Eleven-year-old Josh Parker wants nothing to do with dogs. Years earlier, a vicious dog attack left him with a crippling fear he believes he can't overcome. Yet here he is, stuck in the middle of rural Alaska with his older cousin Brent, a competitive sled dog racer with his own kennel. When his travel-blogging parents drop off Josh and his twin sister, Lizzie, for several weeks, Josh tries to hide his fear. After all, dog sledding is everything to Brent, who hopes to win the upcoming county finals race and its highly coveted prize. Brent's friend, Hank, is also desperate for a win and apparently will stop at nothing to beat his competition. Suspicious of Hank's methods, Josh confronts his cousin, but Brent brushes off his concern. Then, with a blizzard advancing, a training run turns disastrous, and Hank's life is in Josh's hands. Will Josh be able to conquer his fear and get them home alive? Readers aged 8-12 years old will love this story of courage and determination in our 49th state. Rich with details about Alaska and the sport of sled dog sprint racing, this fast-paced adventure will have readers on the edge of their seat. Superb storytelling with strong characters and a plot filled with twists and turns will entice readers of every age, including parents, educators, and reluctant readers. "I love this book!" Ewan, 4 th grade, Oklahoma "Barbara Larmon Failing's tale of a young boy overcoming his deep-seated fear of dogs by unexpectedly becoming involved in sled dog racing is a winner. Rich with detail of the Alaskan sled dog culture and with a terrific, heart-pounding final scene, middle grade readers will become lost in this exciting, entertaining, and educational story." Rebecca, Librarian, Adirondacks, New York "I think a lot of kids my age will find ALASKA! Danger on the Mushing Trail, a book about sled dog racing interesting. I did." Eli, 6th grade, New Hampshire "This is the first in a new series and is an exciting, authentic, suspenseful adventure that takes place in our 49th state. I highly recommend it." D. Finn, Chapel Hill, North Carolina "5 stars! What an exciting adventure in America's 49th state! It's fun, informative, and a real page turner!" Susan, Grandmother of 3 and retired elementary school teacher, New Jersey "ALASKA! Danger on the Mushing Trail is exciting and informative. Eleven-year-old twins, Josh and Lizzie, are drawn into the world of sled dog racing by their cousin, Brent, who's preparing for an important upcoming competition. As the story unfolds, Lizzie and Josh find themselves forced to overcome challenges of honesty, maturity, and personal fears in this face-paced novel." Ken Brynildsen, Author and editor, Massachusetts "Curious about dog sledding in Alaska - the dogs, the sleds, the gear, the mushers, the fun, and the dangers? Then this is the book for you! Immerse yourself in the tale of children confronted with deep snow and bitter cold, vigorous strong dogs, an unsavory musher, unknown forests and frozen lakes - plus problems they've never faced before. Will courage and determination save them all? You'll find out!" Ruth Grant, Teacher and naturalist, Colorado "From the moment Josh and Lizzie land in Alaska with their parents, their heart pumping adventure will keep you drawn to the page. You'll feel like you are right beside them as they navigate winter trails, overcoming insurmountable challenges. Follow these compelling characters on an exhilarating ride!" Michele, Illustrator and teacher, Tennessee "Danger on the Mushing Trail features superb storytelling and draws readers in with strong characters and a gripping conclusion. Kids will love it!" Susan, Middle-grade author and former teacher, New York Barbara Larmon Failing, M.Ed. is the author of the middle grade adventure series, Adventure USA - Book 1: ALASKA! Danger on the Mushing Trail, Book 2: MASSACHUSETTS! The Stolen Spyglass, and Book 3: OHIO! The Mystery of the Mound. She has enjoyed using her experience living in different states to craft adventures for 8-14 year olds. Barbara is also the author of Lasso Lou and Cowboy McCoy, Summer Success, and School Success. For over twenty years, she taught first and fifth grades, and she has reviewed children's books for Parent ABCs and The Press of Atlantic City. Barbara's joy is reading and writing and encouraging children to share that joy. A former reading specialist and elementary school teacher, she guided her first graders through the process of writing their own books, which were "published" and shared with others. Later, as a fifth-grade teacher, her students became editors and created a monthly school newspaper. Part of a US Public Health Service family, Barbara has lived in many areas of the United States, including New England, the Mid-Atlantic region, the Midwest, the West Coast, and Alaska. She now lives in the Midwest with her family. Writing and traveling are two of her passions, along with reading, biking, birding, and quilting. Visit