Vocabulary
What does mush mean?
go
What was the only way to travel through the ice and snow in Alaska?
Why did the dogs wear socks on their paws?
To protect them from the ice and snow.
How many dog teams were in the relay?
21 dog teams
What year does this story take place?
1925
What is the name of the person who rides on the sled and tells the dogs where to go?
A musher
TRUE or FALSE
The trail was difficult and dangerous because of the heavy rain.
FALSE
What two things did Gunnar put on the sled with the medicine?
a small stove and a little food
What is the lead dog's job?
They run in front of the team and they do whatever the lead dog does. He needs to be the smartest and strongest dog of all.
How did people all over America find out about Balto?
People read about him in the newspaper.
What does the word frontier mean?
an area away from a town or city
How many miles was it from Nome to Anchorage?
800 miles
What two items did Balto carry to the miners?
food and tools
What was Balto's drivers name?
Gunnar
What happened to the train that was originally bringing the medicine to Nome?
It got stuck in the snow.
What is a synonym for the word scared?
frightened, afraid, terrified, fearful
Why didn't Gunnar and Balto stop at Point Safety?
They didn’t see the next driver so they kept on going.
What did they need to get in Anchorage AND who was it for?
They needed to get medicine for the sick kids in Nome.
Why is it dangerous for Balto to have wet feet?
His paws could freeze and he would never walk again.
Why didn’t Balto bark when they arrived in Nome?
He was too tired to bark.
What is the name of the illness the children in Nome had?
Diphtheria
Summarize the plan to get the medicine to Nome.
They would have a dog-sled relay from Nome to Anchorage and back.
When one team gets tired, a new team will be ready to take over.
Why was the doctor surprised when Gunnar brought the medicine to him?
He thought it would take 15 days but Gunnar and Balto delivered it in just 5 ½ days
How was Gunnar able to find the medicine when he could not see through the heavy snow?
Balto had run the trail many times before and knew where to go.
Why do you think the people of New York City put up a statue of Balto?
To remember his courage and bravery as he led a team of sled dogs on the final leg of the relay to get medicine from Anchorage to Nome.