October 02, 2018
Alaska Kids Books - 18 Titles to Keep the Pages Turning!
After compiling a list of 33 Alaska books that are a must read from our fan-submitted suggestions, we received many requests to compile another list of books, but this time geared more toward the younger readers! Growing up in Alaska, and having children of my own now, I had read many of these Alaska kids books as a child and have even read several of these titles to our children!
Mountain Climbing is the story of a boy and his father who hope to climb Denali. Mountain Climbing provides factual information about climbing Denali based on the fictional story of a sixteen-year-old boy and his adventure scaling the heights of the tallest peak in North America.
No Alaska kids books list is complete without an amazing tale along the Iditarod Trail! In 1985, Libby Riddles made history by becoming the first woman to win the 1,100-mile Iditarod Sled Dog Race. This brand-new edition of Riddles's timeless adventure story is complete with updated narrative details, sidebars on all aspects of the race, photographs, and all-new illustrations by beloved illustrator Shannon Cartwright. An inspiration to children and adults everywhere, this is a compelling first-hand account of the arctic storms, freezing temperatures, loyal sled dogs, and utter determination that defined Riddles's Iditarod victory.
From its origins as a trick played by Raven (the scientific version involving plate tectonics is also included) to the flora and fauna and human explorations, this colorful children's book reveals every facet of Alaska's great Denali mountain. Employing the Gill-Cartwright signature style of mingling fiction and fact, this book is brimming with fun and fascinating information and wonder about the tallest, coldest, wildest mountain in America.
This beloved story of a child testing the limits of her independence, and a mother who reassuringly proves that a parents love is unconditional and everlasting is a perfect first book for toddlers. This title is always near the top of the recommended list for Alaska kids books for toddlers and small children.
To her small Eskimo village, she is known as Miyax; to her friend in San Francisco, she is Julie. When her life in the village becomes dangerous, Miyax runs away, only to find herself lost in the Alaskan wilderness. Miyax tries to survive by copying the ways of a pack of wolves and soon grows to love her new wolf family. Life in the wilderness is a struggle, but when she finds her way back to civilization, Miyax is torn between her old and new lives. Is she Miyax of the Eskimos—or Julie of the wolves?
A ten-year-old Eskimo (Inupiat) boy who lives far north of the Arctic Circle describes his family's annual spring trip to their camp, where they hunt and fish for food to supplement their diet for the rest of the year and enjoy old traditions.
Walt Morey is an incredible author and writes some of the most captivating Alaska kids books for young readers. When Andy Evans stumbles upon the snow-covered wreckage of a small plane, he's shocked to find a survivor. Should he put the gravely injured dog out of his misery? The look in the animal's eyes says he's not ready to die. It turns out that Kavik's a champion sled dog, and soon he makes a full recovery. When his rightful owner finds out Kavik is alive, he wants the dog back. But Kavik has other ideas.
This is one of the Alaska kids books that tells the story of Benny, an Aleut Indian boy, living in an Alaskan mission home many years before Alaska became a state. One day his teacher told the class about a contest to make a flag for Alaska. That night the boys and girls of the mission house made many designs for the flag. Benny thought about what he loved most about Alaska. Benny knew what he wanted his flag to be like: the blue field for the Alaska sky and the forget-me-not flower; the North Star for the future State of Alaska, the most northerly state in the Union; and the dipper for the Great Bear—symbolizing strength. A month later the teacher announced: "Children, the flag contest is over. From all over Alaska children sent in designs for the flag. And Benny's design has won the contest!" Benny's Flag is a true story.
Scrub Dog of Alaska
In Aurora, a small town in Alaska, an unwanted puppy is thrown into the world to live on its own. Found and raised by a local boy, the dog proves to be a winning sled dog. After catching the eye of his original cruel owner, he now demands his return. This is one of many Alaska kids books written by Walt Morey. Almost any title from this author is a winning title.
Three Alaska kids books on our list come from Walt Morey, and for good reason. The Alaskan wilderness is a lonely place for Mark Andersen, especially after the death of his brother. But Mark finds a friend named Ben, who happens to be an Alaskan brown bear. Ben and Mark form a special bond, but the townspeople are determined to destroy it. It is only through the strength of an enduring friendship that Ben—and Mark—have a chance of being saved.
When Apa comes to visit early one morning, five-year old Kitaq is eager to convince his grandfather that he is finally old enough to make the journey with him to the ice-fishing holes and back home again. After a breakfast of hot pancakes, Kitaq hears the magic words he has hoped for: "You may go fishing with me today." Readers young and old alike will enjoy the heartwarming drama of Kitaq's early coming-of-age experience with his grandfather, and his first taste of success in providing food for his family.
After Momma's death, Toughboy and Sister find themselves in the care of Father, who spends more time in the local bar than looking after his children. With help from the women in the village, though, Toughboy and Sister get through the rest of the winter without Mamma. Finally, spring comes: time to make the long-awaited annual trip to the fish camp with Father. Once they arrive at their cabin, things start to look up for the children -- the fish camp is always fun, and Father seems to be in good spirits. Maybe their fractured family will be all right. Or not. When Father goes to town and drinks himself to death, Toughboy and Sister are suddenly left to fend for themselves in the Alaskan wilderness. This is one of the Alaska kids books that is near and dear to my heart as I recall this being a page-turner for my adolescent self.
This thrilling adventure begins after a sea kayaking trip takes a dangerous turn and Tom Parker is stranded on the remote, outer coast of the unpopulated Bear Island in the rough terrains of the Alaskan wilderness. With only a small survival kit in his pocket, Tom finds himself soaked and freezing, and worst of all—alone. Desperate to find his father, Tom doesn't know how long he can survive and he must put his skills to the test as he fights to reach safety. Will Tom make it through a wilderness full of bears and other dangers?
All four books of Seldovia Sam's exciting misadventures are now collected in one book! Eight-year-old Sam Peterson from Seldovia, Alaska, doesn't go looking for trouble, but he always seems to find it! This book collects the entire series of Seldovia Sam's exploits, from digging up clams and rescuing sea otters to encountering wildfires and meeting bears.
This exciting pioneering story, based on actual events, introduces readers to a fascinating chapter in American history, when FDR set up a New Deal colony in Alaska to give loans and land to families struggling during the Great Depression. Terpsichore can’t wait to follow in Laura Ingalls Wilder’s footsteps . . . now she just has to convince her mom. It’s 1934, and times are tough for their family. To make a fresh start, Terpsichore’s father signs up for President Roosevelt’s Palmer Colony project, uprooting them from Wisconsin to become pioneers in Alaska. Their new home is a bit of a shock—it’s a town still under construction in the middle of the wilderness, where the residents live in tents and share a community outhouse. But Terpsichore’s not about to let first impressions get in the way of this grand adventure. Tackling its many unique challenges with her can-do attitude, she starts making things happen to make Alaska seem more like home. Soon, she and her family are able to start settling in and enjoying their new surroundings—everyone except her mother, that is. So, in order to stay, Terpsichore hatches a plan to convince her that it’s a wonderful—and civilized—place to live . . . a plan that’s going to take all the love, energy, and Farmer Boy expertise Terpsichore can muster.
In The Giant Cabbage, Moose’s animal friends helped him haul a colossal cabbage to the state fair. Now, Moose and his pals are scrambling to build a snug cabin during Alaska’s short summer season. From the time the ground thaws in spring until the first snow falls isn’t much time for such a big project. The trials and tribulations of the dedicated, if haphazard, crew make for a delightful story, reinforcing the importance of teamwork and maintaining a positive attitude. Jeremiah Trammell’s charming illustrations depict the animals as they struggle with building a house together.
Eielson, a pioneer North Dakota aviator, became the father of airmail service in Alaska. After developing fame as an Alaska bush pilot, he was engaged by Arctic explorer, Hubert Wilkins to pilot him. Eielson and Wilkins were the first two individuals to fly over both the Arctic and the Antarctic. This list of 18 Alaska kids books will surely keep your young reader glued to the pages while reading about adventure, culture, history, and a variety of other topics. Have a title to sumibt to our Alaska kids books list? Let us know!
Mountain Climbing
Mountain Climbing is the story of a boy and his father who hope to climb Denali. Mountain Climbing provides factual information about climbing Denali based on the fictional story of a sixteen-year-old boy and his adventure scaling the heights of the tallest peak in North America.
Storm Run
No Alaska kids books list is complete without an amazing tale along the Iditarod Trail! In 1985, Libby Riddles made history by becoming the first woman to win the 1,100-mile Iditarod Sled Dog Race. This brand-new edition of Riddles's timeless adventure story is complete with updated narrative details, sidebars on all aspects of the race, photographs, and all-new illustrations by beloved illustrator Shannon Cartwright. An inspiration to children and adults everywhere, this is a compelling first-hand account of the arctic storms, freezing temperatures, loyal sled dogs, and utter determination that defined Riddles's Iditarod victory.
Up On Denali
From its origins as a trick played by Raven (the scientific version involving plate tectonics is also included) to the flora and fauna and human explorations, this colorful children's book reveals every facet of Alaska's great Denali mountain. Employing the Gill-Cartwright signature style of mingling fiction and fact, this book is brimming with fun and fascinating information and wonder about the tallest, coldest, wildest mountain in America.
Mama Do You Love Me
This beloved story of a child testing the limits of her independence, and a mother who reassuringly proves that a parents love is unconditional and everlasting is a perfect first book for toddlers. This title is always near the top of the recommended list for Alaska kids books for toddlers and small children.
Julie of the Wolves
To her small Eskimo village, she is known as Miyax; to her friend in San Francisco, she is Julie. When her life in the village becomes dangerous, Miyax runs away, only to find herself lost in the Alaskan wilderness. Miyax tries to survive by copying the ways of a pack of wolves and soon grows to love her new wolf family. Life in the wilderness is a struggle, but when she finds her way back to civilization, Miyax is torn between her old and new lives. Is she Miyax of the Eskimos—or Julie of the wolves?
Arctic Hunter
A ten-year-old Eskimo (Inupiat) boy who lives far north of the Arctic Circle describes his family's annual spring trip to their camp, where they hunt and fish for food to supplement their diet for the rest of the year and enjoy old traditions.
Kavik the Wolf Dog
Walt Morey is an incredible author and writes some of the most captivating Alaska kids books for young readers. When Andy Evans stumbles upon the snow-covered wreckage of a small plane, he's shocked to find a survivor. Should he put the gravely injured dog out of his misery? The look in the animal's eyes says he's not ready to die. It turns out that Kavik's a champion sled dog, and soon he makes a full recovery. When his rightful owner finds out Kavik is alive, he wants the dog back. But Kavik has other ideas.
Douggie
From the beginning one puppy was different from the rest. He was big and black, his brother and sisters small and gray. While the others lay quietly snuggled against their mother, this puppy squirmed and wiggled constantly. So begins the inspiring true story of a puppy whose boundless energy almost got the best of him. Douggie: The Playful Puppy Who Became a Sled Dog Hero is Pam Flowers's tribute to the pup who seemed destined to remain the class clown. But Pam saw potential in this exuberant youngster, and Douggie's intelligence and persistence ultimately earned him the position of lead dog for a dangerous 325-mile expedition to the Magnetic North Pole. As the lead dog, Douggie lead the sled dog team on this exciting adventure traveling across the frozen sea of the far Canadian north for 18 days, surviving many challenges and returning home safely. Douggie went on to become a top lead dog and lead a subsequent trip of 2,500 miles.
Bennys Flag
This is one of the Alaska kids books that tells the story of Benny, an Aleut Indian boy, living in an Alaskan mission home many years before Alaska became a state. One day his teacher told the class about a contest to make a flag for Alaska. That night the boys and girls of the mission house made many designs for the flag. Benny thought about what he loved most about Alaska. Benny knew what he wanted his flag to be like: the blue field for the Alaska sky and the forget-me-not flower; the North Star for the future State of Alaska, the most northerly state in the Union; and the dipper for the Great Bear—symbolizing strength. A month later the teacher announced: "Children, the flag contest is over. From all over Alaska children sent in designs for the flag. And Benny's design has won the contest!" Benny's Flag is a true story.
Scrub Dog of Alaska
In Aurora, a small town in Alaska, an unwanted puppy is thrown into the world to live on its own. Found and raised by a local boy, the dog proves to be a winning sled dog. After catching the eye of his original cruel owner, he now demands his return. This is one of many Alaska kids books written by Walt Morey. Almost any title from this author is a winning title.
Gentle Ben
Three Alaska kids books on our list come from Walt Morey, and for good reason. The Alaskan wilderness is a lonely place for Mark Andersen, especially after the death of his brother. But Mark finds a friend named Ben, who happens to be an Alaskan brown bear. Ben and Mark form a special bond, but the townspeople are determined to destroy it. It is only through the strength of an enduring friendship that Ben—and Mark—have a chance of being saved.
Kitaq Goes Ice Fishing
When Apa comes to visit early one morning, five-year old Kitaq is eager to convince his grandfather that he is finally old enough to make the journey with him to the ice-fishing holes and back home again. After a breakfast of hot pancakes, Kitaq hears the magic words he has hoped for: "You may go fishing with me today." Readers young and old alike will enjoy the heartwarming drama of Kitaq's early coming-of-age experience with his grandfather, and his first taste of success in providing food for his family.
Toughboy and Sister
After Momma's death, Toughboy and Sister find themselves in the care of Father, who spends more time in the local bar than looking after his children. With help from the women in the village, though, Toughboy and Sister get through the rest of the winter without Mamma. Finally, spring comes: time to make the long-awaited annual trip to the fish camp with Father. Once they arrive at their cabin, things start to look up for the children -- the fish camp is always fun, and Father seems to be in good spirits. Maybe their fractured family will be all right. Or not. When Father goes to town and drinks himself to death, Toughboy and Sister are suddenly left to fend for themselves in the Alaskan wilderness. This is one of the Alaska kids books that is near and dear to my heart as I recall this being a page-turner for my adolescent self.
Surviving Bear Island
This thrilling adventure begins after a sea kayaking trip takes a dangerous turn and Tom Parker is stranded on the remote, outer coast of the unpopulated Bear Island in the rough terrains of the Alaskan wilderness. With only a small survival kit in his pocket, Tom finds himself soaked and freezing, and worst of all—alone. Desperate to find his father, Tom doesn't know how long he can survive and he must put his skills to the test as he fights to reach safety. Will Tom make it through a wilderness full of bears and other dangers?
The Misadventures of Seldovia Sam
All four books of Seldovia Sam's exciting misadventures are now collected in one book! Eight-year-old Sam Peterson from Seldovia, Alaska, doesn't go looking for trouble, but he always seems to find it! This book collects the entire series of Seldovia Sam's exploits, from digging up clams and rescuing sea otters to encountering wildfires and meeting bears.
Sweet Home Alaska
This exciting pioneering story, based on actual events, introduces readers to a fascinating chapter in American history, when FDR set up a New Deal colony in Alaska to give loans and land to families struggling during the Great Depression. Terpsichore can’t wait to follow in Laura Ingalls Wilder’s footsteps . . . now she just has to convince her mom. It’s 1934, and times are tough for their family. To make a fresh start, Terpsichore’s father signs up for President Roosevelt’s Palmer Colony project, uprooting them from Wisconsin to become pioneers in Alaska. Their new home is a bit of a shock—it’s a town still under construction in the middle of the wilderness, where the residents live in tents and share a community outhouse. But Terpsichore’s not about to let first impressions get in the way of this grand adventure. Tackling its many unique challenges with her can-do attitude, she starts making things happen to make Alaska seem more like home. Soon, she and her family are able to start settling in and enjoying their new surroundings—everyone except her mother, that is. So, in order to stay, Terpsichore hatches a plan to convince her that it’s a wonderful—and civilized—place to live . . . a plan that’s going to take all the love, energy, and Farmer Boy expertise Terpsichore can muster.
The Cabin That Moose Built
In The Giant Cabbage, Moose’s animal friends helped him haul a colossal cabbage to the state fair. Now, Moose and his pals are scrambling to build a snug cabin during Alaska’s short summer season. From the time the ground thaws in spring until the first snow falls isn’t much time for such a big project. The trials and tribulations of the dedicated, if haphazard, crew make for a delightful story, reinforcing the importance of teamwork and maintaining a positive attitude. Jeremiah Trammell’s charming illustrations depict the animals as they struggle with building a house together.
Polar Pilot: The Carl Ben Eilson Story
Eielson, a pioneer North Dakota aviator, became the father of airmail service in Alaska. After developing fame as an Alaska bush pilot, he was engaged by Arctic explorer, Hubert Wilkins to pilot him. Eielson and Wilkins were the first two individuals to fly over both the Arctic and the Antarctic. This list of 18 Alaska kids books will surely keep your young reader glued to the pages while reading about adventure, culture, history, and a variety of other topics. Have a title to sumibt to our Alaska kids books list? Let us know!
2 comments
Thank you! This is super helpful for the Alaska unit I’m planning!
Tina at Mommynificent
April 17, 2021
An Alaskan Adventure with Archer & Ember. Based on Kodiak, the book is a fun story who follows the Siberian huskies when they get lost chasing a snow bunny, with the animals of Kodiak guiding them home using the northern lights.
Krystin
April 17, 2021