Do the illustrations show all Native people looking alike or are the illustrations of people respectful (e.g., is the artwork characterizing people as childlike, out of proportion)? All characters have colored circles on their cheeks and dots for eyes and the bodies are out of proportion.

Are the clothing styles, homes accurate for the culture the book represents? The clothes are regular western sweaters and pants. Their boots look like rubber boots. Parkas are non-descript.

Is the illustrator Native American? No.

Are the characters using correct English or correct cultural language or interaction? Yes, for English. The "Words to do with Alaska" in the front section of the book defines the term Elder as a title of respect given to very old people when in truth this is a title of respect for those who pass on the knowledge of the culture - not based upon chronological age. Inuit is also used in this section - although the story takes place in Northwest Alaska, the author uses the term Inuit for Inupiat.

Are the words used engaging the student's interest and attention? Yes

Are the characters name's respectful of the culture? The only character with a name in the story is the dog and his name is Andy. The children play with the dog and one day he gets lost in the mountains while cross-country skiing with his owners and he is found by a neighbor who returns him to the village on a sno-go. Not much of a story line. This is typical of some historical pictures of Alaska Natives - no names just a picture of them. The author states that "Inuit" children had never seen a sheep dog - in 1988? I don't think we are that isolated.

Is the interaction in the book using vocabulary that shows respect between the characters?Yes, for little children the dog was fascinating and the neighbor brought the dog back to the village.

Is the author Native American? No, the introduction says that the author and her husband teach in an Inuit village in Northwest Arctic. I don't know how long they were there and why they didn't learn that the people in Northwest Arctic are Inupiat.

What value or belief is taught in this story? No.
Are Elders represented in the story? No.
How is the book portraying the knowledge of our Elders?No.
Is this story a retelling of a traditional Native story? No.
Is the person who originally told the story identified? Yes - the dog's owner.
Is the person who originally told the story given credit as a co-author? No.
Is there written permission by the original author to have the story published? There was no need.
Is the Native person in the story portrayed as a respectful, strong person? No connection to the people to make that determination.

Did the story give you an understanding of the culture the story represents? No.
Would you, being representative of the culture presented in the story, be proud to read this story to the public? No. The people are listed as Inuit - a misrepresentation.
How did you feel after reading this book? I didn't learn a thing.
Would you recommend this book to be used by your school district? No.
Would you recommend that if approved by the school board to have the author align the story to the Alaska Standards for Culturally Responsive Schools prior to being placed in the schools? The content isn't something that can be aligned to the cultural standards.