Gary Paulsen moves his family to Minnesota, drains their bank account, and begins running sled dogs. At first the dogs are a means of transportation and income, but Gary's relationship with his team evolves until he decides to run them for pleasure. It is not long before Gary realizes that he is destined to run the Iditarod Sled Dog Race.This study guide includes the following sections: Plot Summary, Chapter Summaries & Analysis, Characters, Objects/Places, Themes, Style, Quotes, and Topics for Discussion.