Mushing for Kids

Aisling (pronounced “Ashley”) Shepherd lives in Norway, Maine, loves the winter and her dogs. As a toddler she had eye problems that were corrected by surgery. While recovering, she occupied her time not by watching cartoons, but animals on the Discovery Channel. One day she happened upon the Iditarod race on TV and got hooked.

The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is an annual Alaskan event held in March where mushers and a team of 16 dogs run between Anchorage to Nome. The 1049-mile race can take between 9-15 days in sub zero temperatures and gale force winds. It is Aisling’s dream to mush her dogs in that race. 

Eye on the Iditarod: Aisling’s Quest is an exciting tale of a child’s dream of reaching her goals. Written in the first person narrative, author Hope Irvin Marston brings to life the trials of a young girl’s hopes and aspirations. Readers will be inspired by how Aisling’s overcomes the adversities of raising dogs, working to obtain money for the expenses, and her dogged vision that never loses sight of her objective.

Readers will be educated to the culture surrounding mushing and be inspired by the good sportsmanship that governs Aisling’s behavior in a race.

Though Aisling doesn’t reach the maturity level to race the grueling Iditarod, the book does leave us with the sense that Aisling Shepherd will one day race in the Iditarod and come out on top.

Eye on the Iditarod: Aisling’s Quest is a wonderful motivational story that will inspire children of all ages.

About the Author  

Hope Irvin Marston is a retired middle school teacher and library media specialist from Black River, New York. She has been writing books for children since 1975. Some of her picture books include the “My Little Book” series, Sackets Harbor Powder Monkey the War of 1812 and Against the Tide. Marston founded the Black River Valley Writer’s Club and the North Country Children’s Writers and Illustrators Workshop.