Black Star, Bright Dawn - Hardcover

O'Dell, Scott

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0395477786 ISBN 13: 9780395477786

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 1988

Synopsis

A young Eskimo girl encounters frightening obstacles when she takes her father's place in the Iditarod, the annual 1,172-mile dogsled race in Alaska.

About this title

About the Author

Scott O’Dell (1898–1989), one of the most respected authors of historical fiction, received the Newbery Medal, three Newbery Honor Medals, and the Hans Christian Andersen Author Medal, the highest international recognition for a body of work by an author of books for young readers. Some of his many books include The Island of the Blue Dolphins, The Road to Damietta, Sing Down the Moon, and The Black Pearl.

Reviews

Grade 6-10 When her father is injured during a training run, 18-year-old Bright Dawn must take over his position as the village's dog racer in the Iditarod, a 1179-mile sled dog race from Anchorage to Nome. She is befriended by Oteg, an older Eskimo who gives advice and reminds her of the folklore and wisdom of her people. But this headstrong girl does not always listen, and while she is first at the halfway point, she is last at the finish line. O'Dell portrays the frozen landscape and encounters with moose and wolves vividly, as well as reveals the planning needed for adequate shelter and food. Bright Dawn does not race to beat the others, but only to do her best, and does win the sportsmanship prize for helping other competitors. Paulsen's Dogsong (Bradbury, 1985) portrayed a more rugged, introspective, and mystical dogsled journey, which is not O'Dell's intention. However, it is surprising that in a race requiring a great deal of endurance and strength, the sheer exhaustion and physical deprivation does not come through in this narrative. The telling here is sparse and for the most part emotionless, even during scenes of personal danger, despite the use of a first-person voice. Susan Schuller, Milwaukee Public Library
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

When her father is injured while training for the Iditarod (the famous 1200-mile dogsled race between Anchorage and Nome), Bright Dawn eagerly takes his place. "The race is won by thinking," an older competitor warns her, which proves to be true. Like all superb adventure stories, this one concerns external threats from the elements and nature, as well as the inner battle: the strength of Bright Dawn's character. Of O'Dell's recent works this is one of his bestexciting to read and infused with dignity. The race, with an unexpected ending, gives the story its simple, penetrating structure. But the story's depth comes from Bright Star's admiration for her father, running like a current through the story. O'Dell's understated, laconic style seems perfectly suited to depicting their relationship. Ages 10-14.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
• Publication date: 1988
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0395477786
• ISBN 13: 9780395477786
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 134