Self-realization

I didn't enjoy the ending, but the rest was alright. ( )

One sentence theme: Seeking out your place in the world is harder than you might think, especially in the arctic. Oh! And, don't forget the pot!

Plot summary: Russel doesn't fit in with the modern lifestyle his tribe has begun adopting. He seeks out advice from the only elder who remembers the old way of life. Oogruk can't give Russel what he's looking for, but can get him started with the help of the last dog sled team in town. Russel and the dogs head out into the great white wilderness to find his song and his place in the world. He must bond with the dogs, face many dangers and sadness before his journey ends.

Personal response: As a middle school student, I loved "My Side of the Mountain" and the way survival was described in detail. In college, I loved "Way of the Peaceful Warrior", which followed a gymnast as he sought out his place in the world after a career ending injury. This book was a wonderful mix of both books, but with less whining and details for the survival techniques. I was often left wondering about the visions Russel had and whether he was partaking in some sort of herbal medicinal to assist him in his vision quest, but ultimately think he probably wasn't. A bit of a slow start led to some action filled, but inevitable moments, which made for a wonderful must-read story from days gone by.

Curricular connections: Our 4th graders study a unit on Cherokee government and do an activity that demonstrates the difficulty of going through the process of consensus. The activity they use requires teams of students to agree on 10 items from a list of survival resources and then explain their rationale for each item. This story would be a great connection prior to this activity and would provide a wonderful opportunity to discuss the resources and decisions that Russel made for his journey. ( )

Something is bothering Russel Susskit. He hates waking up to the sound of his father's coughing, the smell of diesel oil, the noise of snow machines starting up. Only Oogruk, the shaman who owns the last team of dogs in the village, understands Russel's longing for the old ways and the songs that celebrated them. But Oogruk cannot give Russel the answers he seeks; the old man can only prepare him for what he must do alone. Driven by a strange, powerful dream of a long-ago self and by a burning desire to find his own song, Russel takes Oogruk's dogs on an epic journey of self-discovery that will change his life forever.

A Newbery Honor Book, An ALA Best Book for Young Adults, An ALA Notable Book, A School Library Journal Best Book

Russell is a young boy in an Eskimo village who is unhappy that his people have strayed from their traditions. He takes the village shaman's dogs and sled out alone, on a quest to find his own song.
I've generally enjoyed Paulsen's books, but I couldn't get into this one at all. Just not my cuppa, I suppose. ( )