Black Star, Bright Dawn

Gr 6—10—Intensity, frigid cold, a girl coming of age, and an independent-minded husky-wolf mix dominate Scott O'Dell's story (Houghton Mifflin, 1988) of the Iditarod's 1200 mile arctic race. In the beginning, Bright Dawn's father is asked to run the Iditarod. He previously suffered an injury to both his body and his soul from an encounter with the arctic's devastating terrain, and yearns to redeem himself. He pours his heart and soul into training. But an accident leaves him injured and unable to participate, so his daughter steps in to take his place. She chooses Black Star to lead the team, a dog who her father distrusts. An experienced runner Bright Dawn at the start of the race, offering wisdom and Eskimo folklore along the way. The adventure that follows is full of peril and emotional twists. Bright Dawn brings depth to the character of a female protagonist. Black Star makes an intriguing lead dog, but his story is not fully explored. Jessica Almasy's mesmerizing voices for all the characters will hook listeners to the end. Although several of the story threads fizzle, the emotional tug, captivating environment, and compelling storytelling make this audiobook a must-have.—Robyn Gioia, Bolles School, Ponte Vedra, FL