Legend of the ghost dog by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel

Tee and her brother Jack are in Alaska for two weeks while their dad researches sled dogs and their owners in the harsh and unforgiving wilderness.  It may be a harsh place to live, but it is also beautiful and has plenty of room for Tee and her beagle Henry to run around - but on one of their first outings they come across something that freaks Henry out and leaves Tee wondering exactly what is wandering around in the woods near their rental cabin.  When Tee makes friends with local girl Quin, she discovers that a mysterious ghost dog lurks in the woods near her temporary home, a dog with a history lost in time.

This book was a pleasant surprise as I was expecting your typical ghost story, one that is not particularly original, one that lacks depth - so I was really surprised to find that Legend of the ghost dog has a lot of thought behind it, and a sense of both history and respect for peoples beliefs.  There is a ghost story here, but it is one with meaning rather than just a chance to thrill the reader or leave them wanting to sleep with the light on.  Tee is your average nearly teenage girl, who happens to have the added challenges of a father who is lovely but very absent minded and distracted, and a somewhat spoilt younger brother who seems pretty used to getting his own way.

While this book is aimed at the 'tween market (8 - 12 year olds), younger teens may also enjoy reading it if they are struggling a little with their reading and want an interesting book that wont challenge their reading too much.  This book is also suitable for slightly younger readers looking for something to read that might challenge them a little bit.

If you like this book then try:

• The quest begins by Erin Hunter
• Balto and the great race by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel
• In the stone circle by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel
• Coraline by Neil Gaiman
• The ghost of Cutter Creek by Cynthia DeFelice
• The ghost of Sadie Kimber by Pat Moon

Reviewed by Brilla