Cheechako

Will Rollins is new to Alaska, a greenhorn or cheechako. He's been there most of a year, hasn't made any friends and can't seem to settle in. Plus, he's being bullied by a couple of kids from school. When Will sees a dog trapped out on the ice—as it's breaking up—he foolishly and bravely, rushes to the rescue. As a result, he gets to keep the dog and names her Blackie. He also finds a friend, an Alaskan Native named Elias. They become fast friends and Will matures and strengthens as he learns to not be cheechako. Thanks to Elias, Will learns to survive and thrive in the wilderness. He leans to hitch up dogs and drive a dogsled. He learns to throw a hatchet—and hit what he aims at. Most of all, he learns the self-reliance to survive in a cold and hostile environment. When things go wrong, and they do, when his family is trapped in a blizzard and when Elias is injured, Will and Blackie must go for help. He braves, not just icy temperatures, but obstacles including an avalanche and a marauding wolf pack. Can he survive? He has to. His family and his new friend are counting on him. This book is recommended for grade five and up, and well-reviewed for reluctant readers.