Alaska Titles for Young Adults
This brief annotated bibliography includes fiction and non-fiction books appropriate for grades 6 and up. Avid readers in grades 4 and 5 may also enjoy many of these titles. The list is by no means all inclusive and includes just a few of my many favorites.
Born to Pull by Bob Cary, illus. by Gail de Marcken
This non-fiction book is all about sled dogs. All aspects of sled dog care is covered – from feeding, to foot care, to housing and racing. Informative text against beautiful watercolor illustrations appeals to both the mind and the eyes. Short vignettes from mushers’ experiences on the trail provide a more personal look at the mushing lifestyle. This book does not feature Alaskans solely; rather, it takes a broader look at the sport of mushing in North America, with lots of attention on Minnesota.
The subtitle of this book, “Dusty and His Sled Dogs Compete in Alaska’s Jr. Iditarod” provides an excellent summary of the contents of this book. Dusty is a 15 year old boy who lives in Cantwell, just outside the borders of Denali National Park. This book provides a narrative with accompanying photos of what it takes to prepare for the Junior Iditarod and what the race experience itself is like.
Jason’s Gold by Will Hobbs
Will Hobbs is well known for his action packed historical novels. Jason’s Gold is a well-researched story taking place during the 1898 Gold Rush. It provides a vivid historical background against which 15 year old Jason makes his way north from Seattle. A good account of the hardships and perils experienced by the Klondikers.
Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George.
This classic coming of age novel set in the far North won the Newberry Medal in 1973. Julie, a 13-year old Eskimo torn between the old ways and the new ways. When she runs away from home, she gets lost on the Alaskan tundra and survives by learning the way of wolves and becoming a member of a pack. Julie of the Wolves continues to be popular among adolescents and is often used in middle school classrooms and included (in excerpts) in anthologies. For anyone interested in Native lifestyles, wolves, or the relationship between people and their environment, this is a must read.
Stickeen by John Muir
There are quite few editions of this story about the brave little dog who accompanied John Muir in his exploration of glaciers in southeast Alaska. The picture book edition would be enjoyed by children as young as 7, as the scrappy little dog follows John Muir on his adventure. Though aloof at first, the bond that develops between Muir and Stickeen through their first “crisis” is one that any dog lover will recognize. This is a classic story of the companionship between dog and man in the North.
You can find any of these books at Amazon.
