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.
