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Ice Dogs
Victoria Secord, a 14-year-old Alaskan dogsled racer, loses her way on a routine outing with her dogs. With food gone and temperatures dropping, her survival, and that of her dogs and the mysterious boy she meets in the woods, is entirely up to her.
Author Terry Lynn Johnson is a musher herself and her crackling writing puts readers at the reins as Victoria and Chris experience setbacks, mistakes, and small triumphs in their wilderness adventure.
Author Terry Lynn Johnson is a musher herself and her crackling writing puts readers at the reins as Victoria and Chris experience setbacks, mistakes, and small triumphs in their wilderness adventure.
279 pages, Hardcover
First published February 4, 2014
172 people are currently reading
3,172 people want to read
About the author
Terry Lynn Johnson
12 books335 followersTerry Lynn Johnson writes outdoor adventures inspired by her own team of eighteen Alaskan huskies. Her passion for adventure has provided her with a rich background to write from.
When she's not writing, Terry enjoys hiking, snowshoeing, and kayaking. She works as a Conservation Officer (Game Warden) in Whitefish Falls, Ontario.
She is represented by Caryn Wiseman of the Andrea Brown Literary Agency.
When she's not writing, Terry enjoys hiking, snowshoeing, and kayaking. She works as a Conservation Officer (Game Warden) in Whitefish Falls, Ontario.
She is represented by Caryn Wiseman of the Andrea Brown Literary Agency.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 480 reviews
January 2, 2025
This is typically a YA novel, but can be attractive for all ages.
Victoria is a very precocious, but smart 14-year-old girl who lives in Alaska and loves to compete in dog sled races. She decides she would like to buy some more dogs, so she takes off with her team and her lead dog, Bean. While having trouble locating the house where the dogs are for sale, she comes across an injured boy named Chris who has crashed his snowmobile into a tree. Chris is new to the area, and not very knowledgeable in the ways of survival.
But…Luckily for him, Victoria has learned from her father, who was a trapper before he passed away.
Now…Not so lucky for them, they are now lost, it is snowing and their supplies are low.
Will they make it out alive?
This was a compelling tale of “will they or won’t they” survive in the cold.
The writing was crisp (no pun intended). The author obviously knows something about dog sledding, and she brings her knowledge to the pages. She also has a way of knowing what it takes to survive in a frozen wilderness that comes out clearly in her writing.
The characters of Chris and Victoria are believable. As an example, there were moments in which Victoria was shown to be the heroine in helping to save an injured Chris, and yet, Chris had skills that were helping the dogs.
Also…There is much to be said about the dogs. They play a significant role in this book, and that can’t be understated here.
The book had a slow start, but once it got into finding ways to get the story moving into finding ways to survive, it became a very interesting and compelling read.
Victoria is a very precocious, but smart 14-year-old girl who lives in Alaska and loves to compete in dog sled races. She decides she would like to buy some more dogs, so she takes off with her team and her lead dog, Bean. While having trouble locating the house where the dogs are for sale, she comes across an injured boy named Chris who has crashed his snowmobile into a tree. Chris is new to the area, and not very knowledgeable in the ways of survival.
But…Luckily for him, Victoria has learned from her father, who was a trapper before he passed away.
Now…Not so lucky for them, they are now lost, it is snowing and their supplies are low.
Will they make it out alive?
This was a compelling tale of “will they or won’t they” survive in the cold.
The writing was crisp (no pun intended). The author obviously knows something about dog sledding, and she brings her knowledge to the pages. She also has a way of knowing what it takes to survive in a frozen wilderness that comes out clearly in her writing.
The characters of Chris and Victoria are believable. As an example, there were moments in which Victoria was shown to be the heroine in helping to save an injured Chris, and yet, Chris had skills that were helping the dogs.
Also…There is much to be said about the dogs. They play a significant role in this book, and that can’t be understated here.
The book had a slow start, but once it got into finding ways to get the story moving into finding ways to survive, it became a very interesting and compelling read.
July 5, 2013
Was lucky enough to read an early draft of this great survival story and fell in love with the dogs! Lots of shivers, lots of strife, and a girl at the center with backbone and heart.
Plus, look at the dog eyeballs on that cover. Be mesmerized, by the dog eyeballs...
Plus, look at the dog eyeballs on that cover. Be mesmerized, by the dog eyeballs...
April 1, 2014
ICE DOGS is a Junior Library Guild Selection!
"a page-turner full of white-knuckle action…Readers will be riveted until the end." -- Publishers Weekly
"(A) thoroughly engaging and incredibly suspenseful survival story… Well crafted, moving and gripping." -- Kirkus
"The high-stakes adventure and episodic nature of the chapters will make this book an easy sell for reluctant readers." -- School Library Journal
"This is the best book in the history of the world." -- Sandy Johnson (author's mom)
update: latest review "Emotionally satisfying and insightful, this story has staying power." -- Booklist
"a page-turner full of white-knuckle action…Readers will be riveted until the end." -- Publishers Weekly
"(A) thoroughly engaging and incredibly suspenseful survival story… Well crafted, moving and gripping." -- Kirkus
"The high-stakes adventure and episodic nature of the chapters will make this book an easy sell for reluctant readers." -- School Library Journal
"This is the best book in the history of the world." -- Sandy Johnson (author's mom)
update: latest review "Emotionally satisfying and insightful, this story has staying power." -- Booklist
June 7, 2019
A coming-of-age/survival story about a young Alaskan girl, the teenage boy she rescues, and her team of sled dogs.
My heart melted every time there was an interaction between the dogs and our young heroine. I cried twice. An emotionally satisfying YA read. I loved it. 4.5 stars
My heart melted every time there was an interaction between the dogs and our young heroine. I cried twice. An emotionally satisfying YA read. I loved it. 4.5 stars
March 2, 2014
Ice Dogs is a young adult novel written about a junior musher in Alaska. She takes her dogs out for a run (with the sled and all its trappings) and ends up finding a snowmobiler that needs help. They get lost, and this is the story of their voyage back to civilization. Victoria Secord has a special bond with her sled dogs, and she trusts them with her life every time they run together. Ice Dogs will show you why her trust is so well-placed, and just how strong the bond between dog and human can be. I'm a sucker for dog-centric stories, but I found this one to be well-written and very touching. Not too many novels can actually bring me to tears, but this one did. The writing is excellent, the plot development was very good and there were times I felt like I was right there, in the cold and snow and wind. I would not only recommend Ice Dogs to young adults, but also to any adult readers that enjoy canine adventure stories.
May 1, 2024
This was fun read! Quick, intense, and plenty going on to hold my interest!
Characters:
Vicky was relatable and just a nice female character. I loved her relationship with her dad and uncle. So sweet!
Chris...he made me laugh, not gonna lie...lol...if I was lost with him, he'd have been regretting that I saved him after his few mistakes. XD I would have needed to pray for extra patience to handle him and his blunders...lol...
The dogs were so cute! Bean was my favorite! So cute!
Themes:
We can't change the past and we don't need to blame ourselves or others for the things that have happened.
Language:
N/A
Romance:
Hinted, but not.
Chris makes a few comments in the beginning about their situation but as the story rolls on you realize he's just a big jokester and that's all it was.
Overall:
This story was intense and very good! I'm glad a snagged it for 2 bucks at McKays last year in April...lol...
It was definitely worth it!
Recommend ages 11+ because of Chris's joking comments.
Characters:
Vicky was relatable and just a nice female character. I loved her relationship with her dad and uncle. So sweet!
Chris...he made me laugh, not gonna lie...lol...if I was lost with him, he'd have been regretting that I saved him after his few mistakes. XD I would have needed to pray for extra patience to handle him and his blunders...lol...
The dogs were so cute! Bean was my favorite! So cute!
Themes:
We can't change the past and we don't need to blame ourselves or others for the things that have happened.
Language:
N/A
Romance:
Hinted, but not.
Chris makes a few comments in the beginning about their situation but as the story rolls on you realize he's just a big jokester and that's all it was.
Overall:
This story was intense and very good! I'm glad a snagged it for 2 bucks at McKays last year in April...lol...
It was definitely worth it!
Recommend ages 11+ because of Chris's joking comments.
February 2, 2018
My adult granddaughter has a blue-eyed Siberian husky, so I bought this book for her 10-yr-old daughter(my great granddaughter, who is an avid reader) to read, thinking she would enjoy it because of their husky. She was very happy because she had started reading her school library's copy, but wasn't able to finish it before it was due back. Can't wait to discuss this book with her! :D
I have always been awed by the hardship of sled-dog mushing/racing, particularly because of the environment, so I decided to borrow this from my library to read, and I am glad that I did, as I found it a great suspense story. It was also very informative, about survival in frigid, snowy conditions.
A treat for dog-lovers.
I have always been awed by the hardship of sled-dog mushing/racing, particularly because of the environment, so I decided to borrow this from my library to read, and I am glad that I did, as I found it a great suspense story. It was also very informative, about survival in frigid, snowy conditions.
A treat for dog-lovers.
January 14, 2022
Great book! Books dealing with dogsledding are my favorites, but even without that, it was a great story. I think books about dog sledding just lend themselves to dramatic moments like almost dying. This is a quick read. Could be considered youth as our heroine is 14, but any book is a kids book once they can read, and a great book can be enjoyed by anyone.
I am putting this in my favorite book category. I enjoyed her other book 'Sled Dog School' as well, but I liked this one even more.
I am putting this in my favorite book category. I enjoyed her other book 'Sled Dog School' as well, but I liked this one even more.
December 31, 2017
This book is amazing! Is full of emotions, good lessons and things that we all need to understand in our lifes. At the start I was quite sceptical about all events and storyline. But no doubt it's a great story that will stay with me for a long time. I cried like a baby and yet, I'm so happy that I read this book!
January 11, 2021
Ice Dogs was a fun and interesting book to dive into. Since I'm a huge dog lover and have hopes/dreams of visiting Alaska before I die, I was really excited to dive into this audiobook. It also doesn't help that I'm completely jealous of the 14 year old MC, Victoria, either. She gets to be around dogs 24/7? Ugh. So freaking jealous.
Plus knowing that she's a little musher, going on adventures/races with her dogs, and seeing the beautiful sights of Alaska? AGAIN, I am freaking jealous! All I've seen is my bedroom, kitchen, living room, backyard, Ashburn, and possibly a CVS or grocery store. On repeat.
So anytime I can go on an adventure in a book.. well, let's just say that I'm completely desperate and have no hesitations.
Other than being jealous, Victoria does have some ups and downs on this race. She ends up meeting Chris and going on a dangerous adventure. They might even see a moose or two but they definitely find themselves in trouble for most of this.
In the end, I'm very happy that everyone (including the dogs) ended up safe and back home.
Plus knowing that she's a little musher, going on adventures/races with her dogs, and seeing the beautiful sights of Alaska? AGAIN, I am freaking jealous! All I've seen is my bedroom, kitchen, living room, backyard, Ashburn, and possibly a CVS or grocery store. On repeat.
So anytime I can go on an adventure in a book.. well, let's just say that I'm completely desperate and have no hesitations.
Other than being jealous, Victoria does have some ups and downs on this race. She ends up meeting Chris and going on a dangerous adventure. They might even see a moose or two but they definitely find themselves in trouble for most of this.
In the end, I'm very happy that everyone (including the dogs) ended up safe and back home.
December 20, 2019
This book was wonderful! I felt as though I were visiting Alaska as I did in 2012, seeing the mushers with their sled dogs. And Johnson’s descriptions of the scenery were breathtaking. It was an excellent adventure story that featured a teenage girl with an unusual hobby. I believe it would appeal to middle-grade boys and girls alike.
August 7, 2013
This would be a great book to pair with Hatchet by Gary Paulsen.
January 9, 2021
This was a nice quick read, I was able to read it in one sitting. Pretty suspenseful and just cool to read about mushing and survival skills.
*Rec from my sister*
*Rec from my sister*
November 28, 2021
Oh, I loved this book! Fast read, kept me on my toes. Never a boring moment! Sometimes nail biting! Great read! 5 stars!! 🐾
January 10, 2017
LOVE,LOVE,LOVE,LOVED this book!!!!! Its a survival story, with heartwarming characters, its sometimes funny, and a great storyline. I will DEFINITELY be reading this against soon. :)
January 18, 2018
When a dogsledding story is done well, I can't think of anything more beautiful to write about in the natural world. Racing for miles through glittery, unbroken snow; blizzard conditions as eerie and deadly as the deep ocean; frozen bodies of water that one feels a twinge of fear in crossing, however solid the ice appears to be. Gary Paulsen wrote a few classic dogsledding books, and their realism owes to the years he spent running his dog team in Minnesota and Alaska, even completing the legendary Iditarod race. Terry Lynn Johnson has similar experience to draw on, and Ice Dogs is probably more compelling than if she were merely a writer who did research. Extreme cold is the enemy for fourteen-year-old Victoria Secord and her sled dogs when they lose their way in the Alaskan wilderness. To make it to safety they'll need heavy doses of luck and pluck, and even that might not be sufficient to tame the wilds.
Victoria doesn't like the gist of recent conversations between her mother and maternal grandmother. Victoria's mother seems to like the idea of moving to a warmer climate after Victoria's father died in a dogsledding accident when he was out alone. He loved running the dogs all winter in Alaska, as Victoria does, but her mother might be happier starting over elsewhere. Still mourning her father, Victoria wants no part of moving away from the open land she and her dogs have to run. She's coming into her own as a competitive musher behind Bean, Blue, and the rest of her dogs. Leaving now would mean never fulfilling their potential as a team, and that would feel like dishonoring her father's memory. One afternoon she sets out with the dogs to meet Jeremy Cook, a local breeder who can get her a couple more quality canines to firm up her team's leadership, a must if she's to start winning races. Victoria has no idea she's embarking on a life-threatening adventure.
The weather turns bad en route to Cook's place and Victoria considers hunkering down for the night, though her mother would worry because Victoria didn't tell her she was going on this trip. Before Victoria can decide, she finds a boy her age in the snow, injured in a snowmobile wreck. Chris recently moved here from the city, and doesn't know the wilderness as Victoria does. On his own in this blizzard, his snowmobile broken down, he'd die. They head for Cook's place hoping to arrive before nightfall, but the snowstorm is out of control. Sharp as the dogs' instincts are, they can't sniff out the trail to Cook's house, and Victoria grows anxious as they continue forward with no sign of civilization on the horizon. She, Chris, and the dogs can hole up in their sled for a night or two, but they can't survive indefinitely without adequate shelter, especially with no food. Hope for rescue fades as days pass and they seem farther from society than ever, and Victoria's arguments with Chris only serve to distract her. She can't figure out if she likes the city boy, but he's not much help in a survival situation. The humans and dogs weaken each day, and though Victoria doesn't want to admit it, the odds are against them living through this adventure. Where is the hero they desperately need?
Gary Paulsen's admiration for dogs is evident in his writing, and the same can be said of Terry Lynn Johnson's. Though young, Victoria recognizes her dogs' instinctual wisdom. "Sometimes I wish I could trade places with the dogs. They only have to worry about running and eating. They love fiercely and don't worry about things they can't control. And when someone dies, they can sit on top of their house, throw their head back, and howl. Then they can begin a new day." The untimely death of Victoria's father is the chief source of contention between her and her mother. Victoria blames herself for not being there to save her father, and blames her mother for not allowing Victoria to accompany him that day. She carries her resentment everywhere, but the dogs aren't tormented by old feelings. Victoria envies how they grieve and then move on, though she misses her father and needs to sense his presence in order to be motivated to survive the predicament she and Chris are in. Her father is as important in this story as any other character. Victoria isn't like most girls her age; she wants to master dogsledding, and it's important to believe in herself and project confidence as the leader of her dogs. That's the way to become good at anything. "Uncle Leonard tells me the more you pretend at being something, the closer you are to making it real. So just make sure you're pretending the right things." Victoria wants nothing more than to commune with her dogs outdoors. She's on track to become the person she wants to be, bumpy as the ride is, and her perspective will be forever enhanced if she lives through the current crisis. "If everyone could almost die, the world would be a happier, more thankful place." We can't fully appreciate what we have until it's almost taken away, and those fortunate to survive the close call have special insight. The problems you had before won't go away, but now you know you're luckier than you realized, and gratitude is a good mindset for tackling life's issues.
A blurb on the dust jacket of the copy of Ice Dogs I read favorably compares Terry Lynn Johnson to Gary Paulsen, Farley Mowat, and Jean Craighead George. That's elite company, and I'm not certain she belongs, at least not just from this book. Ice Dogs is a good read that skirts the edge of greatness, but doesn't quite enter the territory of the immortal Gary Paulsen and other top wilderness writers. Victoria's emotional connection with her father is poignant, though, indicating that Terry Lynn Johnson has what it takes to be an exceptional storyteller. I'm giving this book two and a half stars, and I wasn't far from rounding that up rather than down. If you want the feeling of riding snowy trails behind a team of dogs who would sacrifice everything for you, look to Terry Lynn Johnson. She has firsthand experience to share.
Victoria doesn't like the gist of recent conversations between her mother and maternal grandmother. Victoria's mother seems to like the idea of moving to a warmer climate after Victoria's father died in a dogsledding accident when he was out alone. He loved running the dogs all winter in Alaska, as Victoria does, but her mother might be happier starting over elsewhere. Still mourning her father, Victoria wants no part of moving away from the open land she and her dogs have to run. She's coming into her own as a competitive musher behind Bean, Blue, and the rest of her dogs. Leaving now would mean never fulfilling their potential as a team, and that would feel like dishonoring her father's memory. One afternoon she sets out with the dogs to meet Jeremy Cook, a local breeder who can get her a couple more quality canines to firm up her team's leadership, a must if she's to start winning races. Victoria has no idea she's embarking on a life-threatening adventure.
The weather turns bad en route to Cook's place and Victoria considers hunkering down for the night, though her mother would worry because Victoria didn't tell her she was going on this trip. Before Victoria can decide, she finds a boy her age in the snow, injured in a snowmobile wreck. Chris recently moved here from the city, and doesn't know the wilderness as Victoria does. On his own in this blizzard, his snowmobile broken down, he'd die. They head for Cook's place hoping to arrive before nightfall, but the snowstorm is out of control. Sharp as the dogs' instincts are, they can't sniff out the trail to Cook's house, and Victoria grows anxious as they continue forward with no sign of civilization on the horizon. She, Chris, and the dogs can hole up in their sled for a night or two, but they can't survive indefinitely without adequate shelter, especially with no food. Hope for rescue fades as days pass and they seem farther from society than ever, and Victoria's arguments with Chris only serve to distract her. She can't figure out if she likes the city boy, but he's not much help in a survival situation. The humans and dogs weaken each day, and though Victoria doesn't want to admit it, the odds are against them living through this adventure. Where is the hero they desperately need?
Gary Paulsen's admiration for dogs is evident in his writing, and the same can be said of Terry Lynn Johnson's. Though young, Victoria recognizes her dogs' instinctual wisdom. "Sometimes I wish I could trade places with the dogs. They only have to worry about running and eating. They love fiercely and don't worry about things they can't control. And when someone dies, they can sit on top of their house, throw their head back, and howl. Then they can begin a new day." The untimely death of Victoria's father is the chief source of contention between her and her mother. Victoria blames herself for not being there to save her father, and blames her mother for not allowing Victoria to accompany him that day. She carries her resentment everywhere, but the dogs aren't tormented by old feelings. Victoria envies how they grieve and then move on, though she misses her father and needs to sense his presence in order to be motivated to survive the predicament she and Chris are in. Her father is as important in this story as any other character. Victoria isn't like most girls her age; she wants to master dogsledding, and it's important to believe in herself and project confidence as the leader of her dogs. That's the way to become good at anything. "Uncle Leonard tells me the more you pretend at being something, the closer you are to making it real. So just make sure you're pretending the right things." Victoria wants nothing more than to commune with her dogs outdoors. She's on track to become the person she wants to be, bumpy as the ride is, and her perspective will be forever enhanced if she lives through the current crisis. "If everyone could almost die, the world would be a happier, more thankful place." We can't fully appreciate what we have until it's almost taken away, and those fortunate to survive the close call have special insight. The problems you had before won't go away, but now you know you're luckier than you realized, and gratitude is a good mindset for tackling life's issues.
A blurb on the dust jacket of the copy of Ice Dogs I read favorably compares Terry Lynn Johnson to Gary Paulsen, Farley Mowat, and Jean Craighead George. That's elite company, and I'm not certain she belongs, at least not just from this book. Ice Dogs is a good read that skirts the edge of greatness, but doesn't quite enter the territory of the immortal Gary Paulsen and other top wilderness writers. Victoria's emotional connection with her father is poignant, though, indicating that Terry Lynn Johnson has what it takes to be an exceptional storyteller. I'm giving this book two and a half stars, and I wasn't far from rounding that up rather than down. If you want the feeling of riding snowy trails behind a team of dogs who would sacrifice everything for you, look to Terry Lynn Johnson. She has firsthand experience to share.
January 18, 2014
Victoria owns her own dog sledding team. She is good at what she does and does not do so bad in races either. This is all thanks to Victoria's father. He taught her everything that she needs to know about having a successful dog sledding team. Sadly, Victoria's father died.
Victoria decides to take her team out for a run. Victoria comes upon a boy. He is hurt. His name is Chris. Victoria tries to get Chris home but realizes that it will be Victoria's greatest adventure yet...surviving in the wilderness.
I picked up this book to give to my nephews. I thought that they might enjoy reading about sled dogs even if the team is lead by a girl. I read this book and enjoyed it. The chapters are short and the words are easy to understand. So for the targeted age group that this book is recommended for of 10 and up, is perfect. My nephews will be able to read the book all by themselves. Plus, I did not find that the scary moments with the wolves and Victoria and Chris lost in the wilderness were too scary. I know my nephews just like me will fall in love with all of Victoria's dogs. The author has a good ability to story tell. I felt like I was there with Victoria and Chris and her dogs and could feel the cold chill. I can not wait to see what Terry comes out with next. Ice Dogs is a howling good time for all ages!
Victoria decides to take her team out for a run. Victoria comes upon a boy. He is hurt. His name is Chris. Victoria tries to get Chris home but realizes that it will be Victoria's greatest adventure yet...surviving in the wilderness.
I picked up this book to give to my nephews. I thought that they might enjoy reading about sled dogs even if the team is lead by a girl. I read this book and enjoyed it. The chapters are short and the words are easy to understand. So for the targeted age group that this book is recommended for of 10 and up, is perfect. My nephews will be able to read the book all by themselves. Plus, I did not find that the scary moments with the wolves and Victoria and Chris lost in the wilderness were too scary. I know my nephews just like me will fall in love with all of Victoria's dogs. The author has a good ability to story tell. I felt like I was there with Victoria and Chris and her dogs and could feel the cold chill. I can not wait to see what Terry comes out with next. Ice Dogs is a howling good time for all ages!
February 2, 2018
I've always loved this book, I've read more times than I can count. It's sad how the dad died but other than that I love this book, it's interesting how the author had Chris end up in the middle of this and because of this they then get lost. Both Victoria and Chris learned how to survived in the wilderness and learned things from their adventure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2016
Probably a 3-star book for me as an adult, but a 4- or 5-star book for my younger self and/or because I really like dogs. This book was a fun, exciting survival story about a girl and her dog sled team. I'd definitely recommend it for elementary- and middle-grade readers who enjoy survival stories and/or love dogs.
I thoroughly enjoyed Ice Dogs, and I relished reading a survival story featuring girl, since I remember enjoying survival novels when I was in elementary school (My Side of the Mountain, Where the Red Fern Grows, Summer of the Monkeys), and I loved the movie Iron Will.
The story is exciting and incorporates information about mushing (dog sled riding) and outdoor survival, without becoming too bogged down with detailed info-dumps, or just seeming like a never-ending string of things going wrong, which often happens in survival books and movies.
The story is made more interesting by introducing the character of Chris, whom Vicky finds passed out after a snowmobile accident. Although I found Chris's characterization as a perpetually optimistic joker city kid somewhat flat, I enjoyed that the *shared* experience of survival and budding friendship between Chris and Vicky adds depth to Vicky's character, as well as helps catalyze healing and positive changes in Vicky (that she had been yearning towards anyway; this wasn't a case of changing for a dude).
Although the "messages" of the book are somewhat obvious, I didn't mind this in a book oriented toward elementary- and middle-grade readers. I appreciated the positive messages that it's okay to be "weird," because doing what you like instead of trying to fit in with others pays off in the end, and that we can't do everything on our own or just for ourselves.
P.S. I also appreciate that this is a book by an author who lives in a rural area about a girl who lives in a rural area and likes it. Considering the composition of the US population, it always seems like books are about city or suburban kids, and if they're about kids from rural areas, they're about misfit kids wanting to leave for the big city. In Ice Dogs, Vicky is somewhat of the odd person out because she's a young person who wants to remain in rural Alaska, and who likes the older traditions (dog sledding, community feasts with moose all the ways you can eat it).
Thanks to Goodreads and the author Terry Lynn Johnson (Hooray for a signed copy!) for providing me with a copy of Ice Dogs.
I thoroughly enjoyed Ice Dogs, and I relished reading a survival story featuring girl, since I remember enjoying survival novels when I was in elementary school (My Side of the Mountain, Where the Red Fern Grows, Summer of the Monkeys), and I loved the movie Iron Will.
The story is exciting and incorporates information about mushing (dog sled riding) and outdoor survival, without becoming too bogged down with detailed info-dumps, or just seeming like a never-ending string of things going wrong, which often happens in survival books and movies.
The story is made more interesting by introducing the character of Chris, whom Vicky finds passed out after a snowmobile accident. Although I found Chris's characterization as a perpetually optimistic joker city kid somewhat flat, I enjoyed that the *shared* experience of survival and budding friendship between Chris and Vicky adds depth to Vicky's character, as well as helps catalyze healing and positive changes in Vicky (that she had been yearning towards anyway; this wasn't a case of changing for a dude).
Although the "messages" of the book are somewhat obvious, I didn't mind this in a book oriented toward elementary- and middle-grade readers. I appreciated the positive messages that it's okay to be "weird," because doing what you like instead of trying to fit in with others pays off in the end, and that we can't do everything on our own or just for ourselves.
P.S. I also appreciate that this is a book by an author who lives in a rural area about a girl who lives in a rural area and likes it. Considering the composition of the US population, it always seems like books are about city or suburban kids, and if they're about kids from rural areas, they're about misfit kids wanting to leave for the big city. In Ice Dogs, Vicky is somewhat of the odd person out because she's a young person who wants to remain in rural Alaska, and who likes the older traditions (dog sledding, community feasts with moose all the ways you can eat it).
Thanks to Goodreads and the author Terry Lynn Johnson (Hooray for a signed copy!) for providing me with a copy of Ice Dogs.
June 20, 2014
Ice Dogs exceeded my expectations. I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone who enjoys . . .
- Dogs! Particularly working dogs who behave like real dogs and steal your heart without being sappy and also without dying at the end.
- Adventure/survival in the wilderness, with believable events and knowledge imparted as part of the story, not in a ridiculous info-dump.
- Teens being brave and smart and tough and also funny and endearing and flawed but lovable.
- Alaska, the formidable freezing north.
Johnson did a fantastic job here. I admit that my familiarity with the world of sled dogs is limited to watching the animated Balto films countless times, also Snow Dogs and Eight Below. Yep. Not very impressive. But with this book I felt totally immersed in Victoria's life, mushing in Alaska. The pacing was great. Despite being a short book, it wasn't one where I felt like I had just gotten into the story/characters when BAM! it's The End. The characters developed well, the current events and the backstory that is revealed piece by piece were both interesting, and the end was satisfying. Very, very pleased with this book and glad I read it. I'd love to find more dog-sledding stories now, I'm just afraid they won't measure up to this!
- Dogs! Particularly working dogs who behave like real dogs and steal your heart without being sappy and also without dying at the end.
- Adventure/survival in the wilderness, with believable events and knowledge imparted as part of the story, not in a ridiculous info-dump.
- Teens being brave and smart and tough and also funny and endearing and flawed but lovable.
- Alaska, the formidable freezing north.
Johnson did a fantastic job here. I admit that my familiarity with the world of sled dogs is limited to watching the animated Balto films countless times, also Snow Dogs and Eight Below. Yep. Not very impressive. But with this book I felt totally immersed in Victoria's life, mushing in Alaska. The pacing was great. Despite being a short book, it wasn't one where I felt like I had just gotten into the story/characters when BAM! it's The End. The characters developed well, the current events and the backstory that is revealed piece by piece were both interesting, and the end was satisfying. Very, very pleased with this book and glad I read it. I'd love to find more dog-sledding stories now, I'm just afraid they won't measure up to this!
January 18, 2016
Victoria is a young teenager that is coping with the loss of her father. She finds solace in dog mushing and recalling the survival skills her late father taught her. Victoria's talents are put to the test when she finds herself caught on the trail alone in a snowstorm.
Just when Victoria thinks things can't get much worse, she finds a teenager boy, Chris, that has crashed his snowmobile. The two have to learn how to rely on one another as time and the weather work against them.
I like the setting and Victoria's friendship with her dogs. I like that she and Chris aren't teen caricatures. They have honest reactions and honest dialogue. A great first book. I look forward to more from this author.
Just when Victoria thinks things can't get much worse, she finds a teenager boy, Chris, that has crashed his snowmobile. The two have to learn how to rely on one another as time and the weather work against them.
I like the setting and Victoria's friendship with her dogs. I like that she and Chris aren't teen caricatures. They have honest reactions and honest dialogue. A great first book. I look forward to more from this author.
August 14, 2016
Set in the unforgiven Alaskan wilderness Ice Dogs is a tale about triumphing over obstacles, survival and believing in yourself. It's a really intense read especially for a middle grade read.
This story is fast paced and full of real life lessons, morale choices and techniques when facing the many trials thrown in Victoria's path.
The dogs were fantastically written and all had their own little personalities. It was so easy to fall in love with every aspect of this book, I wish I read it when I was a child too.
January 10, 2017
I loved this book so much I have read it four times. I first read it in 6th grade then it progressed and I just finished reading it for the fourth time. I am now in 8th grade, 13 years of age, and love the book still. I think adults and kids my age would love the book. You will fall in love with Victoria and Chris and the many many dogs Victoria has(16 dogs I beleive)
October 6, 2016
What a great little book! I would have adored this as a kid. Great characters, fun animals, and adventure.
November 27, 2015
It was amazing alway shad me on the edge of my seat!
November 19, 2018
This book was fantastic. I literally felt stressed out and nervous reading it. Which sounds bad but it’s not. That’s how invested I was in this story. Sometimes when I read books like that I wonder how truthful or far fetched it is, but knowing the author has sled dog and survivalist experience made the book that much more awesome. I feel like I learned a lot from it. Also, I liked how Victoria was smart and prepared but she wasn’t invincible because things still went wrong and she still made bad choices no matter how smart she was. It made her more relatable and easier to root for. It’s incredible/ super lucky that they survived after falling in the river. They would’ve died if they didn’t find the yurt and the dogs knew they lie on them. That scene was So dramatic and o almost felt like they SHOULDVE died of this was real life. I mean what luck that they found cooks place when they were literally dying. Like seriously. Thank god this was a book because what people in real life would’ve survived what the author threw at them. I don’t know. This book too my heart for a wild ride. I feel like I need to own this one and read it again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2018
Thank you to the author for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
ICE DOGS is an adventure novel that takes place in Alaska. Victoria is a fourteen-year-old girl obsessed with dog mushing, but she's also coping with the loss of her mentor, her father, less than a year ago. On a quick trip to check out some new dogs, she comes across Chris, who has been injured in a snowmobile accident. Miserable weather, combined with some unfortunate circumstances, result in Victoria and Chris finding themselves lost in the wilderness with the dog team, and no idea how to find their way home. As time passes, and the situation becomes more desperate, Victoria will have to use every ounce of her strength and knowledge to get herself, Chris, and the dogs, out alive.
This is truly one of the best adventure novels I have read. Victoria is a strong, capable young woman who shows true responsibility and compassion for her dogs. There is always something happening in the novel, and the tension is high. The natural elements play a large role in the book, and learning to respect nature and prepare for the unforeseen is well-presented. The book will appeal to a wide range of readers, and would make an excellent read aloud.
ICE DOGS is an adventure novel that takes place in Alaska. Victoria is a fourteen-year-old girl obsessed with dog mushing, but she's also coping with the loss of her mentor, her father, less than a year ago. On a quick trip to check out some new dogs, she comes across Chris, who has been injured in a snowmobile accident. Miserable weather, combined with some unfortunate circumstances, result in Victoria and Chris finding themselves lost in the wilderness with the dog team, and no idea how to find their way home. As time passes, and the situation becomes more desperate, Victoria will have to use every ounce of her strength and knowledge to get herself, Chris, and the dogs, out alive.
This is truly one of the best adventure novels I have read. Victoria is a strong, capable young woman who shows true responsibility and compassion for her dogs. There is always something happening in the novel, and the tension is high. The natural elements play a large role in the book, and learning to respect nature and prepare for the unforeseen is well-presented. The book will appeal to a wide range of readers, and would make an excellent read aloud.
January 4, 2022
I don’t leave reviews often but I was SHOCKED to see that this book only had 1,000+ ratings.
You know that feeling when you finish a book & you just have to sit there in silence for 10 minutes processing how amazing it was?
I don’t get that feeling too often, but I did after finishing this book.
I’m pretty sure it’s a middle grade, but OH MY GOSH It was fantastic. One of the best books I’ve read in a LONG time. It is so underrated, I am obsessed. They need to make a movie adaption.
The romance was fun and adorable, the suspense was PERFECTLY executed, the character development was great, timing was flawless. I just loved it.
You know that feeling when you finish a book & you just have to sit there in silence for 10 minutes processing how amazing it was?
I don’t get that feeling too often, but I did after finishing this book.
I’m pretty sure it’s a middle grade, but OH MY GOSH It was fantastic. One of the best books I’ve read in a LONG time. It is so underrated, I am obsessed. They need to make a movie adaption.
The romance was fun and adorable, the suspense was PERFECTLY executed, the character development was great, timing was flawless. I just loved it.
August 13, 2018
I found this book a very good read by the way the plot was set up and also the writing style. An added bonus was the fact that the showed you how people can use everything out in the wilds which I find very interesting .
June 2, 2022
A survival story, much like Paulsen's Hatchet, with a kickass female teenage character and sled dogs.
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