The Iditarod dogsled race is a big deal in Gillian Wells's hometown of Anchorage, Alaska. Twelve-year-old Gilly knows the names of all the famous mushers and admires the women most of all. Gilly wants to join this brave group of women and complete the dogsled race herself. The only problem? She likes cats.

Gilly's dad, an experienced Iditarod racer, is doubtful of Gilly's goal, but she wastes no time proving him wrong. After all, she already has two cats, Lola and Shadow, and after a few fateful encounters, is able to recruit seven more. Gilly's good fortune continues: her mom and dad will be away on vacation the very same time as the race!

While Gilly has luck and determination on her side, her journey is a challenge of epic proportion. After all, there's Mean Zeke to contend with. Soon, Gilly encounters obstacles from the natural world and beyond--and training her team of cats is only the first battle. Can she and her team of felines manage, against all odds, to complete the race?