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Dogsong is a 1985 young adult novel by Gary Paulsen and is a Newbery Honor Book winner.

Plot
Inspired by the Eskimo shaman Oogruk, Russell takes a scrubby dog team and sled to escape the modern ways of his village and to find his own "song" of himself. He travels across ice floes, tundra, and mountains, haunted along the way by a dream of a long-ago self whose adventures parallel his own. Reality melds with the dream when he finds an Eskimo girl who has run away from her village after becoming pregnant like a savage. Circumstances require him to provide for himself and the girl in a harsh and unforgiving land. Russell sets out on a quest in order to find himself, and the "old ways" of his people.

Characters

 * Russell Susskit-- A 14 year old Eskimo who uses his dogs to travel in his journey to search for answers about his well being.


 * Sandy-- The female character in the story who Russell finds in the snowy wilderness while pregnant. Russell rescues her and keeps her company. She also accompanies him in feeding the dogs. Russell delivers her baby but passes away soon after birth.


 * Oogruk-- An old elder and Eskimo shaman who is blind. Russell spends a lot of time with Oggruk after he is disturbed about the changes that were occurring in his village. He also talks to Russell about his past and how each person had a song that they can identify themselves with. He lets Russell know to bring him to the frozen ocean, where he wants to bid farewell as his resting spot for the end of his life.


 * Russell’s father-- The father of the main protagonist Russell. His wife leaves him for a trapper and most of Russell’s life is spent with his father. He informs Russell to go and speak to Oggruk for advice during his journey.

Awards

 * Newbery Medal Honor Book in 1985.
 * Dorothy Canfield Fisher Childrne's Book Nominee in 1987