If you haven’t guessed by now, I love books. One of my happy moments is
walking out of a new (to me) bookstore or museum gift shop with an armful of books. Ken, my husband, is happy to finally drag me out of there.
My favorite bookstore in Anchorage is Tidal Wave. They stock more than just the usual generic reads. You have to drag me out of there, too.
One book I recommend for adult readers is Alaska Bush Pilot Doctor by Naomi
Gaede-Penner. Dr. Elmer Gaede was a physician in the 50s-60s flying his own plane in the Interior of Alaska. His was truly an undaunted courage.
For ages 8-12, you can’t miss a good read with any of the Balto books on the
market. Balto is one of the dogs that started out carrying serum 500 miles to Nome to save the lives of children from diphtheria in 1925. This is the story that served as an inspiration for the annual Iditarod Race that officially started in 1973 to commemorate Alaska’s centennial.
One year, Ken and I attended the start of the race. The excitement is palpable. Those sled dogs are eager to run, yipping and jumping. They can’t wait to pull. If you want to know more about sled dogs, Born to Pull by Bob Cary and Gail de Marcken presents not only their lives but also the lives of others that they saved. This is a good book to read as a family, again for ages 8-12. Trust me, lots of discussions will follow.
Did you know that an auction in Anchorage is held for high bidders to ride in the sled of a musher on the day before the race? They ride a trail around town with well-wishers on the sidelines whistling and applauding the dogs and mushers. We yelled our good wishes right along with the crowd. Woo-hoo!
Another good read for this age group is The Mystery on Alaska’s Iditarod Trail by Carole Marsh. Four children reached Alaska in time for the Iditarod Trail dogsled race. They try to solve a mystery that involves digging into Gold Rush history.
And, of course, there are books mentioned in Cruising Alaska’s Inside Passage
from my book, Alaska! Stories and Activities for grades 4 – 6.
Good reads, all.