UA Press releases children's book by Dan O'Neill

November 6, 2015

The University of Alaska Press has released “Stubborn Gal: The True Story of an Undefeated Sled Dog Racer,” written by Dan O’Neill and illustrated by Klara Maisch.

"Stubborn Gal" is the true story of a 60-mile sled dog race and a young woman determined — if not precisely qualified — to run it. A grandfather tells his granddaughter Sarah about another, older Sarah and her unusual adventure. The older Sarah, bored and alone one winter long ago, decides to enter her first sled dog race. She has never competed in a race before and never run a large team of dogs. But when a race official strongly discourages her from entering, she resolves to sign up. Sarah has three days to learn how to control a 10-dog team. Two practice runs end in disasters. On the third day, she enters the race, and the outcome surprises everyone, including Sarah. "Stubborn Gal" offers all kids — but especially girls — a thrilling example of courage and determination.

Dan O’Neill is the author of "A Land Gone Lonesome: An Inland Voyage Along the Yukon River," "The Last Giant of Beringia: The Mystery of the Bering Land Bridge," and "The Firecracker Boys." He lives in Fairbanks, Alaska. He mushed dogs for many years and was present at the race described in this book.

Klara Maisch is a Fairbanks-born artist. She has won numerous grants and scholarships, and she has produced exciting and colorful murals for children through the Artists-in-Schools Program. She learned to mush dogs at a young age.

For more information about this title and many more, please visit www.uapress.alaska.edu or call 800-621-2736.