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Alaska purchase, and beyond
A Native Lad: Benny Benson Tells Alaska's Story, by Sarah Hurst
Various scenes in Alaska's history (1867-1980), beginning with the Alaska puchase are presented through the eyes of Benny Benson, a young Alaskan Native. Lively illustrations bring several important events in Alaska's history to life in a format appealing to young readers. -
Klondike gold triggers rush to Alaska
Jason's Gold, by Will Hobbs
When Seattle newspapers announced gold had been found along the Yukon River in July of 1897, Jason was one of the first to depart north, via infamous Alaskan trails. As he makes his way on the tail of his brothers, he experiences the darker side of the stampede North, and survives a winter on his own before reuniting with his family. Rich with historically accurate information, and cameo appearances by a variety of the Klondike's best known personalities. -
Epidemics sweep through Alaska
The Great Death, by John Smelcer
Set in the aftermath of the 1900 or 1918 influenza epidemic that killed thousands throughout Alaska, this story follows two young girls, Millie and Maura, after they find themselves to be the sole survivors in their small village. As they head down the Tazlina River, toward it's confluence with the Copper, they encounter mal-intentioned mountain men, wolves, and harsh cold. This is a touching story of bravery, sisterly love, and survival. -
Tall tales through poetry along the Yukon
The Cremation of Sam McGee, by Robert Service
An unnamed miner tells the story of a promise he made to his companion Sam McGee when he passes away on the trail: cremating his remains in a stranded barge along the Yukon River. The clever use of humor and foreshadowing, along with vivid oil painting illustrations bring this story to life, culminating in a happily burning Sam McGee soaking up the heat in the boiler. -
Interest in Arctic exploration continues
The Lamp, the Ice, and the Boat Called Fish, by Jacqueline Briggs Martin
As part of the Canadian Arctic Expedition of 1913-1918, an Inupiaq family is key to helping the crew survive when their boat, the Karluk, is locked in sea ice shortly after departing from Nome, and must be abandoned. Rich with the Inupiaq language, this book highlights the value of Alaska Natives in assisting the largest Arctic research endeaver of its time. -
Alaskan Native poeple continue to suffer from epidemics with introduced diseases
Blessing's Bead, by Debbie Dahl Edwardson
Two sisters, Aaluk and Nutaaq, are separated in 1917 when Aaluk leaves Alaska for Siberia. Nutaaq survives an influenza epidemic, then in 1986 her great-granddaughter returns to the village to learn about family history while her mom struggles in the city with alcoholism. This endearing first-person narrative (told in two parts by Nutaaq, and her graddaughter) is rich with historical information and uses the history of a name to tell a powerful story. -
Alaska Railroad opens the door to Alaska's Interior
Ol' 556, by Shannon Cartwright
In telling a fictional tale of excitement on the rails, immense amounts of historic information of an important transportation feat in Alaska's history, the construction and maintenance of the Alaska Railroad, started in 1915, and completed in 1923. Illustrated with detailed and realistic paintings, with a section of modern and historic photographs, this book is a wealth of information. -
Help requested to address diptheria outbreak in Nome
The Great Serum Race, by Debbie S. Miller
When diptheria strikes Nome in 1925, a number of mushers and their teams of hard-working sled dogs work day and night through death-defying weather to get serum to Nome. With gentle acrylic paintings, this book includes information on many of the Serum Run's heroes, as well as more detailed information and resources for further information. -
Leonhard Seppala and his Siberian huskies make history
Togo, by Robert J. Blake
Follow Leonhard Seppala, a great Alaskan musher and one of his lead dogs, Togo, as they race to meet another musher as part of the relay to Nome to provide serum to address the diptheria outbreak. Well-researched and historically accurate oil paintings illustrate the story of one of Alaska's often-forgotten sled dog heros. -
WWII touches US soil in the Aleutians
Aleutian Sparrow, by Karen Hesse
Vera, an adolescent Aleut from the Aleutian island of Unalaska, tells the story of her people's internment in Ketchikan after the Japenese invasion of the Aleutions in 1942, and of their return to the island. This powerful and heartbreaking story, relayed in free verse, explores the emotional struggle of the people to hang onto their culture, a struggle which would continue, even after their return to their homeland. -
Alaska becomes a state
Benny's Flag, by Phyllis Krasilovsky
Benny, an Aleut boy in boarding school, enters and wins a contest to design Alaska's state flag. The story paints an at-times contrived picture of Benny's aspirations, humble dreams, and pride, illustrated with soft watercolor paintings that evoke a feeling of muted happiness. -
Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act creates and expands the National Parks
Survival at 40 Below, by Debbie S. Miller
A variety of Arctic animals are discussed, centering around Gates of the Arctic National Park, one of many new or expanded parks created by the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA). An impressive level of detail is provided in this story, allowing for extensions to explore topics in much more detail. Illustrated by representational, beautiful acrylic illustrations that portray animal habits and habitats.
