Akiak has been at the head of her team for seven Iditarod races. She knows the 1,151 miles of Alaskan terrain between Anchorage and Nome better than any other dog. Perhaps even better than Mick, the woman whose sled she pulls. In all those tries, they've never won; the closest they've come is second. In this, Akiak's eighth attempt, the ten-year old dog has her final chance to win. But Mick must pull Akiak out of the race on day four because of an injured paw, and the team heads on without her. On day five, Akiak breaks free from the volunteers who would fly her home and sets off down the Iditarod trail alone, in pursuit of her team, in pursuit of her victory. Robert Blake's dramatic story is powerfully illustrated with sweeping oil paintings that span each two page spread, capturing a fierce and stunning frozen landscape and the spirit of those who cross it. (Ages 7-11)

It is Iditarod day. Fifty-six dog teams will race through 1,151 miles of rugged Alaskan terrain from Anchorage to Nome. Akiak knows these miles well. As lead dog, she has raced the incredible trail before, but never won. She is ten years old: if she is going to win, it must be now.

When snow hurts her paw on the fourth day out, Mick, her musher, must leave her behind and continue the race without her. The rules say once a dog is dropped from the race, it may not rejoin the team. But Akiak doesn't know about rules. She is a lead dog, and her place is with the team. Nothing, not blizzards, not breaking ice, not the people out to catch her, will stop Akiak from catching up to her team. The question is, can the team still win?

Robert J. Blake's majestic snowscapes will lead you through this unforgettable tale of a dog with a hero's heart, a dog who will not give up. Akiak will leave you cheering.