Part of Magic Tree House: Merlin Missions, book 26
First published 2016
Jack and Annie find themselves transported to Alaska in 1925, where a deadly diphtheria outbreak threatens the remote town of Nome. They encounter Balto, a black Siberian husky who must lead a dangerous sled run to deliver life-saving medicine across hundreds of miles of frozen wilderness. The trail ahead is treacherous, with blizzards and sub-zero temperatures blocking their path. Balto needs courage and determination to complete this critical mission, but he cannot succeed alone. Jack and Annie must find ways to help the brave sled dog overcome the obstacles that stand between the sick children of Nome and the medicine that could save their lives. This adventure tests all three companions as they race against time through the Alaskan wilderness, knowing that failure means death for the epidemic's victims.
Genres: historical-fiction, adventure, magic
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: found-family, race-against-time
Setting: Alaska, Nome
Period: 1925
128 pages · Hardcover · Random House Books for Young Readers