Description
A girl, her mother, and their dog must find a way to survive in gold rush-era Alaska.
After escaping from his brutal and merciless owner, Murphy is taken in by a young girl named Sally. She and her mother have just arrived in Nome, Alaska, intent on joining the other gold seekers and making a new life. Yet even with Murphy at their side, Sally and Mama find living in the mining town harsh and forbidding.
When it seems they may have to return to San Francisco, Sally and Murphy decide to strike out on their own, hoping to find gold and make a permanent home. But dangers await them—not only blizzards and grizzly bears, but also Murphy’s original owner, who will stop at nothing to get what he wants.
The Dog Chronicles series features fast-paced, fascinating historical fiction about working dogs, perfect for readers who love books.
Reviews
“Equal parts heart-wrenching and -warming…its message of the value of love over greed is as subtle as it is powerful. An adventure-filled tale set within a fascinating period of history.” ―Kirkus Reviews
“Give this one to sensitive readers who love dog stories but aren’t ready for the heartache of books like Fred Gibson’s Old Yeller (HarperCollins, 1995) and Wilson Rawls’s Where the Red Fern Grows (Yearling, 1996).” ―School Library Journal
“Readers will be quickly hooked by how Murphy tells his own story, sharing his fears, excitement, and joys. Montgomery’s childlike pencil-and-ink drawings add a nice touch.” ―Booklist Online
“This charming dog’s-eye-view adventure set in 1900 will please dog lovers and historical fiction fans alike.” ―The Horn Book Guide
Awards
Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Intermediate) ―Kansas National Education Association, 2015
Great Stone Face Children’s Book Award (Nominee) ―Children’s Librarians of New Hampshire, 2015-2016
More Details
AR Level: 4.6
F&P: V, Gr 5, Genre F
Lexile: 680L
Themes: Alaska Territory, Gold Rush, Westward Expansion, Working Dogs
BISAC 1: JUV016150 JUVENILE FICTION / Historical / United States / 20th Century
BISAC 2: JUV001010 JUVENILE FICTION / Action & Adventure / Survival Stories
BISAC 3: JUV002070 JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Dogs
