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Skinny Leg
Based on a true story. Even if Nico the Mosquito didn't remind Spencer every day at school that he's a big, fat loser, there's no way Spencer could forget. For starters, there's the big game he blew for the whole team last Saturday. Darn his stupid leg that can't grow muscle! It's hard to make even the easiest tackle on the planet when you run like a three-legged dog. He'll never be a football star like his big brother, Chase. Not in a million years. And since the only kids who matter at school are the athletes, Spencer's more than just a loser-he's a nobody. His skinny leg has seen to that. Then Spencer reads Jack London's, THE CALL OF THE WILD and intrigued by the story of sled dogs during the Yukon gold rush, wonders if mushing is a sport he can do. His parents, eager to boost their son's self-confidence, agree to let him get some dogs. Spencer ends up with dogs that other mushers no longer want-team rejects just like himself. In an extraordinary journey of self-discovery, perseverance, and love, Spencer and his misfit dogs learn to be a team. When they miss a turn in a blizzard during their first 100-mile race through some of the wildest backcountry on earth, they each must contribute a unique skill to make their way out alive.
265 pages, Paperback
Published September 8, 2020
10 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
About the author
Suzette Bruggeman
4 books41 followersFor a girl who grew up foraging for pine nuts and arrowheads between today’s Area 51 and Butch Cassidy’s old stomping grounds in southern Nevada, Suzette is bewildered to find herself living in Montana’s land of ice and snow. In writing novels, she is compelled by stories found within her family tree. A lifelong songwriter, she is also the author of several stage musicals. She and her husband are the parents of three grown sons and newly grandparents to a set of identical twin girls. To learn more about Suzette’s creative projects visit www.suzettbruggeman.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
November 4, 2024
Amazing story! Dog sledding books are my favorite, and I like this one almost enough to put in my shelf for 'dogs-favorite-books.' The book is about a 12 your old boy who has a 'skinny leg.' I get the reference to the name now, but somehow the title of the book put me off.
Even though the book is mostly centered on the boy, it is the mom who wrote the book. In a lot of dog books, it can be a key moment getting mom to agree to let you have a dog. Imagine asking your mom for a team of dogs. The dad wants to them too, but in the book they both come to that desire independently. This next quote is on that part asking mom, and is a good example of the fun imagery in the authors writing:
'My mom wanted a bunch of dogs like she wanted permanent diarrhea. But she was worried about me, so she was willing to do something undesirable to make things better—kind of like Harry Potter in Deathly Hallows when he accepts that he must die at Voldemort’s hand before Voldemort can be killed.'
I didn't know going into this book if it was fiction or non-fiction, but it seemed obviously written by someone who is very involved with dogsledding. it was only at the end from the Author's note and 'About the author' that I learned that her and her husband own and operate Skinny Leg Sled Dogs. I also learned in there that the story was mostly true except for a few things she let's you know about.
I think a lot of us dog lovers would love to go dog sledding. And I can imagine that peak moment, starting off on a dog race:
'It was as if someone hit an off switch on the noise. The instant the dogs began to move they went perfectly silent. Their tails lowered, their ears flattened, and they threw their shoulders into their harnesses as we rocketed out of the parking lot and into the trees. It was one of the biggest WOW moments of my life!'
Our boy hero and his dad get some help from Doug Swingley, American dog musher and dog sled racer who lives in Lincoln, Montana, and is a four-time winner of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race across Alaska. This next bit is between Spencer and him:
“I, I... er... have a sk... skinny leg,” I rasped out. “I’m not a very good athlete.”
“That’s good!” Doug’s words came out like a little explosion.
My eyes snapped to his.
He nodded sagely down at me. “In my experience, the one who has to work harder almost always gets further ahead in the long run. It’s grit more than talent that makes a winner out of someone. You've just got to want it bad enough.”
For most of us, it is a wonderful fantasy to think of raising and racing sled dogs. Each dog is special, and it would be fun to get to know them, and figure out the ways to find and bring the best out of dogs in a big fun game. But for most of us, we are also smart enough to see the massive expense and work to have many multiples of dogs. So I appreciate sharing the good stuff through the pages of a book instead of really having to do all that work. Here is a passage that speaks a little toward the benefit and the responsibilities:
'The bond that had developed between me and our dogs was truly amazing. Every single day, every day of the year, I gave them care—warm meat, massages, foot ointment and booties, vaccinations, doctoring, protection, and most importantly, love. And they gave me everything they were or could be in return.'
What really makes dog sledding books the best in my opinion is the danger and craziness of pushing on through challenges.. After one part Spencer is laughing about it all:
'I’d been on this little joyride for nearly twenty-four hours. I'd traveled through Tired and way past Exhaustion and had finally arrived in that faraway kingdom called Hysteria where the air is made of helium, and everything is funny, and your IQ instantly halves. It sure is a strange place to be.'
But in dog sledding there is real danger:
'One second he was there; the next he was gone, vanished in a poof of white. My dogs chugged along, unfazed by the disaster unfolding ahead, while I watched, paralyzed by horror, as Dad’s dogs were dragged by momentum in pairs over the edge after him. My scream echoed down the mountainside. By the time it ricocheted back, Dad’s, leaders, Jude and Silver, had gone off the side, leaving only the White static of an old TV where his team and sled had been an instant before. '
I won't be giving quotes to the big 100 mile race Spencer goes though where just surviving is a big accomplishment, but it is really worth getting the book. Afterwards a report asks Spencer's mom:
“But what about the risks?”
Mom gave the reporter the full glory of her smile. “Anything daring has risks. But I’m not a parent who bubble wraps my kids to protect them from the bumps and bruises of life. I embrace any opportunity that lets my boys rise to the challenge and stretch themselves, in ways that may be scary and hard but offer life-changing rewards in the end.” She put her arm around my shoulder and pulled me against her. “Am I afraid? Of course, I am! But nobody achieves anything great by playing it safe, and I want my kids to face life knowing they can do hard things.”
Good job Spencer's mom.
Even though the book is mostly centered on the boy, it is the mom who wrote the book. In a lot of dog books, it can be a key moment getting mom to agree to let you have a dog. Imagine asking your mom for a team of dogs. The dad wants to them too, but in the book they both come to that desire independently. This next quote is on that part asking mom, and is a good example of the fun imagery in the authors writing:
'My mom wanted a bunch of dogs like she wanted permanent diarrhea. But she was worried about me, so she was willing to do something undesirable to make things better—kind of like Harry Potter in Deathly Hallows when he accepts that he must die at Voldemort’s hand before Voldemort can be killed.'
I didn't know going into this book if it was fiction or non-fiction, but it seemed obviously written by someone who is very involved with dogsledding. it was only at the end from the Author's note and 'About the author' that I learned that her and her husband own and operate Skinny Leg Sled Dogs. I also learned in there that the story was mostly true except for a few things she let's you know about.
I think a lot of us dog lovers would love to go dog sledding. And I can imagine that peak moment, starting off on a dog race:
'It was as if someone hit an off switch on the noise. The instant the dogs began to move they went perfectly silent. Their tails lowered, their ears flattened, and they threw their shoulders into their harnesses as we rocketed out of the parking lot and into the trees. It was one of the biggest WOW moments of my life!'
Our boy hero and his dad get some help from Doug Swingley, American dog musher and dog sled racer who lives in Lincoln, Montana, and is a four-time winner of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race across Alaska. This next bit is between Spencer and him:
“I, I... er... have a sk... skinny leg,” I rasped out. “I’m not a very good athlete.”
“That’s good!” Doug’s words came out like a little explosion.
My eyes snapped to his.
He nodded sagely down at me. “In my experience, the one who has to work harder almost always gets further ahead in the long run. It’s grit more than talent that makes a winner out of someone. You've just got to want it bad enough.”
For most of us, it is a wonderful fantasy to think of raising and racing sled dogs. Each dog is special, and it would be fun to get to know them, and figure out the ways to find and bring the best out of dogs in a big fun game. But for most of us, we are also smart enough to see the massive expense and work to have many multiples of dogs. So I appreciate sharing the good stuff through the pages of a book instead of really having to do all that work. Here is a passage that speaks a little toward the benefit and the responsibilities:
'The bond that had developed between me and our dogs was truly amazing. Every single day, every day of the year, I gave them care—warm meat, massages, foot ointment and booties, vaccinations, doctoring, protection, and most importantly, love. And they gave me everything they were or could be in return.'
What really makes dog sledding books the best in my opinion is the danger and craziness of pushing on through challenges.. After one part Spencer is laughing about it all:
'I’d been on this little joyride for nearly twenty-four hours. I'd traveled through Tired and way past Exhaustion and had finally arrived in that faraway kingdom called Hysteria where the air is made of helium, and everything is funny, and your IQ instantly halves. It sure is a strange place to be.'
But in dog sledding there is real danger:
'One second he was there; the next he was gone, vanished in a poof of white. My dogs chugged along, unfazed by the disaster unfolding ahead, while I watched, paralyzed by horror, as Dad’s dogs were dragged by momentum in pairs over the edge after him. My scream echoed down the mountainside. By the time it ricocheted back, Dad’s, leaders, Jude and Silver, had gone off the side, leaving only the White static of an old TV where his team and sled had been an instant before. '
I won't be giving quotes to the big 100 mile race Spencer goes though where just surviving is a big accomplishment, but it is really worth getting the book. Afterwards a report asks Spencer's mom:
“But what about the risks?”
Mom gave the reporter the full glory of her smile. “Anything daring has risks. But I’m not a parent who bubble wraps my kids to protect them from the bumps and bruises of life. I embrace any opportunity that lets my boys rise to the challenge and stretch themselves, in ways that may be scary and hard but offer life-changing rewards in the end.” She put her arm around my shoulder and pulled me against her. “Am I afraid? Of course, I am! But nobody achieves anything great by playing it safe, and I want my kids to face life knowing they can do hard things.”
Good job Spencer's mom.
August 31, 2020
Young Spencer, born with a skinny leg, is bullied at school, with no friends to defend him. His inner voice taunts him to stand up to Nico, his main tormentor, and when he doesn’t, berates him for being a failure. And then Spencer reads Jack London’s, Call of the Wild, and decides that dog mushing might be his thing. With his father supporting him, he convinces his mom that getting “a” dog might be a good thing for the boy. What follows is a wondrous coming-of-age story as Spencer discovers who he truly is...a brave and determined young man. The author drew me in and made me feel many emotions during this read. I was heartbroken, frightened, excited for- and proud of Spencer during his journey of self discovery. I strongly recommend this book to anyone, young and old, and will look for future books from Suzette Bruggeman.
August 30, 2020
The challenge of not only growing up, but with a condition that leaves him on the sidelines, young Spencer finds solace in reading. Call of the Wild sparks the wonderful beginning of pursuing the art and science of sleddog racing. The whole family is captivated by this new passion and you will be too. Enjoy Suzette’s delicious writing feeding you humor and a poignant story. You are on the trail and may even have to go watch a race this winter!
September 10, 2020
This book is captivating. It is heart wrenching as you feel what her son has gone through in life. It keeps you wanting to read another page and another page. From beginning to end, you don’t want to miss any of it. It is raw. It is honest. It is how a person’s life CAN BE changed. Living a life that parallels much of Spencer’s in some ways. I totally understood all about what the dogs taught him amd gave to him. I wanted this book to just keep going on and never stop. Thank you all for sharing a deep part of your life with us.
April 22, 2021
I guess I like a book that is more action packed. I found myself laughing out loud at the clean jokes made in it. It was a nice light and easy read though. I'm guessing that my 8 year old son would really enjoy this book. But what made it all worth it was the last few pages. It totally gave me goosebumps. Loved the ending!!
March 22, 2023
52 Book Club - Prompt 22 - Body Positivity
Based on a real family, this story about how Spencer and Brett Bruggeman got into mushing is fantastic. Filled with lots of good advice if you want to learn more about mushing and sled dogs, it also focuses on the grit and determination that come from facing adversity.
Recommended!
Based on a real family, this story about how Spencer and Brett Bruggeman got into mushing is fantastic. Filled with lots of good advice if you want to learn more about mushing and sled dogs, it also focuses on the grit and determination that come from facing adversity.
Recommended!
August 25, 2020
This is such a great book. It’s a story of how one boy struggled with bullying, low self-esteem, having an imperfect body - things people of all ages deal with. He learned to overcome these hardships by focusing on what he loved. I laughed at the humor in the book, my heart broke for the boy as he struggled, and I feel motivated to be nicer to people, and work harder at the things I want to do because of this boy. A great read for all ages. I really felt like I was out on the trail with Spencer.
September 4, 2020
Just finished reading Skinny Leg. Lets first off say prepare not to do anything once you pick up your copy. I read mine in one day and couldn't put it down. Prepare for all the feels as you are taken down the path of a young boy who is different. Grab your gloves and parka as you spend time out on the trail. You will feel like you are right there in the middle of it. I recieved an Advance release copy for an honest review. The most honest i can be is that even though I have a digital copy i will be purchasing a hard copy to add to my library so I can reread it and share it.
October 13, 2023
I received a free e-copy of this book from the author. It’s different from some of the other books I read, but it was outstanding. Based on actual events, Bruggeman tells the story of her youngest son (I think) and his struggle to overcome his feelings of inadequacy (amplified by bullying) and discover a strength hidden within himself that, at times, seems out of reach. He has a rare birth defect in the veins in his left leg which means, it doesn’t grow as much as the other, leaving him with an uneven gait. His life begins to change after he reads “Call of the Wild.”
It was painful to read Spencer’s interactions with the class bully, and I kept wondering why this incredibly bright kid didn’t have verbal comebacks to some of the insults. After all, if you can’t compete physically, use your brain to outwit them. There were so many times I felt like he was finally going to stand up for himself, but when he finally did, it was in an unexpected way. I was relieved to discover at the end that the events within the book were often exaggerated for effect.
For a preteen boy, Spencer is surprisingly brave and resourceful, surviving experiences that would have sent me running to the warmth of home and family. In fact, there were numerous occasions when I thought for sure, this would be what would push him to give in and ask for help (which would have meant giving up the race). I know, without a doubt, I would have given up. I was so impressed. Descriptions from Spencer’s POV are amusing and clever. Some of these include:
“...I felt as useless as the G in lasagna.”
“...she was as useless as rubber lips on a woodpecker.”
“...knowing my words were lamer than wet fireworks.”
He referred to his bully’s insults as “air sewage.”
Flowery descriptions of nature usually hook me. Here are a few of my favorites: “From my infinitesimal spot in the universe, I stared up at the stars. They were extraordinarily bright this close to heaven, and the sheer number of them boggled my mind. It looked as if they'd been smeared across the sky with a cosmic butter knife.”
This one reminded me of winters spent in Connecticut (at about Spencer’s age), which I’m sure were milder than Montana. “A few minutes later, flakes of snow—not the big, fluffy kind, but small and mean—started pelting my sleeping bag and face like handfuls of rice, the hard crystals poising for a second on my skin before melting and dribbling down my neck.” And this one, featured one of my favorite devices, personification. “I watched the sun lick the sugar-spun world with long swipes of its pink tongue and brooded.”
During the Race to the Sky, the race Spencer had trained to conquer and had been looking forward to for at least a year, after encountering one setback after another, he thought to himself, “I’d been on this little joyride for nearly twenty-four hours. I’d traveled through Tired and way past Exhaustion and had finally arrived in that faraway kingdom called Hysteria where the air is made of helium, and everything is funny, and your IQ instantly halves. It sure is a strange place to be.” Shortly after, nearing his breaking point but refusing to give up: “I ran around frantically in my head opening and slamming doors, looking for one that didn’t have a Dementor or knife-wielding serial killer lurking behind it. When I saw the door with a golden nameplate that read, “Alphabet Freak Show” in fancy script, I felt a quiver of amusement despite everything. That’s it! I thought and yanked it open. Light and warmth poured out. I dove inside and pulled the door shut behind me.” What follows is a long and funny explanation of the idiosyncrasies of the English language—shouted to the dogs to transmit enthusiasm and prove he wasn’t discouraged. As an English grammar and language nerd, I found this part especially engaging.
There’s plenty of dry humor, much of it self-deprecating. When he says something to his brother, Chase: “Someone snorted. It was probably Chase but could have been Satan.” I loved this part, when he starts a new day of mushing and has a hopeful thought about how much easier it will be than the day before: “Today’s going to be cake!—thought no intelligent person ever who didn’t want to be jinxed. I was clearly an idiot.”
Spencer loves his dogs and they were each imbued with so much personality that I grew to love them as well. But there was one dog who drove him crazy—Colt. That dog does one mischievous and undisciplined thing after another, slowing down the sled and the other dogs on more than one occasion. “By the time my plastic runners hit the bridge’s bare wooden slats, instantly cutting our speed in half and nearly pitching me over the handlebar, I was so mad at that good-for-nothing dog, I had a burning desire to find out of all dogs really do go to heaven.” Overall, his relationships with his dogs were admirable and selfless. He saw them as superheroes, and to read about what they accomplished, I’d have to agree. The only downer is that I was reminded of my own dog who we lost to a third round of cancer in January 2020. Over three and a half years later, reading about these amazing dogs brought me to tears and made me miss him even more.
Although I suspect this book is geared toward younger readers, specifically, tweens, I found it just as engrossing and engaging as any young person would. In my opinion, this is a book for all ages. And I highly recommend it.
It was painful to read Spencer’s interactions with the class bully, and I kept wondering why this incredibly bright kid didn’t have verbal comebacks to some of the insults. After all, if you can’t compete physically, use your brain to outwit them. There were so many times I felt like he was finally going to stand up for himself, but when he finally did, it was in an unexpected way. I was relieved to discover at the end that the events within the book were often exaggerated for effect.
For a preteen boy, Spencer is surprisingly brave and resourceful, surviving experiences that would have sent me running to the warmth of home and family. In fact, there were numerous occasions when I thought for sure, this would be what would push him to give in and ask for help (which would have meant giving up the race). I know, without a doubt, I would have given up. I was so impressed. Descriptions from Spencer’s POV are amusing and clever. Some of these include:
“...I felt as useless as the G in lasagna.”
“...she was as useless as rubber lips on a woodpecker.”
“...knowing my words were lamer than wet fireworks.”
He referred to his bully’s insults as “air sewage.”
Flowery descriptions of nature usually hook me. Here are a few of my favorites: “From my infinitesimal spot in the universe, I stared up at the stars. They were extraordinarily bright this close to heaven, and the sheer number of them boggled my mind. It looked as if they'd been smeared across the sky with a cosmic butter knife.”
This one reminded me of winters spent in Connecticut (at about Spencer’s age), which I’m sure were milder than Montana. “A few minutes later, flakes of snow—not the big, fluffy kind, but small and mean—started pelting my sleeping bag and face like handfuls of rice, the hard crystals poising for a second on my skin before melting and dribbling down my neck.” And this one, featured one of my favorite devices, personification. “I watched the sun lick the sugar-spun world with long swipes of its pink tongue and brooded.”
During the Race to the Sky, the race Spencer had trained to conquer and had been looking forward to for at least a year, after encountering one setback after another, he thought to himself, “I’d been on this little joyride for nearly twenty-four hours. I’d traveled through Tired and way past Exhaustion and had finally arrived in that faraway kingdom called Hysteria where the air is made of helium, and everything is funny, and your IQ instantly halves. It sure is a strange place to be.” Shortly after, nearing his breaking point but refusing to give up: “I ran around frantically in my head opening and slamming doors, looking for one that didn’t have a Dementor or knife-wielding serial killer lurking behind it. When I saw the door with a golden nameplate that read, “Alphabet Freak Show” in fancy script, I felt a quiver of amusement despite everything. That’s it! I thought and yanked it open. Light and warmth poured out. I dove inside and pulled the door shut behind me.” What follows is a long and funny explanation of the idiosyncrasies of the English language—shouted to the dogs to transmit enthusiasm and prove he wasn’t discouraged. As an English grammar and language nerd, I found this part especially engaging.
There’s plenty of dry humor, much of it self-deprecating. When he says something to his brother, Chase: “Someone snorted. It was probably Chase but could have been Satan.” I loved this part, when he starts a new day of mushing and has a hopeful thought about how much easier it will be than the day before: “Today’s going to be cake!—thought no intelligent person ever who didn’t want to be jinxed. I was clearly an idiot.”
Spencer loves his dogs and they were each imbued with so much personality that I grew to love them as well. But there was one dog who drove him crazy—Colt. That dog does one mischievous and undisciplined thing after another, slowing down the sled and the other dogs on more than one occasion. “By the time my plastic runners hit the bridge’s bare wooden slats, instantly cutting our speed in half and nearly pitching me over the handlebar, I was so mad at that good-for-nothing dog, I had a burning desire to find out of all dogs really do go to heaven.” Overall, his relationships with his dogs were admirable and selfless. He saw them as superheroes, and to read about what they accomplished, I’d have to agree. The only downer is that I was reminded of my own dog who we lost to a third round of cancer in January 2020. Over three and a half years later, reading about these amazing dogs brought me to tears and made me miss him even more.
Although I suspect this book is geared toward younger readers, specifically, tweens, I found it just as engrossing and engaging as any young person would. In my opinion, this is a book for all ages. And I highly recommend it.
September 14, 2020
I absolutely love how Suzette writes, very descriptive and paints a picture that is easy to visualize. This book combined a few of my favorite things in life, dog sled stories, Montana and a courageous kid. I first learned about Spencer a couple years ago in a magazine article I read. I happened to be in AK for my grandma’s funeral, when the Iditarod started in 2018. My family went with me to the ceremony so I could hopefully high five and cheer on the Skinny Leg team. I live only an hour and a half from Great Falls, MT so it was fun to cheer on a fellow Montanan in the state I love and grew up in, Alaska.
I’m thankful I was given an advanced readers copy of this book in an exchange for a review. I’ll strongly encourage my sons to read this book. There are great lessons of tackling personal bullies, negative inner voices, and hard situations that you immediately regret. I loved how Suzette put us inside Spencer’s head so we could imagine what he experienced and how excited and happy he was to find a hobby he could do with his father. A hobby that helped his confidence soar. The love and support this family has for each other is a message our world needs at this time. Thank you for sharing your family story with us Bruggeman’s!
I’m thankful I was given an advanced readers copy of this book in an exchange for a review. I’ll strongly encourage my sons to read this book. There are great lessons of tackling personal bullies, negative inner voices, and hard situations that you immediately regret. I loved how Suzette put us inside Spencer’s head so we could imagine what he experienced and how excited and happy he was to find a hobby he could do with his father. A hobby that helped his confidence soar. The love and support this family has for each other is a message our world needs at this time. Thank you for sharing your family story with us Bruggeman’s!
September 7, 2020
Skinny Leg was one of those books that you think about long after finishing it. I was there in my mind, an exhausted musher with frozen tears on my cheeks, trying to get my sled dogs going in the dead of night. I felt the hunger, the fear, and the uncertainty.
The story was uniquely crafted to take advantage of the amazing setting. The frozen woods of Montana provided such strong imagery that I kept wanting to grab a warm blanket and build a fire. And then there were the dogs—such vivid and colorful characters themselves, I guarantee you will fall in love with them. Lastly, it was a story based on strong family bonds. The kind of love, trust, and compassion that should be values in every family. I wanted them to adopt me.
Spencer is an incredible boy, determined to make his family, friends, and his sled dogs proud. His courageous journey isn’t just a story for middle-schoolers and teens. The author, Suzette Bruggeman did a fantastic job weaving an adventure that offers something for people of all ages. A great book!
The story was uniquely crafted to take advantage of the amazing setting. The frozen woods of Montana provided such strong imagery that I kept wanting to grab a warm blanket and build a fire. And then there were the dogs—such vivid and colorful characters themselves, I guarantee you will fall in love with them. Lastly, it was a story based on strong family bonds. The kind of love, trust, and compassion that should be values in every family. I wanted them to adopt me.
Spencer is an incredible boy, determined to make his family, friends, and his sled dogs proud. His courageous journey isn’t just a story for middle-schoolers and teens. The author, Suzette Bruggeman did a fantastic job weaving an adventure that offers something for people of all ages. A great book!
September 12, 2020
What a fabulous book! I have been following the Skinny Leg dog Team for a few years on facebook and have really enjoyed Suzette’s storytelling. Her way with words, her comparisons, her heart that shines thru every word.....it’s mesmerizing! When she offered me an advanced writers copy to read before my book comes, I JUMPED at the chance to get my hands on it! I started the book in the afternoon and read until the wee hours of the morning to finish it! What a wonderful story! I just couldn’t get enough, and I was so disappointed when I got to the last page! I wished it would just go on forever! I am a dog lover, have been an Iditarod follower for years, and I am always up for a good dog racing story, but this was so different! From the kids teasing at school and Spencer going from bullied to hero, and the struggles on the trail, to the dad and son bond.....it was just a marvelous story! I recommend this book for as young as young adults, but really all ages will enjoy it! I look forward to more stories from Suzette, I thoroughly enjoyed it!
September 14, 2020
I was provided an advance release copy of the book Skinny Leg in exchange for an honest review. To begin, I am not a big dog or a pet fan. We have a lot of kids and no dogs or other pets-very intentionally! With this in mind, I’m not usually drawn to books or other forms of entertainment that involve stories with animals in them. However, the idea of unique hobbies has always intrigued me. This book was a great example of how a unique hobby can be such a positive and life changing part of one’s life. I love that the author used her son’s voice to tell their real-life experience. This is a great book that can be enjoyed by a large range of ages. It can appeal to a younger audience who can relate to a middle schooler's experience and an adult audience as well who can relate to hoping to find a hobby their child will enjoy and doing whatever it takes to help them find a sense of peace with themselves! Very well written! I thoroughly enjoyed it despite my lack of affection for animals!
September 2, 2020
Wow!! Wow!! Wow!! I got the book, and decided to read a couple of chapters before I went to work. Oh boy! What a bad idea! The book had me hooked from page one. Those couple of chapters turned into 4. Then all day at work, I read, and read and read! I couldn’t put it down. The story just grabs you and moves you along, it’s so fast paced all the way through to the end. The tale of a young boy, with a disability, that reads a book (yes they really can change your life and this is proof!) The Family that encourages and doesn’t sit on the sidelines, no they dive in and go all out! This story has you riveted from the start, page after page. I’m so glad I read it! Can’t wait to share it with my friends and grandchildren. Suzette has a wonderful way of story telling, for those of you who have never been behind a sled pulled by dogs, the sheer speed and excitement of the start she captures perfectly! I can’t say enough. I love this book and am ready to read it over again.
September 7, 2020
When Suzette offered an Advanced Reader Copy for an honest review I couldn't click "pick me" fast enough. I'm so glad I did. What a wonderfully written story that honestly addresses those preteen difficulties and the bullying that can happen because of people's differences. Suzette's writing style captivates you and makes the book impossible to put down. Spencer's fight through adversity and challenges and strength he gained through mushing dogs is eloquently told through his mother's eyes.
I'm an avid follower of the Iditarod, and while I assumed this book would be about Brett's (Spencer's Dad) Iditarod journey, I was not disappointed that it wasn't.
Skinny Leg is a captivating story that allows the reader to escape into the world of dog mushing and the challenges of this extreme sport. I would recommend this as a great read aloud in middle grade classrooms.
I'm an avid follower of the Iditarod, and while I assumed this book would be about Brett's (Spencer's Dad) Iditarod journey, I was not disappointed that it wasn't.
Skinny Leg is a captivating story that allows the reader to escape into the world of dog mushing and the challenges of this extreme sport. I would recommend this as a great read aloud in middle grade classrooms.
September 11, 2020
A story of a mother’s love, told through the voice of her son who thought his “skinny leg” would only bring him down in life. His father, who falls in love with mushing along side of his son. Add in some dogs, creatures that not only make us better people but the world a better place.. Spencer Bruggeman earns the chance to follow his dreams over a harrowing race filled with more ups and downs than the Montana winter weather and mountains. A must read for dog lovers and anyone isn’t quite sure if they will cross the elusive finish line of their dreams. Thank you Mrs.Bruggeman for this riveting and heartwarming book. I am honored to have received a free ARC(advanced reading copy) In exchange for an honest review. I rate it SIX stars..one for each on Spencer’s team from this reader.
Darlene B.
Darlene B.
September 13, 2020
I’ve never provided a book review and when I was given a chance to review the e-version I ended up not being able to put it down. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book so diligently. What a wonderful book with great take-aways! My love of sled dogs drove me to the book, but it is truly a read for any parent out there! While it takes you on great mushing adventures and the birth of a sled dog kennel, it is really about parent and childhood challenges. The parent’s support for their child and the child’s dealings with being different.
I don’t think I’ve ever had a character I could associate with so much, all the self-doubt, bad “fiend’ that he dealt with—I thought I only had those kinds of internal fights. Definitely the kind of story that sticks with you long after you’ve read it, and I plan to read it again. You must read it today!
I don’t think I’ve ever had a character I could associate with so much, all the self-doubt, bad “fiend’ that he dealt with—I thought I only had those kinds of internal fights. Definitely the kind of story that sticks with you long after you’ve read it, and I plan to read it again. You must read it today!
September 13, 2020
I was provided an Advanced Copy in exchange for an honest review--I was so excited to read Skinny Leg, as I have followed the kennel's FB page and Instagram for awhile now. Suzette is an excellent photographer and storyteller. I was confused when I first started the book, as I did not realize it was told from the young boy's point of view. Once I understood that, it was a fun and quick book to read. The descriptions are vivid and I know just enough about dogsledding to really be able to picture the scenes in detail. It's a great story about family relationships, overcoming challenges and, of course, about people and their dogs.
November 15, 2024
This book, this book, this boooooook yall! I have NEVER cried real, actual tears reading a book, until now. This book took me on such an emotional ride and I related to Spencer so so much. Damn, if that wasn't me in middle school 😩 amazing writing, amazing STORYTELLING, and I had to keep reminding myself that it's real. These things (mostly 👀) happened. It was such an incredible account of perseverance and friendship and redemption and finding yourself. I truly didn't want this book to end. I was right there along with Spencer the.whole.way. ❤️
September 7, 2020
I was provided an Advance Release Copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review. Wow! What an incredible book! It has all the feels! I think I experienced every range of emotion there is while reading this book! Thrilling, Suspenseful and Triumphant! Note to self, don't start reading while on a work lunch break! It's too hard to put down! Huzzah for Harley, Mojo and the rest of the Skinny Leg dogs. I can't wait for a sequal!
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September 13, 2020It takes courage to keep trying when you feel like you will never be good at anything.... not like your older brothers or your dad, or anyone else you admire. But courage is the stuff Spencer is made of. Courage, determination and grit. This story had me captured from the first page until the last! It’s truly a book that will appeal to young people as well as adults. Fun, humorous, touching and brave! Such a great book!
September 15, 2020
I was provided an Advance Release Copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Skinny Leg. I hated when it came to an end and I hope that she will write a sequel! Its a great book for all ages.
A sweet story about a father and son and their shared love of the sport of mushing and their love of their sled dogs. It is also a story about bullying and how this young boy handled it, despite his disability.
I loved it!
A sweet story about a father and son and their shared love of the sport of mushing and their love of their sled dogs. It is also a story about bullying and how this young boy handled it, despite his disability.
I loved it!
September 2, 2020
Absolutely loved this book. It is inspiring and brings a lot of real emotions into every page. I could hardly put it down. It is an inspiration to any child that struggling that they just need to find something to love. It’s a must read for any child being bullied or struggling with self worth. Perfect for all ages!
September 22, 2020
Suzette wrote a wonderful story that completely engulfs you in her world. Once I picked Skinny Leg up I had a hard time putting it down until the book was finished. She also did an excellent job catering to mushers and non-mushers alike, so no matter your background you will love and relate to the book.
September 23, 2020
"A wonderful and inspirational book for anyone who loves dogs, dog mushing, a challenge, or an adventure. It’s a realistic story of the struggles of Middle School, bullies and the power of dogs and friends. How one success can be the cornerstone to over coming many other life challenges, and the influence of the inspirational Iditarod Trail!"
September 11, 2020
WOW 🤩
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
An absolute MUST read!
Suzette is a wizard with words & will have you racing to read the next page.
She had me feeling like I was right there, being a part of all the action & adventure.
I was sad when the book was over & will definitely do a reread.
Skinny Leg is a winner!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
An absolute MUST read!
Suzette is a wizard with words & will have you racing to read the next page.
She had me feeling like I was right there, being a part of all the action & adventure.
I was sad when the book was over & will definitely do a reread.
Skinny Leg is a winner!
September 17, 2020
Although this is a young adult book, it had an entire book club of outdoor enthusiasts enthralled! Wonderful story about wonderful people! And lots of dogs, just as critical to the story as the humans, so what's not to love?!
October 9, 2020
This book is a great read for all ages! Suzette tells an entertaining story of a boys dream being fulfilled and the struggles that came with it. Every member of the family can read it and enjoy it. Spencer’s life with his dogs comes to life on the pages. I highly recommend it.
February 14, 2022
For some reason I found this book hard to get into but once I got into it it was such a joy to read. I loved Suzanne’s writing and it’s such a great story! It was especially fun to read after following her families adventure on Instagram.
September 22, 2020
Suzette can describe situations and put you right there in the middle of her book. I couldn't put this one down and I missed it when I was finished!
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