Balto: The dog who saved Nome

by Margaret Davidson, Cathie Bleck (Illustrator)

used book, childrens novel

Genres: Animals, Picture Books, Nonfiction, History

16 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1977

About the author

There is more than one author with this name

Margaret Davidson grew up in New York City. As a child, she always loved to read.

She initially published books under her nickname and maiden name of Mickie Compere and also as Mickie Davidson

She has written many biographies, true stories about people's lives. Some famous people she has written biographies about are Helen Keller, Annie Sullivan, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Golda Meir.

Reviews

[Jodie Greene · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an informational book about Balto, a sled dog that saved Nome, Alaska in 1925 from diphtheria. He was the lead sled dog in the final relay team that brought the life-saving serum to Nome, but was originally not thought to be a good leader. He braved strong winds and temperatures of -50 degrees to save the town’s children. The relay of dogs covered 700 miles in about 6 days.

I recommend this book for children grades 1-4. In collaborative groups, students could research the annual Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race which commemorates this serum run. Then the groups could choose a method of delivering their research to the class (a skit, presentation, poster, etc.).

[Alex Wingrove · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is about a city in Alaska that was overtaken by an epidemic of diphtheria. The only way they would survive is if they got this specific medicine, but it was too icy and snowy for any transportation to take it, so they got dogs to take it over 600 miles. Leading the team was the strongest dog- Balto. Balto got them all the way to Nome to deliver the medicine.
I loved this book just because I absolutely love dogs more than anything in the world.
This would be great to read with students to show them the significance of that kind of illness.

[LeAndra Simone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you love a story with an underdog? This is definitely that book!! It surrounds a small town whose struck by terrible illness, and with medicine no where close, and a storm brewing, it seems almost impossible to save the town. A story of determination, heart, and almost impossible circumstance, this book will have you on the edge of your seat.

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspirational story about a heroic dog, something animal-loving children will really enjoy.

[Jad · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Story Talks About A dog who Saved a country named NOME!!!

[Tubntxuam Khang]

balto is a brave and a saver

[Julia Jeon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A retelling of the story of Balto, the sled dog who led the final relay team carrying life-saving serum to Nome during the 1925 diptheria epidemic.

This is a literary story to tell as there is a clear beginning, middle and end to the story.