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HOORAY FOR THOMAS! B
This is the true story about a very brave dog who, in 1925, led his team 700 miles through blinding snowdrifts, over a frozen river, and around cracking ice to save two diphtheria-stricken children.
48 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1989
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
June 12, 2024
I haven't read this book in nearly 30 years, but it meant so much to me as an emerging reader that I can still see the final page in my mind's eye. A.) I loved the story (B.) After I read this out loud in grade 1, the way my teacher (and future teachers) perceived/treated me shifted drastically, and gave me a genuine sense of self esteem. I'm pretty sure I rode that wave of confidence all the way to my current career where I read out loud to kids at least once a week.
January 18, 2024
When we read this back in the years our daughters were growing up, we were unaware of the movie by the same name. I know, how could we be so out of things? Well, we missed quite a few movies, we are now discovering. But after recently watching the movie, I can say this book, the TRUE story of this heroic dog is 1000 times better than the movie. Big surprise? 🫤 The movie is just one hokey sensation after another.
The book, on the other hand tells how Balto, a sled dog, led his team across frozen Alaska in 1925 bringing vital medicine to save the town of Nome from diphtheria. He traveled 53 miles in 20 hours. When the team arrived, the dogs were too tired to even bark. The doctor had expected the dog team relay to take 15 days, but the combined effort of the teams accomplished the feat in only 5 days.
Balto and his team had done the last two legs of the journey—as there had been no one to relieve them. He had saved his team from falling through breaking ice, in a blinding blizzard and calmed the other dogs when they got buried in snow. Perhaps these things would not have made such an exciting movie, but they were still a matter of life and death and more importantly they were TRUE. This also sparked our interest in the Iditrarod race many years ago.
It really is a GREAT book, an inspiring story about courage, tenacity, perseverance and teamwork!
The book, on the other hand tells how Balto, a sled dog, led his team across frozen Alaska in 1925 bringing vital medicine to save the town of Nome from diphtheria. He traveled 53 miles in 20 hours. When the team arrived, the dogs were too tired to even bark. The doctor had expected the dog team relay to take 15 days, but the combined effort of the teams accomplished the feat in only 5 days.
Balto and his team had done the last two legs of the journey—as there had been no one to relieve them. He had saved his team from falling through breaking ice, in a blinding blizzard and calmed the other dogs when they got buried in snow. Perhaps these things would not have made such an exciting movie, but they were still a matter of life and death and more importantly they were TRUE. This also sparked our interest in the Iditrarod race many years ago.
It really is a GREAT book, an inspiring story about courage, tenacity, perseverance and teamwork!
September 4, 2019
Linda historia, pero con un ritmo lento.
November 20, 2022
DIE BALTO DIE
February 16, 2018
A real hit for my early reader! Mom enjoyed it too. A captivating true adventure story, smartly written so it didn't feel watered down to a specific reading level.
August 16, 2012
This is the first chapter book that I ever read and it still holds a special place in my heart. During summer break, after kindergarten, I picked this up and struggled my way through it. I was captivated by the setting and the character of Balto and, for the first time, I really enjoyed reading something by myself. I owe at least a portion of my love of books now to this book from all those years ago.
March 17, 2018
Yes, this is a children's book for learning how to read chapter books BUT this is definitely one of my favorite children's books. What kid wouldn't want to be a part of a dog sled team? This book is a good, very short, but informative about the sled dog, Balto.
January 5, 2020
I plan to use this as a starting point with my fourth graders for ways books can spark learning about new things. (Dog sled racing). It was a simply told story, easy to read in one sitting for upper grades but because it’s about a dog the kids I am sure will love it.
September 19, 2017
3.5 stars. Last in the little stack of books I bought for my niece for her birthday. A true story of a sled dog relay that brought urgently needed medicine to a town in Nome, Alaska in 1925. This is a Level 3 book in Random House's Step into Reading series. When my niece's teacher said level 3 books, I think this "level 3" is what she probably had in mind. The writing style is simplistic, and sentences are often broken midway, making it feel choppy, but I think this style will benefit those just starting to read on their own, offering stopping points and the "reward" of finishing a line of text more frequently than a traditional paragraph. This book was originally published in 1989, and I think more recent books have better flow without sacrificing text that's appropriate to new readers, but I still think this one is worthwhile.
The story has some adventure and excitement, without being scary. Relative to movies and TV shows, it will likely feel rather mild. But the elements of a good plot are there--high stakes, powerful motivation, and a series of adversities for the hero to overcome. Plus, the "hero" is a dog. Who can resist that? Plus, as it's based on history, you can Google image search and find photos of the real Balto (as well as Balto himself, whose remains are on display in a museum, so be prepared to explain taxidermy....).
The story has some adventure and excitement, without being scary. Relative to movies and TV shows, it will likely feel rather mild. But the elements of a good plot are there--high stakes, powerful motivation, and a series of adversities for the hero to overcome. Plus, the "hero" is a dog. Who can resist that? Plus, as it's based on history, you can Google image search and find photos of the real Balto (as well as Balto himself, whose remains are on display in a museum, so be prepared to explain taxidermy....).
March 8, 2018
Easy to read and a good story. The artwork was beautiful and well done.
Read
December 30, 2019An old friend; gave this to one of my cousin's kids for Christmas and had to reread it first. The ending always made me cry with happiness as a kid and in fact I DID tear up this time, too.
June 21, 2018
I enjoyed this book because I liked the part when Gunnar and Balto got the medecine. I didn't like this book because I didn't like the part when Balto got stuck in the snow.
December 7, 2017
A real page turner!
My almost 7 year old read the whole thing all at once. She was familiar with the story from Magic Treehouse. Next time we go to NYC we are going to visit the Balto statue!
My almost 7 year old read the whole thing all at once. She was familiar with the story from Magic Treehouse. Next time we go to NYC we are going to visit the Balto statue!
December 2, 2023
So glad to have been introduced to this amazing tale by Natalie Standiford of Balto, a lead sled dog in Nome, Alaska. Animals never fail to amaze me, and Balto is a brave animal and heroic one, too. Along with his team and master (human) Gunner, he risked his life to help many in Alaska survive a brutal winter of sickness.
There is also a kids animated movie about it that is full of tension and has a different ending. I recommend watching the movie after reading the book. Both are very good.
Also, if you are in NYC or plan a trip there, look for Balto's statue in Central Park!
There is also a kids animated movie about it that is full of tension and has a different ending. I recommend watching the movie after reading the book. Both are very good.
Also, if you are in NYC or plan a trip there, look for Balto's statue in Central Park!
November 22, 2020
Nice bedtime read for 1st grader. Exciting story kept his attention and at the end we were excited to see the Balto statue in Central Park.
November 29, 2013
This book has earned its way into being called a classic of children's early readers. Still in print after more than twenty years, it's a story that will never age. Briefly telling the true story of a sled dog relay that travelled from Anchorage to Nome, Alaska to save the people of Nome from an outbreak of diphtheria in 1925. The story plays on the emotions by focusing on a family with two sick children and then telling the story of Balto, the lead dog of the last team which made heroic strides through a blizzard to go further than any other team to make to Nome just in time to save lives. An exciting story with cute illustrations of the dogs showing them with a slight puppy look that is sure to delight dog lovers and impress readers with the fact that this really happened. I have an old original copy of the book which is labeled Step 2, however the book now is published as part of the Step 3 line.
November 19, 2011
Reading the acts of bravery and heroism to my children, then thinking of the dire need of medicine for the children and possibly the whole town of Nome, AK brought tears to my eyes. Truly a very special book.
April 28, 2013
Pretty good, but I'm not sure what made Balto stand out from every other dog, in every other team in the serum relay. . .
July 28, 2016
Just read it.
A cute kid book. I have watched the movie, and I used to like it so so much!!!
Wow, it reminds me of when I was younger!!!
:-)
A cute kid book. I have watched the movie, and I used to like it so so much!!!
Wow, it reminds me of when I was younger!!!
:-)
April 24, 2021
Inspiring story that makes me tear up, and I'm not even a dog person.
November 14, 2023
The story of Balto, the sled dog who led the sled through a storm to get medicine to Nome, Alaska. Pretty good art. Works as an early reader.
November 20, 2017
In Alaska in 1925, there were few roads or other transportation paths, so in the winter the only realistic transportation outside the towns was by dogsled. Many people had very capable teams that could transport critical supplies and they were often on standby for emergencies. The lead dog was key to any dogsled team, it sniffed out the trail, all other dogs simply pulled and followed.
It was in the middle of the winter in Nome, Alaska in 1925 when some children came down with diphtheria, a deadly disease that was contagious, but could be treated with the proper medication. However, the nearest source of the medicine was in Anchorage, Alaska, and transport to Nome was impossible over the rail lines.
Therefore, a series of dogsled teams was positioned from the most forward position that the train could reach from Anchorage to Nome, a distance of 700 miles. One of the teams was led by a dog named Balto, and it was assigned to the second-to-last leg of the journey. When they met with the previous team, the weather was in a state of whiteout, it was Balto’s sense of direction and smell that led the team to their destination.
When Balto’s team arrived at their transfer point, no one was there so they pressed on. At the end they had gone 53 miles through the worst conditions over a period of 20 hours. Balto was justifiably hailed as a hero, for the speedy arrival of the medicine averted an epidemic, saving many lives.
This true story is written at the level of grades 1-3 and is a delight to read. Children will find the story engaging and entertaining, something that they will read over and over again.
It was in the middle of the winter in Nome, Alaska in 1925 when some children came down with diphtheria, a deadly disease that was contagious, but could be treated with the proper medication. However, the nearest source of the medicine was in Anchorage, Alaska, and transport to Nome was impossible over the rail lines.
Therefore, a series of dogsled teams was positioned from the most forward position that the train could reach from Anchorage to Nome, a distance of 700 miles. One of the teams was led by a dog named Balto, and it was assigned to the second-to-last leg of the journey. When they met with the previous team, the weather was in a state of whiteout, it was Balto’s sense of direction and smell that led the team to their destination.
When Balto’s team arrived at their transfer point, no one was there so they pressed on. At the end they had gone 53 miles through the worst conditions over a period of 20 hours. Balto was justifiably hailed as a hero, for the speedy arrival of the medicine averted an epidemic, saving many lives.
This true story is written at the level of grades 1-3 and is a delight to read. Children will find the story engaging and entertaining, something that they will read over and over again.
November 2, 2024
My edition has this cover but the ISBN for this listing. Hmm.
I feel like Balto gets played up a lot despite being one dog in a team, even if the lead dog. Certainly Togo would have some things to say about Balto the scrub! Heck, why don't we hear about the driver who took over for two of his dogs that froze to death on the same trip that Balto was supposed to only lead the second-to-last relay for? Or even the other dogs on Balto's team?
I'm not saying Balto wasn't exercising the good judgement demonstrated in the book. (I would have to fact-check in order to say that!) It just feels like tooting the horn for one dog out of many, only because he was the lead dog. I don't know.
Still a good read, and a good young reader book! ...though I will retract this should I ever decide to fact-check and find this is a (dog) pack of lies, haha.
I feel like Balto gets played up a lot despite being one dog in a team, even if the lead dog. Certainly Togo would have some things to say about Balto the scrub! Heck, why don't we hear about the driver who took over for two of his dogs that froze to death on the same trip that Balto was supposed to only lead the second-to-last relay for? Or even the other dogs on Balto's team?
I'm not saying Balto wasn't exercising the good judgement demonstrated in the book. (I would have to fact-check in order to say that!) It just feels like tooting the horn for one dog out of many, only because he was the lead dog. I don't know.
Still a good read, and a good young reader book! ...though I will retract this should I ever decide to fact-check and find this is a (dog) pack of lies, haha.
November 11, 2019
This book was about the brave dog Balto who helped deliver medicine to a town that saved many people during a snowstorm. This book could be used as in a history unit or for early readers to practice reading out loud. This book had a very limited word choice, which made the story less intriguing. I do not think there was a very good balance between the presentation of facts and telling the story of Balto. There were parts that heavily leaned on the factual part, while others focused on telling a story. A good historical book has a balance of both elements, but this one did not. The illustrations were detailed and helped add to the story, while keeping my attention. I think this book would be good for younger readers because of the illustrations and controlled vocabulary. It provides good information about Balto and his journey. I just do not think that this book was written effectively. The book informs its audience, but is not very entertaining to me.
October 5, 2017
I love this book. I loved watching the movie that was made from this story when I was younger. The book has great illustrations and is a good nonfiction book that most kids wouldn't recognize as nonfiction. The book is about Alaska and how the only transportation is through dog sleds. In the town of Nome, two children get sick. The doctor didn't have the medicine to treat them. A hospital far away tried to send the medicine by train but it got stuck in the snow. The town decided to do a dog sled relay to get to the medicine. Balto led his team back to the town safely. They got the medicine to the doctor and saved the children. I would use this story either as a prediction text to have students make predictions about what they think will happen.
October 26, 2024
An interesting peek into an early reader; I'm enthusiastic about picture books, but have no experience reading this category/demographic, even as a young reader IIRC. This is in every way the expected telling of Balto's story, which is to say: simplifying the relay down to the big finale is reductive and aggrandizing. But it's also super engaging, so I can see why it would make this early reader stand out from the crowd. The illustrations don't do much for me; they're remarkably light on atmosphere, which is a lost opportunity given the extremity of the setting. All in all, not for me & not meant for me, but I'm not mad to've read it and gained some understanding of this category of children's books.
February 27, 2018
I’m so fascinated by the Iditarod race and its history—based on the amazing dog-sled relay run in 1925 to bring diphtheria serum from Anchorage to epidemic-threatened Nome—that I wanted to share this story with young readers. So I bought this for the Little Free Library we run in our front yard. This book has lovely illustrations and an age-appropriate version of the race-against-time-and-blizzards story featuring Balto, the lead dog in the last team bringing the life-saving serum into Nome. A good adventure story of teamwork, determination, courage, community, hard work, and what can be accomplished when animals and humans work together through trust and loyalty to achieve a common goal.
November 13, 2019
The Bravest Dog Ever: Story of Balto is a great children's book that retells a true, horrific story in an appropriate manor. I really enjoy these book series because they recreate a story at an appropriate level for readers. This book is at a level 3 meaning it is for grades 1-3 and the student may read it on their own. After reading the book, I believe the storyline is appropriate for primary students with great vocabulary that is easy enough for students to read, but also includes some challenging words. The best part about the book is that phonetic phrases are given to help students sound out specific spelling words.
November 8, 2023
It's 1925 in Nome, Alaska, and two children are ill with diptheria. The doctor needs medicine for the children before the whole town gets it too. Diptheria is deadly and so the medicine is of urgent need. The medicine has to make it's way to Nome from Anchorage and it gets sent out by train. But harsh snow and weather stops the train 700 miles from Nome. The town plans a dog sled relay to get the medicine to Nome. They estimate that it will take 15 days to make the trip. Will the medicine reach them in time?
This is the true story of Balto, the sled dog made famous by how he heroically led not only his team of dogs, but also his human to safety and to Nome.
This is the true story of Balto, the sled dog made famous by how he heroically led not only his team of dogs, but also his human to safety and to Nome.
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December 12, 2023Who doesn't love a dog-as-hero trope story? Balto was an amazingly brave dog who, in Nome, Alaska was the lead dog of the dog sled team that brought vaccines for diphtheria to the children in Nome, saving their lives.
One frightening, suspenseful event follows another, so many near-death experiences! Young beginning read readers will be inspired to read on in this high adventure wintry dramatic story of one dog's brilliance, loyalty, stamina and most of all bravery.
A reissue of the 1989 with original pastel illustrations that might detract from some kid appeal ...until they start reading.
One frightening, suspenseful event follows another, so many near-death experiences! Young beginning read readers will be inspired to read on in this high adventure wintry dramatic story of one dog's brilliance, loyalty, stamina and most of all bravery.
A reissue of the 1989 with original pastel illustrations that might detract from some kid appeal ...until they start reading.
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