1. Selection One: Akiak written and illustrated by Robert J. Blake

2. Summary Page Title Page Awards Story Summary Key Concept
Key Vocabulary
Strategy Focus
Comprehension Skill
Story Map Outline
Sneak Peek
Conclusion Page

3. Awards Notable Children’s Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies
Irma S. and James H. Black Award for Excellence in Children’s Literature
Vermont Red Clover Award Master List
Washington State’s Children’s Choice Award
The Virginia Young Reader Award
Indiana’s 2001 Young Hoosier Award

4. Selection Summary:
This is ten-year-old lead dog Akiak’s last chance to win the Iditarod. When Akiak hurts her paw, she must be removed from the race. But Akiak sets out on her own, catches up to her team, and shows them the way!

5. Key concept:
Dogsled racing

6. Key Vocabulary Experienced Blizzard Musher Checkpoint Rugged
Courageous

7. Blizzard-a snowstorm with strong winds
There are powerful blizzards and towering snowdrifts along the twisting, icy route from Anchorage to Nome.

8. Checkpoint- a place along a route where people sign in
Racers are required to rest often and sign in at many checkpoints along the way.

9. Courageous- brave; fearless
People had come from everywhere to see the courageous dog that had run the Iditarod trail alone.

10. Experienced- having the knowledge to do a particular task
The experienced lead dog led the team safely to their checkpoint.

11. Musher- the driver of a dogsled team
Teams of sixteen dogs pull a sled carrying their musher.

12. Rugged- having a rough, uneven surface
The Iditarod course covers more than 1,000 miles of rugged Alaskan trails.

13. Now let’s take a look at some of the reading skills we will practice as we read Akiak…

14. Strategy focus: Summarize
Akiak is divided into sections describing different days of the Iditarod race. As you read, stop every few pages to summarize each day’s events.

15. Comprehension Skill Focus: Story Structure
You can use a story map to look at how a problem and its solution affect the story’s plot and characters.

16. Story Map Characters- people or animals in the story
Setting- the time and place in which the story occurs
Plot- the series of events in a story
Problem facing the characters
Story events
Solution

17. Let’s take a peek at last year’s Iditarod race!

18. Enjoy Selection 1: Akiak
Check out for more activities relating to Akiak.