripatetic series. Readers will look forward to further adventures, happy that
Josh and Lizzie will be along for the ride.
Warmth and suspense mark this tale that teaches life lessons through exciting action."
— Kirkus Reviews
Reviews from Across the Country
"Barbara Larmon Failing's tale of a young boy overcoming his deep-seated fear of dogs by unexpectedly becoming involved in sled dog racing is a winner. Rich with details of the Alaskan sled dog culture and with a terrific, heart-pounding final scene, middle-grade readers will become lost in this exciting, entertaining, and educational story."
—Rebecca - Librarian, Adirondacks, New York
"I think a lot of kids my age will find ALASKA! Danger on the Mushing Trail, a book about sled dog racing, interesting. I did."
—Eli - 6th grade, New Hampshire
"5 stars! What an exciting adventure in America’s 49th state! It’s fun, informative, and a real page turner!"
—Susan - Grandmother of three and retired elementary school teacher, New Jersey
"Curious about dog sledding in Alaska – the dogs, the sleds, the gear, the mushers, the fun, and the dangers? Then this is the book for you! Immerse yourself in the tale of children confronted with deep snow and bitter cold, vigorous strong dogs, an unsavory musher, unknown forests and frozen lakes - plus problems they’ve never faced before. Will courage and determination save them all? You’ll find out!"
—Ruth Grant - Teacher and naturalist, Colorado
"Who among us has forgotten the self-doubt and angst that accompanied our preteen and teenage years? Barbara Larmon Failing’s main character, Josh, will encourage young readers as he triumphs over his greatest fear and finds himself to be stronger and more resilient than he believed himself to be. The author also deftly weaves pertinent facts about Alaskan culture and the sport of mushing into her narrative. Well done!"
—Maggie Humble - Speech-language pathologist and special education teacher, Bartlesville, Oklahoma
"Interesting, suspenseful, exciting … and I learned a lot about something I knew absolutely nothing about. It was great."
—Sara Clancy - Poet and author of Ghost Logic, American Southwest
"From the moment Josh and Lizzie land in Alaska with their parents, their heart-pumping adventure will keep you drawn to the page. You’ll feel like you are right beside them as they navigate winter trails, overcoming insurmountable challenges. Follow these compelling characters on an exhilarating ride!"
—Michele - Illustrator and educator, Tennessee
"ALASKA! Danger on the Mushing Trail is exciting and informative. Eleven-year-old twins, Josh and Lizzie, are drawn into the world of sled dog racing by their cousin, Brent, who's preparing for an important upcoming competition. As the story unfolds, Lizzie and Josh find themselves forced to overcome challenges of honesty, maturity, and personal fears in this face-paced novel."
—Ken Brynildsen - Author and editor, Massachusetts
"This is the first in a new series and is an exciting, authentic, suspenseful adventure that takes place in our 49th state. I highly recommend it."
—D. Finn - Chapel Hill, North Carolina
"Danger on the Mushing Trail features superb storytelling and draws readers in with strong characters and a gripping conclusion. Kids will love it!"
—Susan - Middle-grade author and former teacher, New York
"This story gives a look at the close relationship of a sled dog driver and his team of dogs."
—Betty - Grandmother of 2, Missouri
