A Junior Library Guild Selection "In visceral descriptions, Lourie recounts the treacherous, backbreaking 500-mile trek up mountains and down rivers . Minor lends atmospheric sketches, but the numerous archival photos add a greater perspective of the time. Copious back matter, including information on First Nations of the area, provides more facts about London's journey. Rich in details for social studies and language arts ."-- Booklist , starred review " Lourie's captivating tale of the grueling experiences behind London's crystalline prose testifies to his endurance. Minor's windswept spot illustrations augment archival and modern photos and other supplemental material."- Publishers Weekly, starred review "A gripping and harrowing true adventure story and a penetrating look into the formative experiences of a writer, one of the first to become a worldwide celebrity."-- Kirkus Reviews " The narrative .

is propelled by London's frantic race to cross the infamous Chilkoot Trail and brave the treacherous Whitehorse Rapids to reach the Klondike gold fields.Flashbacks to London's early years and references to the literary career that will follow are artfully interwoven into the dramatic tale. [a] fantastic work "- VOYA ". Effectively balances fact, lesson, and suspense"- School Library Journal.