Book Resources for Students and Teachers, Alaska Focus Options

[Tracy_Alley]

The North Pole Was Here written by Andrew C. Revkin
This is a fascinating book about a trip to the North Pole. Mr. Revkin follows scientists on their brave journey to research the North Pole. It is a super book for any student in upper elementary through high school. There are actual New York Times articles in the book. The photographs are spectacular.

The Year of Miss Agnes written by Kirkpatrick Hill
Ms. Hill was raised in Fairbanks. She was an elementary teacher for thirty years spending most of her teaching years in the Alaska "bush" teaching in one room schools. This would be a great read-aloud for second, third, fourth, and fifth grade students. She has written two other books focusing on Alaskan children - Toughboy and Sister and Wintercamp.

Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George
The book won a Newbery Medal in 1972. It is a fascinating book about the life of an Eskimo girl and her acceptance into a pack of Alaskan wolves.

Dogsong by Gary Paulsen
This book won numerous awards including the Newbery Honor Book. Gary Paulsen has a written several books about the Iditarod. He researches extensively before he writes. He has raced in the Iditarod as well. This book focuses on the life of an Eskimo boy named Russel and his journey of self-discovery.

Nunamiut ABC written and illustrated by 4th & 5th grade students of Anaktuvuk Pass, Alaska
You will learn a great deal about an Alaskan village in this book.

The following books are all written by Debbie Miller. They are exceptional:

Big Alaska
A Caribou Journey
Arctic Nights, Arctic Lights
The Great Serum Race
Flight of the Golden Plover: The Amazing Migration Between Alaska and Hawaii
Disappearing Lake: Nature's Magic in Denali National Park

Elaine's Circle by Bob Katz
This book is an excellent non-fiction piece focusing on the life of a fourth grade teacher, Elaine Moore, in Eagle River, Alaska. It is a wonderful book!