Racing for Diamonds Book

Jaz lives in the small northern community of Destiny and is a new member of the Junior Canadian Rangers. Her divorced parents argue a lot, and Jaz hopes if she wins a dog-mushing derby, they will be so proud of her they will stop arguing. But the derby would be a lot more fun if she wasn't paired with Colly, an older boy who is a more experienced JCR. On the derby trail all Jaz's newfound skills, her will to survive and her ability to get along with Colly, are put to a life-and-death test. Anita Daher's writing reflects the places she's been blessed to spend time. Earlier thrillers for young readers are Flight from Big Tangle and Flight from Bear Canyon (Orca). Anita lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba, with her husband, two daughters, a basset hound and a Westfalia camper van named Mae.

Children's Literature

Twelve-year-old Jazz has just joined the Junior Canadian Rangers--JCR for short. JCRs serve the community and learn the skills needed to survive in the wilds of the Northwest Territories of Canada. One test JCRs go through is the Dogsled Derby, a dangerous race through the Canol Trail. Jazz is paired off with Colly for this race. Although the two partners are often at odds, they share a competitive spirit and are both dedicated to their work, common values which will soon prove useful. The suspense and excitement begin when soon after setting out they get lost, only to run across Gunther, Jazz s old friend and a suspected diamond thief who is on the run. In a surprising turn of events, the wounded Gunther takes them hostage. Jazz cannot bring herself to believe that he is a dangerous criminal, in spite of Colly s insistence to the contrary. The partners faith in each other is sorely tested as they battle the combined hostilities of their captor and a harsh winter storm. Nonstop action is interspersed with lessons about courage, persistence, and loyalty as the main characters reflect and learn from their choices. There are times it seems, however, that Jazz is almost too introspective and self aware for one so young. Children who enjoy survival stories will love this slim, adventure-packed book. Reviewer: Elizabeth Warrick