DOGSLED DREAMS 

Reviews

"Any teacher using Gary Paulsen’s Woodsong would want Terry Johnson’s ‘Dogsled Dreams’ as a part of their classroom library and to use as an instructional piece while integrating dog mushing into classroom lessons.  ‘Dogsled Dreams’ provides accurate information about dog mushing and more importantly, is an inspirational read that encourages the reader to set goals and take steps to meet the goals, no matter what the goals may be." -- Iditarod Education Director, Diane Johnson

"Dogsled Dreams is an inspirational story about a girl learning the rewards of persistence, hard work and bravery. It is much more than an adventure story about a young musher; it is about a girl determined to prove her knowledge, abilities and maturity to her family, peers and, most importantly, herself. Rebecca's experiences are applicable to any young girl ready to emerge from the security of childhood to the freedom of adolescence. Dogsled Dreams is a captivating and exciting debut novel and introduction to dogsledding." --  Superior Outdoors Magazine

"What a fun, fast paced, action packed story! ... It wasn't hard for me to get sucked right into Rebecca's world. I really liked various elements that make up Dogsled Dreams. It's a mix of adventure, learning to trust yourself and being courageous. ...Terry paints a vivid picture of setting, and I loved getting a picture of the beautiful northern night sky... Dogsled Dreams is a wonderful, engaging adventure that I highly recommend picking up!" -- Mundie Moms (read full review)

"A warm, coming-of-age story about hopes and dreams, but most of all, finding the true meaning of family and friends, whether they have two legs or four!" -- Darcy Johns, Youth Services Librarian, Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia

"Exhilarating...I was drawn into the world of dogsled dreams learning quite a bit about the nuances of the sport... It’s very easy to get lost in the pages of Dogsled Dreams." -- Lisa Barker, BiblioReads (read full review)

"Dogsled Dreams by Terry Lynn Johnson is a story that demonstrates the bond between mushers and their dogs, the devotion mushers feel for their dogs, and the lengths to which they will go to ensure their dog’s health and well-being." -- Pam Flowers, Author of Alone Across the Arctic: One Woman's Epic Journey by Dog Team

"As a father to a young girl, I was thrilled to see Rebecca have such high hopes and dreams for herself and to see her father support and nurture her interests and efforts to achieve those dreams. This is a beautiful story both dads and their daughters can enjoy reading and discussing together!" -- Chris Singer, Book Dads.com (read full review)

"I was charmed by Becca and her focus ... Dogsled Dreams is a great book for moms and daughters to read together and talk about setting goals" -- Cindy Hudson, Mother-Daughter Book Clubs (read full review)

"This middle grade novel is fast-paced, stuffed full of doggy goodness and racing lingo, and charmed the anorak off me from the very first page. Johnson has created a story that will appeal equally to 7-year-old boys who love puppies and 12-year-old girls who dream of being on American Idol. That is quite a feat, and mark me impressed." -- Ink Spells, middle grade reviews (read full review)

"This is an engaging, often exciting, and humorous story full of rich details and fascinating information about dog sled racing. Rebecca and her dogs not only came alive, but they brought me along on their adventures." -- Cynthia Chapman Willis, author of Dog Gone

"From the opening scene involving a thrilling dogsled ride to the dreams and adventures of the 12 year old protagonist Rebecca, pre-teens and their parents will be caught up in Johnson’s glimpses of life in rural North Western Ontario. Johnson’s intimate knowledge of the dogs she describes is real, heart-warming and often humorous... both elementary and secondary teachers can use in their classrooms to engage at-risk readers. This is a high-impact and very readable story."-- Teri Treftlin, Secondary School teacher, Geraldton, Ontario

"the bond between Rebecca and her dogs is as special as Where the Red Fern Grows" -- 10 Stories Up (read full review)

"As good as Julie of the Wolves." -- Book Dreaming (read full review)

"I've taught middle grade aged kids for a long time... I know they are going to love the plot line. It's full of fun, mystery, worry, and LOTS of adventure." -- Jemi Fraser, public school teacher (read full review)

"Highly recommended!" -- Bark River Racing Kennels (read full review)

"My tea got cold..Not only was the story engaging and the characters delightful (she gave each dog its own personality), Terry Lynn Johnson presented facts about dog teams, equipment, and procedures in a page turning adventure." -- The Writing Room (read full review)

"It's exciting, enlightening, uplifting, and funny." -- Seens from the Backs of My Eyelids (read full review)

"This book is unlike anything my kids and I have read before."--  Susan Fields (read full review)

From the Mailbag:

Dear Terry Johnson,

I LOVED Dogsled Dreams!!!! I let out a little happy weep of celebration and joy ... it inspires the reader to be courageous in their own life dreams! 'If you don't do anything hard in life you won't feel good about yourself' - GREAT lesson - for pre-teens - AND adults!! I think this book should be marketed to adults too - who just need a boost!

Carolyn Patterson

Dear Terry,

The book is an amazing accomplishment.  You paint pictures of northern Ontario that are so real you make me homesick. The book is inspiring and I couldn't put it down.  Your style is addictive and makes page turning a compulsion, not a chore.  I absolutely loved it!  

Denise Gower

Tail Wags  

From the Mailbag:

KIDS say, 

Dear Ms. Johnson

I thought your book was interesting, EXTREMELY funny and sometimes surprising. My favourite part is when Rebecca and her dad brought the puppies to the school. Do you actually have a dog named Apollo?

Your #1 fan

Emma Grade 5

Dear Ms. Johnson,

I really liked your book Dogsled Dreams and really liked how you described the characters. My favourite dog would be Apollo, because I think Apollo is a good dog. I thought the book was REALLY FUNNY, interesting and sometimes surprising.

Sincerly, Jack Grade 5/6

Dear Ms. Johnson,

I loved your book Dogsled Dreams. The dogs love running and stuff like that. I would love to try dogsledding. It sounds fun. I'm just like Rebeca I do those things and say those words!

Sincerely, Britney

Dear Ms. Johnson,

I love your book "Dogsled Dreams." I thought your characters were fun and adventurous. My favourite characters in "Dogsled Dreams" are Rebecca, Apollo, Rebecca's dog team and Rebecca's dad. But my favourite character would have to be Rebecca. She was exciting! I probably like her so much because I am a girl too... I like it because of the thrill. It made me nervous excited and worried.

From Kaytie Grade 6

Dear Ms. Johnson,

I loved your book Dogsled Dreams sooooo much...I am going to read all your books. My favourite dog is Doppler it is also Rebecca's favourite dog. The book is so funny....I think you write awesome books and I can't wait to read them all.

Sincerely, Yash Grade 5