Kamik Joins the Pack (Kamik #3)

K-Gr 3--An Inuit boy dreams of becoming a winning musher like the uncle he admires in this appealing tale of hope and family bonds. Jake is unsure whether his puppy, Kamik (the Inuktitut word for a traditional winter boot), will make a good sled dog. When his uncle comes to visit, Jake learns that being a great dog sledder requires a lot of skill and hard work--and at first he's unsure whether he can learn everything he needs to know. The story ends on an optimistic note as Jake's uncle shares encouraging stories of patient persistence, and Kamik's first trial in harness is a success. Baker, an Inuit author from Nunavut, Canada, infuses the story with relationships and values that will be familiar to readers from diverse cultural backgrounds: Jake is highly observant and respectful of his elders, and he aspires to follow community traditions. Chinese Canadian illustrator Leng renders the physical setting with care and accuracy. VERDICT A charming, universal "boy and his dog" story that is authentically grounded in a compelling and underrepresented community setting. Perfect for one-on-one or small group sharing.--Laura Simeon, Open Window School Library, Bellevue, WA