Balto and Togo: Hero Dogs of Alaska

by Helen Moss, Misa Saburi (Illustrations)

It's the winter of 1924 and a diptheria outbreak is threatening the population of Nome, Alaska. The only way to stop the deadly illness from causing a full blown epidemic is to immediately deliver one million units of the diptheria antitoxin to the affected communities ––a task that seems impossible given that the only way to reach any place in Alaska at this time of year is by dog sled. The stakes are high, and the snow is piling higher. Will the antitoxin make it in time? Or will the infection spread faster than they can treat it...

Follow along as Balto and Togo lead the way in this race against time to get the antitoxin and save lives.

Genres: Adventure, Historical Fiction, Animals, Middle Grade, Dogs, Ebooks, Audiobook

192 pages, Hardcover

Published November 28, 2023

Reviews

[Elli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first saw the book in a recommended books book. I like Balto so that's why the book caught my eye. If you like Balto you should read it.🐕

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an exceptional book! The writer had a wonderful style that was personal, intimate, and full of empathy. I really felt like I was on the Serum Run with the brave mushers and their remarkable dogs. She had a lot of very interesting historical facts in there, but her fictionalized sections were just as good. It was a pleasure to read. I will definately read this again.

[Deke Moulton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really great thorough and quick real story of the famous dog sled race to save the town ofNome. While there are some “dog conversations“ it’s not a Disney movie retelling and is really well done. In fact, I wish that the animated movie had been a lot more like this book because the movie it’s really quite ridiculous even though it probably helps spur a generation’s fascination with thishistorical event.

[Lisa Houston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in the unforgiving winter of 1924, The Great Alaskan Serum Run plunges readers into a gripping true story of survival, determination, and the indomitable human (and canine) spirit. With a diphtheria outbreak threatening to devastate Nome, Alaska, the only hope lies in a daring plan to deliver one million units of the lifesaving antitoxin across hundreds of miles of frozen wilderness. The catch? The journey must be made by dog sled, the only viable transportation in the harsh Arctic winter.

The story unfolds with urgency as the stakes grow higher with every chapter. As communities brace for the worst and the infection spreads, the narrative focuses on the heroic sled dogs and their mushers, with Balto and Togo emerging as unforgettable protagonists. The author masterfully captures their courage, loyalty, and grit, painting a vivid picture of the treacherous landscapes they faced: biting winds, relentless snowstorms, and deadly cold.

What makes this book especially compelling is its balance between suspense and heart. While the tension of the race against time keeps readers on edge, moments of humanity—kindness, teamwork, and sacrifice—shine through, offering a reminder of the strength found in unity.

Perfect for readers of all ages, The Great Alaskan Serum Run is not just an adventure story but a testament to resilience and the extraordinary bond between humans and animals. Whether you’re drawn to history, survival tales, or stories of heroism, this book will leave you inspired and deeply moved. A must-read for anyone who enjoys a thrilling, heartfelt narrative.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, Godwin Books, and Helen Moss for the opportunity to read Balto and Togo: Hero Dogs of Alaska in exchange for an honest review.

This novel is an amazing piece of artwork. Taking facts and twirling them into a tale with the sense of fiction, Balto and Togo: Hero Dogs of Alaska follows the crisis of the diptheria outbreak in 1924. The novel follows more of how things are seen from the third person perspective of the dogs, but also some of the townsfolk of Nome.

With an expanse of sources about dog biology, microbiology, living situations, and technology of the time period, this novel is a plethora of knowledge with cited sources, great for young readers to learn. Not only is this novel a learning experience, but follows the journey of the dogs and their mushers as they make the sled drive to Nenana to pick up the medicine, facing the harsh wilderness for the sake of saving children's lives.

The author notes were fun to read too. After the story, the author breaks down various chapters and explains where there were aspects of fact or where there were parts of history with missing holes, so those were filled in with fictional ideas for the movement of the story. All-in-all just a really great piece of writing blending fact to tell a story in a way that makes it flow like fiction. A really great addition to any classroom or school library!

[Therearenobadbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to see this book and it didn't disappoint. I'm always in awe at this historical event when the Diphtheria outbreak took so many young lives in 1925. The connection between humans and dogs is well captured in this detailed novel under 200 pages but rich in information, tension, and action.

There are chapters focused on the humans, but also chapters where we get the perspective of the dogs - not only of Balto and Togo, but of all the ones participating during a month in this race against death. They understand their companions' (humans) distress and how high the stakes of this mission are. They want to give their best even if it means sacrifice.

The author adds a few footnotes with a lot of historical extra information and more. Also with internet links.

This is a great educational novel to homage to the dogs that contributed so much to help us. A book to have in every classroom, library, and home. Also perfect for read-aloud with loved ones.

Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for this e-Arc.



(will be posting to blog and Instagram soon) @therearenobadbooks

[Brinley · Rating 4 out of 5]

For some reason, this had me on the verge of tears the entire time. I'm not sure if I'm just emotionally unstable right now, or if this book was really that good, but do what you will with that information. Despite the soggy eyes, I did really enjoy this one. As a kid, I was in love with the tale of Balto, so being able to revisit it was so much fun. And I loved the way this wove the tales of Balto and Togo together. It really emphasized the cooperation that made the Serum Run a possibility. I really enjoyed reading this one, and even though I don't see myself picking it up again, I would recommend it to middle-grade readers.

Thanks to Netgalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!

[Trisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the true story behind the great race to get the antitoxin to the Children of Nome Alaska during the winter of the 1924 diphtheria outbreak. I think we have all heard of Balto and what he did but what about Togo and the other sled dogs that to part in the relay some giving their all to get the medicine to the children. This book is so well researched and then written from the perspective of not only the humans but what the dogs might have thought during this as well. I really hope it happened as the dogs thought. I loved this book and hope it spreads far and wide so everyone can know the true story of those courageous men and dogs.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much. I feel like we have consistently heard the story of Balto, but I had never heard of Togo. I liked how the author gave voice to all the sled dogs and let us into their minds for a bit. I also appreciated all the research that went into her writing this book. There were some moments that seemed unbelievable and for which I was sure she had taken artistic license, but they turned out to be true. She kept most of the details accurate from the historical records, which added to the adventure and overall impact of the story. I highly recommend this book and will be getting a copy for my library.

[Magen · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Balto and Togo: Hero Dogs of Alaska’ is a fictionalized account of the 1924 diphtheria outbreak in Nome, Alaska and the race to get the life saving serum by dogsled. It’s a story many of us know but Helen Moss gives it a fresh look, weaving the tales of Balto and Togo together and presenting facts in an interesting way. I really enjoyed it, I’ve loved the story of Balto since I was little and would have been obsessed with this book when I was the target age.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group/Godwin Books for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Jasmine Shouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part educational, part fiction, this telling of the hero dogs who did the Serum Run in 1925 is a look at the teams who saved Nome from the diphtheria outbreak. 

While Moss uses facts to frame the story, she gives insight to what the dogs might have been thinking. The story of Balto is well known, but there were a lot of other teams who helped transport the serum, and this book covers almost the entire journey. Definitely a good read for middle schoolers! 

[Julia Pika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley & Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the copy in exchange for an honest review.

What a fantastic book! It's nothing complicated, of course, but I really enjoyed it! It works well to blend facts with fiction--just so anyone reading can feel the emotions of the people and dogs involved in the race. The author did a great job explaining everything from the dogs to the medicine itself. An easy and informative read.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great little story. I picked it up as our library’s shelf-ready supplier classified it as nonfiction, which I wanted to check for myself. I knew nothing about the famous huskies, Balto and Togo, or the diphtheria outbreak in Alaska. I loved that it was told from the dog’s perspective, making it a fictionalised nonfiction. I think it’s a great book for getting junior readers to branch out into true stories if that isn’t something they’ve read before.

[Nan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very well written book about the race to get life-saving serum to the city of Nome, Alaska in 1924. Told from the dog’s point of view, it’s very relatable and exciting. Honest and gripping, it does state that several dogs lost their lives. I think students will find it very appealing, and the back matter the author indicates chapter by chapter what portions he made up and wire his resources are. Very well done, and portrays the dogs as the heroes they were.

[Beth Mendelsohn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Godwin Books and NetGalley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

This historical fiction book takes the reader back to Alaska in 1924 during the diphtheria outbreak in Nome. It is told not only from the point of view of the doctors and mushers but the dogs as well. The reader will truly feel the danger and desperation of this endeavor. The target audience is probably unaware of this historical event or the Iditarod, which commemorates it. Quick synopsis: the diphtheria vaccine was sent from Anchorage to Nenana by train, then by dogsled the rest of the way. Back in 1924, airplanes could not fly in the extreme cold of the Alaskan winter. There were several teams that participated but Togo and Balto are the most famous of the lead dogs. The author also includes footnotes at the end of some of the chapters with additional pertinent facts.

This is a short book at 192 pages with lots of beautiful illustrations. I learned more facts about this event than I thought I knew. Middle grade kids might not be interested in all the facts but they can be easily skipped. Recommended for grade 3 and up. 3.5 stars rounded to 4.

#BaltoAndTogoHeroDogsOfAlaska #NetGalley

[Anna Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is sad that the other dogs who participated in this endeavor didn't get the press Balto did. I never realized how many people and dogs were involved since you only hear about Balto. I'm glad this book came out. I'll make it one of my staff recommends when it comes in.

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Hoover Public Library Kids and Teens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in the winter of 1924, this illustrated middle grade book is based on real events that took place during the diphtheria outbreak in Alaska. To prevent infection from spreading, one million units of antitoxin must be delivered as quickly as possible. But due to weather, temperature, minimal road access, distance, and isolation, the serum must travel by mushers and dogsleds.

[Ellon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars (I really liked it)

I actually didn't know much about Balto's story, besides the name. This was a really interesting story. I liked hearing about Balto, Togo and all the other dogs. The parallels between the diphtheria spread and COVID will make this book even more relevant to the younger generation.

[Carole · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent retelling of the story of the "great serum race" of 1925 when critical serum to fight an epidemic of diptheria needed to be transported to Nome, Alaska in the dead of winter. The only way to get it there was by dogsled. This was a wonderful telling of the heroic actions of the "mushers" and their also heroic dogs. Written for a young audience, I found it very engaging.

[Jenn Naughton · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a kid, I would check any books I could find in my school library that had anything to do with Balto or even sled dogs. This nonfiction title is another add-on for middle grade students studying twentieth century history.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this with my son. Loved getting the POV from dogs and humans alike. Sad that Togo didn't get the recognition he deserved and that the friendship between Seppala and Kaasen ended because of it. Although tragic that 6 people died from diphtheria it's also amazing it wasn't higher than that.

[Michelle Halber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very powerful book -- loses a bit of the tension at the end.

Kids who like historical fiction, and books featuring animals such as Pax will enjoy this. Parts of the book are from the dogs' point of view.
For adults, this book will bring back some of the fear from Covid.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent---Informative and totally engaging

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved how this book combined real information about diphtheria and the serum run, and sled dog racing, while also fantasizing what the dogs may have been thinking about and feeling.

[Bethany · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Blaire Watanabe · Rating 5 out of 5]

My kids loved how this book taught them about team work and were impressed how the dogs just kept going even when it was hard work. This is a great story to read with kids!

[Golda · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a statue of Balto in Central Park, NY
This is a unique way to learn about his part in the Serum Run.

[Meggen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was less about Balto and Togo and more about all the dogs and mushers who helped bring the life saving serum to Nome Alaska.

[Danny Mcalister]

one of my favoritest books I have read and enjoy in 2024

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley andGodwin Books, an imprint of Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, for the digital arc.
Fast paced middle grade adventure about the 1925 serum run which brought the lifesaving diphtheria antitoxin from Anchorage to Nome. In order to stave off a medical disaster, the serum was shipped first by train from Anchorage to Nenana, and then by dog sled teams who ran continuously from Nenana to Nome. The 700 miles, in brutal January 27-Feb. 2, 1925 weather, was life threatening for both dogs and mushers. Each chapter's title is a date which signified the days covered, and the chapters themselves are not too long. Author gave lots of information on the physical characteristics and differences between the breeds, malamute and husky, and the personalities of the various dogs. During the evening malamute chorus news of the illness, fear, and where the dog sled was along the route, was barked from kennel to kennel. The lead dog would sense danger on the trail, and often redirected the sled team before the musher gave the order. The way the logistics were worked out via phone, telegraph and dog sled contrasts with today's satellite, internet, and aircraft. Balto and Togo get much of the attention, but in all there were at least 20 mushers with 150 dogs, and you will be cheering for all of them. This is a middle grade book, but honestly, it's an incredible read for anyone.