Togo to the Rescue
How a Heroic Husky Saved the Lives of Children in Alaska
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection • You may know Balto—now explore the true story of Togo, the heroic Siberian Husky who traveled through a terrifying blizzard to help deliver life-saving medicine to children in need.
“A triumphant telling filled with depth and excitement.” —Publishers Weekly
In January 1925, the community of Nome, Alaska, was overcome by an outbreak of diphtheria, a deadly disease that affected mostly children. If that weren’t enough, a blinding snowstorm prevented all travel to and from the rural town. Who would deliver the serum cure? Nome’s only hope rested on sled dogs. An expedition was quickly organized: The dogs would travel in teams in a relay covering 674 miles to deliver the serum. One of those teams, led by musher Leonhard Seppala, had Togo at the helm. It was Togo leading the pack that traveled the longest and most dangerous part of the expedition.
This incredible true story celebrates courage and determination in the face of unimaginable circumstances, and cements Togo’s legacy in history as a legendary dog hero. Includes rich back matter on this time period in American history featuring information on Alaska, the Diphtheria outbreak, anti-serum toxin, and dog sledding as a means of transportation in times of need.
“Fans of heroic animals, epic journeys, and plucky upstarts will all find much to enjoy here—and children who are chided for being ‘too active’ may recognize a kindred spirit.” —Booklist
“Mélisande Potter crafts an exciting story and deftly weaves the history of the Serum Run of 1925 into one canine hero’s tale. Giselle Potter, using ink and watercolor, perfectly captures Togo’s clear-sighted determination and fearlessness.” —The Horn Book
“A triumphant telling filled with depth and excitement.” —Publishers Weekly
In January 1925, the community of Nome, Alaska, was overcome by an outbreak of diphtheria, a deadly disease that affected mostly children. If that weren’t enough, a blinding snowstorm prevented all travel to and from the rural town. Who would deliver the serum cure? Nome’s only hope rested on sled dogs. An expedition was quickly organized: The dogs would travel in teams in a relay covering 674 miles to deliver the serum. One of those teams, led by musher Leonhard Seppala, had Togo at the helm. It was Togo leading the pack that traveled the longest and most dangerous part of the expedition.
This incredible true story celebrates courage and determination in the face of unimaginable circumstances, and cements Togo’s legacy in history as a legendary dog hero. Includes rich back matter on this time period in American history featuring information on Alaska, the Diphtheria outbreak, anti-serum toxin, and dog sledding as a means of transportation in times of need.
“Fans of heroic animals, epic journeys, and plucky upstarts will all find much to enjoy here—and children who are chided for being ‘too active’ may recognize a kindred spirit.” —Booklist
“Mélisande Potter crafts an exciting story and deftly weaves the history of the Serum Run of 1925 into one canine hero’s tale. Giselle Potter, using ink and watercolor, perfectly captures Togo’s clear-sighted determination and fearlessness.” —The Horn Book
