Iditarod 2011

Photograph is courtesy of Alaskan Dude with some rights reserved.

Iditarod 2011 began on March 5. It's a race of over 1,150 miles across extreme and beautiful Alaskan terrain. Each musher and their team of 12 to 16 dogs will cover the mileage in 10 to 17 days.

I was a 2008 Target® Teacher on the Trail™ finalist, and subsequently volunteered to update the list of Books About Iditarod and Alaska for the official Website of the Iditarod.

Cheryl Hannon and I collaborated via email to provide a resource list which we divided into seven categories.

1. Adult Non-Fiction
2. Adult Fiction
3. Children’s Non-Fiction
4. Children’s Fiction
5. Young Adult Non-Fiction
6. Young Adult Fiction
7. Teacher’s Resources and Website Resources

It is part of the For Teachers section of the Website, which offers excellent lesson plans and resources for including the Iditarod and Alaska in schools and libraries.

Please let me know of any other books or resources to add to our list.

Book List Contributed to Iditarod

For almost two years librarian Cheryl Hannon and I worked from different states via e-mail to create an updated book list for the Iditarod Web site.  It is posted, and we are proud.  Take a look at Books About Iditarod and Alaska.  (Photo by Mcoughlin, used with CC permission.)

Iditarod Accomplishment

For some 18 months I have been working with another librarian on a book list for the Iditarod, and today I submitted the final draft. It came to the point where I had to admit to myself that the project could go on forever -- there are so many books about the Iditarod, Alaska, sled dogs, and related topics -- and that I needed to bring this volunteer project to an end. I emailed the list saying that it was as far as I could take it at this time, and that, of course, additions from others were always welcome. I feel a sense of accomplishment. The list is 22 pages long; a bit much to share here in its entirety. I'll let you know when it is posted to the Iditarod web site.

The Last Great Race

It is called "The Last Great Race on Earth," and it began today in earnest -- Iditarod XXXVI. Following yesterday's ceremonial start in Anchorage, ninety-six mushers and their teams of between 12 and 16 dogs began the 1150 mile, 10 to 17 day journey to Nome.

The official Iditarod website has race stats, video, photos, and lots of teacher resources. I was one of 12 applicants for Teacher on the Trail, and although I was not chosen this time, just the process of applying increased my awe of and respect for the men, women and dogs who participate each year in running the race and supporting those who do run it.

Join the excitement of the race by reading an Iditarod themed book.