What do you think?
Rate this book
Granite
Susan Butcher was a four-time champion of the Iditarod Trail sled dog race. Granite was her greatest lead dog, but he didn’t start that way. He was a shy, scraggly pup that the others pushed around, but Susan saw his potential. Together they worked until he became leader of the team.
While they were training for the Iditarod, Granite became deathly ill. The veterinarians said he would never be strong enough to run the race. Granite refused to accept this, and slowly he started to recover. By the time of the race he was strong enough to start, but Susan wondered if he could finish the entire thousand-mile race. Confidently Granite guided the team into the lead of the race, when suddenly they were caught in a raging Arctic blizzard. Now Susan and the whole team depended on Granite to get them through the storm. He had to call on all his inner strength and courage to save them—if he could.
While they were training for the Iditarod, Granite became deathly ill. The veterinarians said he would never be strong enough to run the race. Granite refused to accept this, and slowly he started to recover. By the time of the race he was strong enough to start, but Susan wondered if he could finish the entire thousand-mile race. Confidently Granite guided the team into the lead of the race, when suddenly they were caught in a raging Arctic blizzard. Now Susan and the whole team depended on Granite to get them through the storm. He had to call on all his inner strength and courage to save them—if he could.
36 pages, Hardcover
First published June 29, 2007
79 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
December 29, 2024
A dear friend of mine brought this book home for me when she and her husband took a cruise to Alaska. She was able to meet Susan's daughter Tekla and get it signed for me. My friend knew I lived in Alaska for two and a half years and had met Susan Butcher the morning of the 1985 Iditarod. A friend of mine was helping Susan get her dogs ready for the race at the starting line in Anchorage and told me I could hang out with them for a bit before the race. I was totally in awe of Susan. She was a legend in Alaska. Not just for being the first woman to lead a dog team to the summit of Denali, North America's tallest peak, (a feat that has never been repeated by anyone), but also for her careful and compassionate training and treatment of her dogs that revolutionized the sport. She had come so close to winning the Iditarod in 1982 and 1984, coming in second both years. I just knew that 1985 was going to be her year. Not only would Susan win, but finally a woman would win, and it wouldn't be an all-boys club anymore. I wanted a woman to win to show that they could be just as strong and brave and tough as the men. Of course, we already knew Susan was all of those things. I'm pretty sure those were the words I said when I met her. Most Alaskans were glued to their TV or radio during the Iditarod, wanting to get hourly updates on where all the mushers were. My friends and I, and I'm sure all Alaskans, were heartbroken when we heard that a moose in the middle of the trail attacked Susan's team killing two of her dogs and injuring thirteen others. Her dogs weren't just dogs like they were to so many of the mushers. They were family. I was devastated. She dropped out of the race, and I didn't really care who won after that. Then on day 16 of the race a virtually unknown racer named Libby Riddles made a move and left the checkpoint in Shaktoolik at night during a storm while all the other mushers were sleeping. She was now in first place and stayed that way all the way to the finish line in Nome. All those guys who were asleep that night at the checkpoint never had a chance. I was happy Libby won. I was happy a woman finally won. But it was bittersweet. I wanted it to be Susan racing to the finish in first place. She came back the next year with a team that included nine of the dogs from the 1985 race. Not only did she win the 1986 race but also the 1987, 1988, and 1990 race. She will forever be one of the greatest dog sled racers of all time.
Granite was one the 13 dogs who were badly injured when the moose attacked the team in the 1985 race. As a puppy he was the smallest of the litter and sickly. Susan always believed in him though and wanted him to succeed. That's why she gave him the "strong" name of Granite. He loved Susan and loved to race. He was Susan's main leader when she came back after the devastation of the 1985 race and was instrumental in their 1986 and 1987 Iditarod victories. Everything changed when he collapsed on a run in the fall of 1987 and became seriously ill. Susan slept on a cot next to him at the vet's office for two weeks, petting him and willing him to live. The vet told Susan that he wouldn't live long, and his racing days were over. Granite had other plans though. He survived and was not happy staying at home while the other dogs were out racing and training while he was stuck in the house. Little by little Susan let him first go on walks, then pull the sled on 2-mile puppy runs, then a 20-mile training run. He got stronger and stronger and was happiest when racing. On the training runs he was always the first to jump back up after they stopped to rest. He couldn't wait to be back out on the trail. Susan knew he was ready to lead the team again for the 1988 Iditarod. Near the end of the race and 100 miles from the finish line in Nome they hit a furious storm. Susan could barely see the trail or Granite at the front of the team. Sometimes Granite would get lost and she would walk to the front of the team and help him get back on the trail. The storm was brutal. Susan's arms were so frozen she could barely hang onto the sled. Granite kept going, the other dogs following. If he quit, they would all be lost. Finally, they saw the lights of the checkpoint. They spent the night and headed out the next morning. Only 76 miles to go! They won the Iditarod and set a new record time. All the other racers did not finish until 18 hours later.
Granite won every race he entered at least once. In 1988 he became the only lead dog ever to win the Iditarod 3 times in a row. He retired after Susan's 4th Iditarod victory. His favorite place was always their cabin in the wilderness, where he watched the puppy teams head down the trails on their own adventures. He lived seventeen and a half years and died in Susan's arms. Anyone who knows me will know that I wasn't able to type that last sentence without tears running down my face.
Granite was one the 13 dogs who were badly injured when the moose attacked the team in the 1985 race. As a puppy he was the smallest of the litter and sickly. Susan always believed in him though and wanted him to succeed. That's why she gave him the "strong" name of Granite. He loved Susan and loved to race. He was Susan's main leader when she came back after the devastation of the 1985 race and was instrumental in their 1986 and 1987 Iditarod victories. Everything changed when he collapsed on a run in the fall of 1987 and became seriously ill. Susan slept on a cot next to him at the vet's office for two weeks, petting him and willing him to live. The vet told Susan that he wouldn't live long, and his racing days were over. Granite had other plans though. He survived and was not happy staying at home while the other dogs were out racing and training while he was stuck in the house. Little by little Susan let him first go on walks, then pull the sled on 2-mile puppy runs, then a 20-mile training run. He got stronger and stronger and was happiest when racing. On the training runs he was always the first to jump back up after they stopped to rest. He couldn't wait to be back out on the trail. Susan knew he was ready to lead the team again for the 1988 Iditarod. Near the end of the race and 100 miles from the finish line in Nome they hit a furious storm. Susan could barely see the trail or Granite at the front of the team. Sometimes Granite would get lost and she would walk to the front of the team and help him get back on the trail. The storm was brutal. Susan's arms were so frozen she could barely hang onto the sled. Granite kept going, the other dogs following. If he quit, they would all be lost. Finally, they saw the lights of the checkpoint. They spent the night and headed out the next morning. Only 76 miles to go! They won the Iditarod and set a new record time. All the other racers did not finish until 18 hours later.
Granite won every race he entered at least once. In 1988 he became the only lead dog ever to win the Iditarod 3 times in a row. He retired after Susan's 4th Iditarod victory. His favorite place was always their cabin in the wilderness, where he watched the puppy teams head down the trails on their own adventures. He lived seventeen and a half years and died in Susan's arms. Anyone who knows me will know that I wasn't able to type that last sentence without tears running down my face.
September 14, 2024
Went by Susan Butcher’s sled dog training camp today. Met her husband. Read her book. I knew a few things about Susan, but was not aware of the story about her dog. Very heartwarming.
What an amazing way of life.
What a great love story between man(woman) and beast.
Giving my signed copy to our local school.
What an amazing way of life.
What a great love story between man(woman) and beast.
Giving my signed copy to our local school.
July 17, 2017
I buy children's books as souvenirs when I travel. I met Susan Butcher's husband in Alaska. He signed the book for me. I used it to teach my students the character traits of empathy, courage, endurance, compassion, and kindness...an absolutely beautiful story about a woman and her sled dog Granite. Susan's was another life lost to cancer. Her legacy is living on in some Canadian kids.
April 9, 2018
This is a book written be Susan Butcher and her husband David Monson to tell about Susan's life raising sled dogs, and racing the Iditarod across Alaska (Bio/personal narrative). This book in particular explains how Susan's lead dog, Granite came to be. He was born weak, but Susan believed in him. He overcame a lot of illnesses and injuries, but was finally able to lead the pack through three Iditarod wins.
I would use this book to teach children about Alaska as a state in our nation. I could also use it to teach about overcoming diversity, believing in yourself, determination, and believing in others. Had susan underestimated Granite's potential when he was born, she may not have won all those races.
This book could also be used to show that caring for others helps them achieve great things. a line from the book said "Susan will never win the Iditarod because she babies her dogs." but that was later taken back, and people began to say "It's no wonder they win the race because she takes the best care of her dogs and they take care of her."
I would use this book to teach children about Alaska as a state in our nation. I could also use it to teach about overcoming diversity, believing in yourself, determination, and believing in others. Had susan underestimated Granite's potential when he was born, she may not have won all those races.
This book could also be used to show that caring for others helps them achieve great things. a line from the book said "Susan will never win the Iditarod because she babies her dogs." but that was later taken back, and people began to say "It's no wonder they win the race because she takes the best care of her dogs and they take care of her."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2016
This picture book introduces us to Granite, one of the dogs used by Iditarod Trail racer Susan Butcher in her races in the 1980’s. Granite was the runt of his litter, and but Susan felt a bond to him. Will that bond be enough to win races? What else might the pair endure on their quest to win?
This is a heartwarming picture book for dog lovers of all ages. It captures the love between Susan and Granite perfect with pictures and words. It’s hard not to smile as you read and be concerned for the pair when they face danger. The fact that it is based on a real story makes it all the more memorable.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
This is a heartwarming picture book for dog lovers of all ages. It captures the love between Susan and Granite perfect with pictures and words. It’s hard not to smile as you read and be concerned for the pair when they face danger. The fact that it is based on a real story makes it all the more memorable.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
January 13, 2013
A great children's story about the Iditarod and one strong puppy that worked hard and was cherished by musher Susan Butcher. Granite was a smart dog who overcame some health challenges (surprising to all, except Susan B.) to go on and win the Iditarod as the lead dog many times (three times in a row even). Granite is the mascot of the Susan Butcher Family Center at Providence Hospital where they help support families dealing with cancer treatment of a family member through education and mental health.
Read
September 16, 2018Lovely illustrations, inspirational story, woman in a non-traditional role, a sport and a part of the world that may be unfamiliar to kids in the "lower 48."
April 13, 2025
This is pretty cool: it's about the lead dog, Granite, in a 1000 mile cross-country race across Alaska. A team of dogs pull a sledge and a human - in this case, the author, Susan Butcher - and there's something very Jack London about the idea of that. It's something of a feel-good story, as Granite was the runt of the litter and never expected to be a good sled dog, but Butcher believed in him and looked after him through an illness, and come the race, and an unexpected blizzard, Granite took care of her in return.
I can't say that this is a type of sport that I'd particularly want to get involved in, but then again I could say that about many sports. I do like dogs, though, so it's interesting to read about them in a sport like this. My dad used to own a Malamute, and he knew someone who trained them as sled dogs - apparently they thoroughly enjoyed it. Given Sitka's inexhaustible energy levels, I can believe it!
I can't say that this is a type of sport that I'd particularly want to get involved in, but then again I could say that about many sports. I do like dogs, though, so it's interesting to read about them in a sport like this. My dad used to own a Malamute, and he knew someone who trained them as sled dogs - apparently they thoroughly enjoyed it. Given Sitka's inexhaustible energy levels, I can believe it!
December 9, 2020
Granite is non fiction picture book about Susan Butcher and her sled dog. People believed Granite to be the weakest puppy. As he grows to blow people minds he wins several races and becomes one of the best self dogs ever.
I like this book because there isn't a lot of book about sled dogs and racing. This book tells a great story of Susan and her dogs, while also describing the races and how sled racing works. This book has great pictures as well, and are very nice to look at.
I would use this book in my classroom because it is a great feel good story. This is also a story about a dog, and every child loves dogs for the most part. The pictures are magnificent to look at and kids would love to flip through the pages.
I like this book because there isn't a lot of book about sled dogs and racing. This book tells a great story of Susan and her dogs, while also describing the races and how sled racing works. This book has great pictures as well, and are very nice to look at.
I would use this book in my classroom because it is a great feel good story. This is also a story about a dog, and every child loves dogs for the most part. The pictures are magnificent to look at and kids would love to flip through the pages.
October 2, 2019
Susan Butcher was a four-time Iditarod winning sled dog racer. Granite is the name of her most decorated sled dog. Granite was an undersized, slightly deformed, timid puppy; who through the love and dedication of Susan Butcher raising him, became her most successful sled dog. Even later in his life granite had to overcome illness and show great dedication to becoming a winner. This is a great story of an underdog becoming a champion. I personally love reading this book to my son because he, like I was at his age is small and somewhat timid. I recommend this book to anyone who wants their children to know a real story of perseverance and overcoming adversity to become the best!
July 27, 2022
I don’t normally buy children’s books, but bought this one while on a trip to Alaska. It was a nice souvenir of our riverboat tour in Fairbanks, which stopped at the Chena native village, where I purchased this book. A statue of Granite stands where I bought the book. I got it signed by Tekla Butcher, Susan’s daughter. We had passed by the kennel earlier that day and had seen a sled dog demonstration.
August 29, 2019
Bought this on our Riverboat Tour and visit to the Chena Native Village in Fairbanks. The story is cute and inspiring, and the illustrations are adorable. It's even better because it's a true story of a runt dog overcoming adversity and trials to help his owner, Susan Butcher, win the Iditarod. It's really inspiring. I think it'll be a great one to share with my grandkids.
June 27, 2022
This book was just lovely! Full disclosure, my mother was a friend of Susan and her husband David. This book made me cry both sad and happy tears. While it is perfectly appropriate for children, after all it is a childrens book, it tells the hard truths in a very gentle way. Susan put all of her love for her dogs into this chronicle of her very special dog Granite. I absolutely loved the story.
July 3, 2019
An inspirational story for children about Susan Butcher, Iditarod champion and her dog, Granite. The story deals with perseverance, overcoming handicaps, and loyalty. My only complaint is with the illustrations, which seem amateurish.
June 29, 2024
I remember rooting and cheering for Susan when she won the Iditarod races. I was recently privileged to visit Alaska and have a copy of the book signed by her husband! So that will always make it a special memory.
August 31, 2024
What an inspiring book for children and adults! I was able to meet David Munson and see the property where Susan Butcher lived and trained her dogs during a trip to Alaska. While I bought copies for my grandchildren, I’m not sure I want to give one up!
June 21, 2018
Inspiring story about the first woman to win the Itidarod, Susan Butcher, and the dog who helped her to it.
November 24, 2018
11/21/2018 ~ A book that will be a fan-favorite with dog lovers. Also an excellent read-aloud to discuss perseverance & trust.
December 30, 2019
Loved this book - got signed copies in Alaska. My grandsons love having it read to them.
June 16, 2021
Absolutely loved this book!
May 5, 2022
Lovely story told beautifully about a remarkable family and their remarkable animals.
Read
March 8, 2023This inspired me to write my own book Stars of the North. An incredible story of a brave woman, Susan Butcher, and her great lead dog, Granite. A must read!!!
August 20, 2023
I love this story so much!
Want to read
January 28, 2025E
July 21, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this story of Susan, Granite and their determination to be the best they could be, fascinating!
October 26, 2025
Very nice story about a woman and her sled dogs. Granite was a runt.
January 10, 2026
A wonderful little book with enchanting drawings about the female musher who won 4 Iditarod races in Alaska
June 18, 2025
Such a cute book + true story and I met Tekla, Susan’s daughter!
June 18, 2019
Read this book with my niece in Alaska and met the author (David Monson) on Riverboat Discovery II.
Great story and illustrations.
Auna told David, "This book was awesome!"
Great story and illustrations.
Auna told David, "This book was awesome!"
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews