Ice Island

by Sherry Shahan

What begins as a training run with sled dogs turns into a race against time for Tatum and her new friend, a Siberian Yupik boy named Cole. When a freak blizzard hits this remote island off the coast of Alaska, the duo seeks shelter overnight in a dilapidated hunting cabin. Their harrowing ordeal goes from bad to worse when wind-driven snow forces them to risk an alternate route. Stranded in the untamed wilderness, they must rely on each other—as well as their faithful huskies—to survive sub-zero temperatures and bone-numbing exhaustion. Worse still, their food supply is dangerously low. The most daunting decision comes when the strongest dog runs away. One person must go for help, while one must stay behind. Either way, they'll both be alone in the wild for an uncertain amount of time.

Genres: Survival, Middle Grade, Adventure, Dogs, Action, Realistic Fiction, Young Adult

168 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Sherry Shahan is a photographer and an author. She enjoys watching, photographing, and writing about the otters that play in the sea near her home in California. Sherry also wrote and photographed The Changing Caterpillar for Richard C. Owen Publishers.

Reviews

[Sisters Three]

The writing style was pretty nosey....so, I didn't finish.
~Rissy

[B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good adventure story featuring a 12 year old girl and 14 year old Alaskan boy as they get lost in a storm while dog sledding. You'll learn so much about surviving in frigid conditions, dogs and dog sledding as well as experience the fright that they feel. I'm considering this for Book Buddies, although the seriousness of it gives me second thoughts.

[Cassie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. I was really hovering between 2 and 3 stars, but rounded up because of the possible educational jumping off points. It was interesting reading little tidbits about native Yupik culture and the dog sledders, etc. The story itself was an interesting one, and I definitely didn't want to just not finish the book. But the writing was kind of awkward and sporadic in places, especially during the long stretches of the kids' travel over what appeared to be a frozen wasteland. I did not at all feel like I was there with them, and I had a really hard time visualizing the sleds and their surroundings based on the author's descriptions. It was just hard to follow sometimes. I may hand it to my kids to read when we touch on this region/culture in school, and they may enjoy it more. It was just a little too confusing for me.

[Willow Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually really enjoyed this book! It was given to my brother by his teacher back when he was in third grade, so I thought it might just be a cute story, but it was actually really good, and I'm glad that I took my brother's advice and read it.

I also liked the reference to the story of Balto, because I absolutely loved that book as a child. It was really interesting to learn about the way people live in Alaska, and I have a much deeper appreciation for them and their way of life now because of this book. However, I must say that I have no idea how people survived up there before electricity, heat, and store bought food. It's just absolutely incredible, and I have so much admiration for those who are able to live and thrive in such harsh climates.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Randomly picked this up from the library to read to my 10 year old. It had a bit of a slow start and the writing was different than we were used to. It was more sparse and I found myself explaining some things between paragraphs/dialogue. But once they got lost (spoiler - characters get lost, I'm pretty sure it said that on the back cover lol), it was quite exciting and we had a hard time putting it down.

[Robin Woodworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

After visiting Alaska in 2023 I want to learn more about the state including the sport of dog sled racing. This book was creatively written with facts about dog sled racing and the conditions mushers often encounter intertwined in the story of 2 young people who get caught in a storm while taking their sled dogs on a training run. While reading the engaging story I learned quite a bit!

[Clare · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in Alaska with references to the Iditarod races, this children's book was interesting to read. There were a few unexpected turns along the way and kept me wanting to read on to see how events would turn out.

[Emilia Grunden · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOVED it. seasonal work, kid characters, homeschool, Alaska, mushing, native, adventure, thriller/suspense, and NO ROMANCE (even though she totally could've). 🙌🏼 only complaint is that the ending was a little underdeveloped.

[Eryn G · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not like this book at all!

[Ruth Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

The abrupt ending tells me that all ends well for Tatum, who accompanies Cole on a sled-dog adventure in Alaska during March.
3.5 stars.

[Kandyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good descriptions of Alaskan weather, terrain, dog sledding

[Trigger Warning Database]

Trigger & Content Warnings

Animal death
Hunting

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Young reader book- interesting story in unique setting for most readers.

[Avery Burger · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing story about a boy and girl and their beautiful family of huskies that helped them survive. I would read again and recommend!

[Alyssa Osborne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like the ending was a little bit rushed but over all a good book 📖

[Katy Lovejoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

dog sledding always did sound cool

[Serendipity Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Did you know there are ninety nine different words for ice in the Yupik language, depending on its size and consistency?
No?
How about that Alaska had fifty different types of wild berries including chokeberries; bearberries and salmonberries?
Still no?
Mad isn't it. This is why I love doing weekly specials of different parts of America, the culture is just so diverse.

This book really brought to life the Alaskan culture I was looking to find during this experience. The Alaskan traditions were strongly described in this book, bringing to life whaling and mushing. I felt this book was extremely well researched and provided a clear understanding of the culture of the Alaskans. The grandfather in the book, brought tears to my eyes as he described the traditions dying out as the younger generations wanted to live like the rest of America. It really is sad to see them slowly being lost.

I thought Tatum made a brilliant lead character. Her quest to compete in the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, when she was older, has consumed her life, but kept her alive as the book progressed. I didn't warm to Cole; I couldn't help but feel he had been a bit foolish, leading Tatum out and into so much danger.

The second half of the book really goes off at a pace and you feel exhausted and cold as the story comes to a climax. You cannot help but feel frozen, and you find yourself putting on extra layers as you read on.

The dogs really made this book for me. I fell completely in love with Bandit, who reminded me of Lassie. She was such an intelligent dog and knew exactly when trouble would wasn't far away.

I really enjoyed the book, but there were a couple of little things that annoyed me about the plot. Now this will contain spoilers,so if you are planning to read it, please do not continue reading.

Spoiler Alert! Spoiler Alert! Spoiler Alert!

Firstly, when Bandit had the puppies, I didn't see it coming and I felt like it was dealt with far too quickly. I can't imagine that puppies instantly appear and I felt it was a case of just telling us what happened rather than showing.

Secondly, I found that the book ended rather abruptly. I was left with too many questions. I wanted to see what happened after they were rescued and that just didn't happen.

Spoilers Over!

Apart from these two little niggles, I did enjoy the book and I felt I learnt quite a lot about Alaska and the traditions held dearly there.

[Zachary]

In the beginning I don't like the part when the sirens go off and wake everyone up. I
don't like that Tatum's dad has to work for 4 weeks straight and gets one week off. I like the part when Tatum gets a Timex for her birthday. I don't like the part when it is minus twenty degrees out without the wind. I like the part when her dad thinks about getting rescue dogs from the shelter. I like the part when he said that they don't have to be fast just strong and healthy. I like the part when he says that they have to laugh at his jokes to. I like the part when J.M. crossed the finish line two days ago. I like the part when he finishes the race in nine days and sixteen hours. I like the part when he comes outside and congratulates the team mates when they cross the finish line.

[Trish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Ice Island
Author: Sherry Shahan
Publisher: Random House
Due: January 10, 2012

ARC Copy
Rating: 4 Stars

A test of survival in Alaska’s wilderness leaves two young dog sled trainers relying on instinct and determination to make it back home.

What starts off as a fun, informative story about the 1049- mile Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race quickly turns heart-stopping as Tatum and her new friend, Cole, find themselves caught out in a freak blizzard on the frozen tundra.

Tatum and Cole must work together using all they have been taught to forge their way through the blinding storm, sometimes relying only on the dogs as their guides. When they realize that their supplies are running low and it appears noone is coming for them, they must choose whether or not separating for the sake of survival is the best choice.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved learning new and interesting facts about the Iditarod race from this author who has spent a fair amount of time in Alaska doing the same. Shahan paints a descriptive picture of the climate, race environment and the daily care of the animals that pulls you into the story from the start.

I appreciate the strong quality of Tatum’s character. She was independent and smart with just a touch of the selfish nature that one would expect from her age. Tougher than most, her attitude and inner strength made her very likeable.

Cole, on the other hand, brought his own willpower and loyalty to the story. Though a few times he seemed a little stand-offish towards Tatum, once it was established that he felt a responsibility and belief to honor his native Siberian Yupik people and their customs, he came into his own.

I think this is a great book. Recommended for ages 9-12.

[Mr. Kohlhagen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ice Island by Sherry Shahan


Surviving in the Alaskan wilderness can be extremely treacherous! I was on the edge of my seat with this book wondering if the characters would make it out alive. The story is about a girl named Tatum and her mom. They were visiting Santa Ysabel Island, Alaska. Here, Tatum has a friend who is an Iditarod racer with many sled dogs. She gave Tatum a dog named Bandit. Later, Tatum meets a boy, Cole, who is training for a dog sled race. Cole thinks Tatum would be good competition, so he invites her to train with him. She couldn’t have been happier, since she always wanted to race. When out training, a blizzard hits and they become stranded in the wilderness for almost a week. While in the wilderness Tatum’s dog, Bandit, has puppies and two other dogs get sick. They have to make the decision to split up. Cole stays behind with the sick dogs while Tatum goes for help. Will Tatum and Cole survive? The message of the book is survival, the will to live, and most of all, never giving up. Tatum is an outdoors girl who likes adventure. She would someday like to become an Iditarod racer. This is a 4th/5th grade level reading book with lots of adventure. Anyone who loves animals and enjoys winter sports would love this book! Will Tatum, Cole and the dogs survive a wintery wilderness, or will it be their last race together?

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the first third of this (70pp) a bit fact heavy; it felt like the author was trying to educate me about life in modern-day Alaska and working with dogs--interesting but a bit clunky. After being given a sled dog by a musher friend, thirteen-year-old Tatum has left Nome and flown into a small town with her mom for a few days, and is eager to pursue her interest in dog-sledding (one she shares with her dad) while she's there. BUT, once Tatum heads out on what is supposed to be a few-hours-long training run and gets caught in a freak snowstorm, I couldn't put this down. Her harrowing adventure is one I won't soon forget. And survival books featuring girls are very few and far between. Dog lovers would be another target audience.

While the reading level of this is above many of the third graders in our district when they study the Arctic, this would make a great classroom read-aloud.

[Valeria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book especially for children and teenagers! I read it in a few hours after my 10 year old brother excitedly told me I that he really enjoyed it and I HAVE to read it. Nice way to learn about sled dogs, Yupik, Alaska and the adventures of a teenage girl. If you want to curl up and read an adventure story you can't un-glue your eyes from this is it!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the vivid descriptions of the Alaskan terrain and the brutal conditions that the young characters (Tatum and Cole) endured as they battled against the elements to survive. The descriptions of sled dog racing, the Siberian Yupik culture, and the inner drive of those who choose this extreme sport feel authentic. The glossary of Yupik words and dog sled terminology at the end of the book is a nice resource for readers. There were a few points where I would have liked a little more depth about the characters and their motivations. This book will appeal to both boys and girls who enjoy adventure and survival stories. Readers who liked Gary Paulsen’s Hatchet will also enjoy this book. Recommended for children ages 9 and up.

[Dean Deters · Rating 3 out of 5]

Summary-This book is about a boy and a girl on a island made of ice and they are trying to survive.At one part they split up one of them takes the strongest dogs and to go to find help and the other one will stay behind with the weaker ones.

Setting-There on a island made of ice it is important to the story because without the ice it would be way easier to survive.

Character Trait-Tatum is very brave like when her and Cole split up.

Most Important Event-I think it is when Cole and her split up.

Recommendation-I think that people that like action books would like this one.


BY MASON

[Rebekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was pretty good, but it had a terrible ending in my opinion. I was hoping for a little more of what happened to Cole, but unfortunately that didn't happen. I really think that boys would enjoy this book more than girls. It would be a perfect read for 5th-7th grade. The only downside I had of this book was that there were times when I felt like the author was kind of skipping around in events of what was currently happening. I'm not sure if this is just how I read the book and interpreted it or if it was done on purpose to put more emphasis on the confusion and chaos happening. Either way it was a good book, I just wanted more to the end, or at least a second book.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. A free intermediate grades book with my last Scholastic order. About a girl who lives with her parents in Alaska and grows up watching the Iditarod. She finds herself in a situation where she must survive in the Arctic with just some sled dogs and a boy her age. It wasn't amazing, but it was highly readable and action packed. I can see all of the 'Hatchet' lovers out there going for this book.

[Angela · Rating 2 out of 5]

For those who are really into the Iditarod this will be a big hit but as a survival or relationship story it was somewhat slight. I think a map would have helped tremendously as the geography and timeline described in the adventure the two teens had doesn't make sense (to someone outside of these conditions).

[Scott Whitney · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun read which would help teach the importance of persistence and sticking to the job which needs to be done. This book had quite a bit of lying in it as the main character would disobey her mother or flat out lie to her in order to get her way. This often put her in the dangerous situations which she found herself getting into.

[Ms. Kahn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The middle school book group is going to Skype with Sherry Shahan.

I liked this action adventure story that is just right for the middle school reader. Though there is a female protagonist, I think that it would appeal to boys too. Dogs figure prominently in the story, but none of them dies.

[Jenreiter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great action adventure mushing story that my students would love! Lots of background information on the Iditarod and lessons on survival. Think the second half will have the kids on the edge of their seat!