Black Star, Bright Dawn

by Scott O'Dell

Overview

A “superb” novel of a girl’s adventure in the grueling Iditarod race, from the Newbery-winning author of Island of the Blue Dolphins (Publishers Weekly).
 
The Iditarod is the famed eleven-hundred-mile-long dogsled race across Alaska—and now Bright Dawn must unexpectedly take her father’s place in the competition. It’s exciting, but sometimes terrifying as well—for example, when a moose appears in her path in the midst of the brutally frigid conditions.
 
And as the journey goes on, it will be Bright Dawn’s dog, Black Star, who must not only lead her through the snow, but lead her out of danger…
 
“A splendid, vividly written adventure.”—Kirkus Reviews

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780547349022
Publisher:	Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Publication date:	06/11/2020
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	149
Sales rank:	861,291
Lexile:	670L (what's this?)
File size:	1 MB
Age Range:	10 - 14 Years

About the Author

Scott O’Dell (1898?1989), one of the most respected authors of historical fiction, received the Newbery Medal, three Newbery Honor Medals, and the Hans Christian Andersen Author Medal, the highest international recognition for a body of work by an author of books for young readers. Some of his many books include The Island of the Blue Dolphins, The Road to Damietta, Sing Down the Moon, and The Black Pearl.

Editorial Reviews

When her father is injured while training for the Iditarod (the famous 1200-mile dogsled race between Anchorage and Nome), Bright Dawn eagerly takes his place. ``The race is won by thinking,'' an older competitor warns her, which proves to be true. Like all superb adventure stories, this one concerns external threats from the elements and nature, as well as the inner battle: the strength of Bright Dawn's character. Of O'Dell's recent works this is one of his bestexciting to read and infused with dignity. The race, with an unexpected ending, gives the story its simple, penetrating structure. But the story's depth comes from Bright Star's admiration for her father, running like a current through the story. O'Dell's understated, laconic style seems perfectly suited to depicting their relationship. Ages 10-14. (April)

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

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

School Library Journal

"A fine novel, exciting, with a sensitive portrayal of Eskimo culture and an estimable heroine." Horn Book, Starred —

From the Publisher