The visitors from downriver had strange pale skin & blue eyes, but they left a deadly sickness of red spots & fever. Thirteen-year-old Millie & her younger sister Maura were the only survivors. As the first snowflakes fell, the dogs were turning wild, & it was clear that the two girls would have to leave & find a new home. They loaded up a raft to take them away, & so began an epic journey through the harsh snowy landscape&8230; Set in Alaska & based on the real experiences of the author&8217;s grandmother, this is an extraordinary story of courage, endurance & survival. &8220;A celebration of the human spirit.” The Daily Mail &8220; John Smelcer&8217;s The Great Death is an outstanding piece of writing & undoubtedly my favourite novel of the year.” The Bookseller &8220; This is quite an exceptional survival story. It is realistic & vividly detailed, but it also has the quality of myth.” The School Librarian &8220; Told in lyrical & elegant prose without a word wasted & the overwhelming beauty of the harsh but beautiful Alaskan landscape rises vividly from the page.” Bookbag.co.uk