CurriConnects Book List - Alaska and Hawaii
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Alaska and Hawaii
Travel through books to the forty-ninth and fiftieth states. Every state boasts culture and history of its own, and these two have extra rich offerings. Discover their history, people, and culture, both historic and contemporary, through both fiction and nonfiction. Challenge your students to flip their view of the "Lower 48" or "Big America" (the contiguous states) through the experience of Alaska and/or Hawaii. Include these books during units on states, multiculturalism, or U.S. geography.
Preschool and Picture Books
I Would Tuck You In - Sarah Asper-Smith, (978-1570618444), Fiction
Interest level: K-2
Enjoy seeing all the animal mothers lovingly tuck in their offspring in this book that features some Alaskan animals.
Groucho's Eyebrows - Tricia Brown , (978-0882408927), Fiction
Interest level: K-2
Kristie uses all her coping abilities when her loved cat Groucho takes off during an Alaskan winter.
Patsy Ann of Alaska - Tricia Brown, (978-1570616976), Non-fiction
Interest level: K-2
Despite Patsy Ann's deafness, the bull terrier grows to love her new Alaskan home and soon becomes an integral part of the community, greeting newcomers and lavishing affection on all.
Goodnight Hawaiian Moon - Terry Carolan, (978-0971533325), Fiction
Interest level: K-2
Readers experience the calm tranquility of life in the Hawaiian paradise in this picture book complete with a CD that introduces listeners to the sounds and music of Hawaii.
L is for Last Frontier: An Alaska Alphabet - Carol Crane, (978-1585360208), Non-fiction
Interest level: K-2
This book features all the things that are special about the state of Alaska.
The Salmon Princess - Mindy Dwyer, (978-1570613555), Non-fiction
Interest level: K-2
In this Alaskan version of the Cinderella story, readers are immersed in Alaskan geography, culture, and wildlife.
Good Night Hawaii - Adam Gamble, (978-1602190078), Fiction
Interest level: K-1
Sleepy children say goodnight to all the marvelous sites of Hawaii.
Alaska's Three Bears - Shelley Gill, (978-0934007115), Non-fiction
Interest level: K-2, Lexile: 850
Find out all about the three real bears of Alaska.
Sitka Rose - Shelley Gill, (978-1570913648), Fiction
Interest level: K-3
Rose thoroughly enjoys her trip to Alaska and her adventures there with the wildlife and natural resources.
A is for Aloha: A Hawai'i Alphabet - U'ilani Goldsberry, (978-1585361465), Non-fiction
Interest level: K-2
This book features all the things that are special about the state of Hawaii.
Luka's Quilt - Georgia Guback, (978-0688121549), Fiction
Interest level: K-6, Lexile: 360
Luka's grandmother, Tutu, makes her a colorful flower lei after Luka expresses disappointment about the plainness of the traditional quilt her grandmother had proudly made her.
Once Upon Alaska - Mark Kelley, (978-1880865200), Non-fiction
Interest level: K-2
"Readers" will enjoy paging through the marvelous photos of the USA's 49th state.
Alaska A B C - Charlene Kreeger, (978-0933914018), Fiction
Interest level: K-2
Find out all about Alaska and go through the letters of the alphabet at the same time.
Froggy Goes to Hawaii - Jonathan London, (978-0142421192), Fiction
Interest level: K-1
Froggy's Hawaiian adventure results in plenty of trouble while he makes his way through dancing, swimming, eating, and soaking up the sun.
I Kahakai: At the Kahakai - Ka'ohua Lucas, (978-0873362122), Fiction
Interest level: K-1
Enjoy the fun with two Hawaiian brothers who go to the beach to surf and try other beach activities.
Na Wai La: Who Ate It? - Ka'ohua Lucas, (978-0873362092), Fiction
Interest level: K-1
Readers learn about the Hawaiian sea food chain in this bilingual book where an octopus and an eel meet.
Counting on Snow - Maxwell Newhouse, (978-0887769856), Fiction
Interest level: K-2
Children learn to count while viewing animals of the wild north.
Making the Moose out of Life - Nicholas Oldland, (978-1554535804), Fiction
Interest level: K-2, Lexile: 500
A wild moose hesitates to join in the fun until he experiences a wild storm and must rise to the challenge.
The Sourdough Man - Cherie Stihler, (978-1570615948), Non-fiction
Interest level: K-1, Lexile: 690
The "sourdough" version of the classic gingerbread man fable features the importance of such bread in Alaska as well as an easy recipe for it!
How Maui Slowed the Sun - Suelyn Ching Tune, (978-0824810832), Fiction
Interest level: K-2
Read about how the Hawaiian god Maui used magic to decrease the sun's rate of movement and gave Hawaii its long growing and fishing seasons.
Maui and the Secret of Fire - Suelyn Ching Tune, (978-0824813918), Fiction
Interest level: K-2
Learn how Maui got information about fire making from mud hens (Kolowalu Book series).
Totem Tale - Deb Vanasse, (978-1570614392), Fiction
Interest level: K-2
The Alaskan animals of the forest and tundra squabble about who should be on top of the totem pole: they do not know what order they should be in.
Iki, The Littlest 'Opihi - Tammy Yee, (978-1493657971), Fiction
Interest level: K-2
Iki, unlike most Hawaiian opihi, wants to explore the ocean rather than stick to the rocks like he should!
Early Elementary Books
The Good Dog - Avi, (978-0689838255), Fiction
Interest level: 2-5, Lexile: 480
Told from the dog's perspective, this book shows the conflict between a Malmute pack leader who tries to keep the dogs focused on their tasks and the appeal of running with a wolf who hovers on the edges of the story.
Akiak: A Tale from the Iditarod - Robert Blake, (978-0142401859), Fiction
Interest level: K-3
Akiak's injury, which has had her kicked out of the Iditarod Race, does not stop her from catching up with her team and trying to help.
A Flower in the Snow - Tracey Corderoy, (978-1402277405), Non-fiction
Interest level: K-3
Although Luna's polar bear friend searches all over the world to find the same flower they shared on the snowy fields, he learns he must return home to give her the best gift of all.
No Ke Anila: Our Hawaii Weather - Kaulana Dameg, (978-0873362351), Non-fiction
Interest level: 1-5
Learn about the weather in Hawaii in this book.
Whale Snow - Debby Dahl Edwardson, (978-1570913945), Fiction
Interest level: K-3, Lexile: 600
After an Inupiat father catches a whale, his son realizes how important the whale is to the entire culture.
Hawaii is a Rainbow - Stephanie Feeney, (978-0824810078), Non-fiction
Interest level: K-3
This book covers the multiplicity of the people in Hawaii and their contributions to its culture and language.
Alaska - Shelley Gill, (978-0881062939), Non-fiction
Interest level: 2-4, Lexile: 910
Learn all about what is different about our 49th state in this easy-to-read non fiction book.
Kiana's Iditarod - Shelley Gill, (978-1570615894), Fiction
Interest level: K-3
Sled dog Kiana leads her Iditarod team across the 1,049 miles of the toughest race imaginable, coming across moose, wolves, and of course, other teams.
Up on Denali - Shelley Gill, (978-1570613654), Non-fiction
Interest level: K-4
Learn about Alaska's great Denali Park, including its history, flora, fauna, geography, and more.
Stolen Sun - Amanda Hall, (978-1422351390), Non-fiction
Interest level: 1-4
This Alaskan creation story, based on actual Alaskan folklore, portrays a Raven as the creator who gives the native Alaskan people a special song to help them remember their heritage; when they forget it, Raven removes the sun and leaves the land cold and desolate.
The Year of Miss Agnes - Kirkpatrick Hill, (978-0689851247), Fiction
Interest level: 2-6, Lexile: 790
When Miss Agnes arrives in a small Alaskan town to teach young Athapascans, the children find the experience interesting and beneficial.
The Shark King - R. Kikuo Johnson, (978-1935179160), Non-fiction
Interest level: K-3, Lexile: 150
Nanaue, song of a shark God from traditional Hawaiian folk literature, is both fish and landlubber, always in trouble and always hungry!
Pig-Boy: A Trickster Tale from Hawai'i - Gerald McDermott, (978-0152165901), Non-fiction
Interest level: K-3, Lexile: 520
Despite always stirring up trouble, Pig-Boy always manages to escape from Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire.
A Caribou Journey - Debbie Miller, (978-1602230965), Non-fiction
Interest level: K-3
This beautiful book portrays the seasons and animals of Alaska, focusing on the caribou.
Stickeen: John Muir and the Brave Little Dog - John Muir, (978-1883220785), Fiction
Interest level: 1-5, Lexile: 670
This fictionalized story of John Muir's adventure with a small but loyal dog while exploring a glacier during a fierce blizzard results in a life-long friendship.
Hina and the Sea of Stars - Michael Nordenstrom, (978-1573061674), Fiction
Interest level: K-3
This book shares the many legends about Hina, an important Hawaiian ancestor, and also details the legends about the Hawaiian goddess of the moon.
Pele and the Rivers of Fire - Michael Nordenstrom, (978-1573060790), Fiction
Interest level: K-3
Readers learn about Pele, the volcano goddess of Hawaii.
Aloha-Ha-Ha! - Barbara Park, (978-0375834042), Fiction
Interest level: K-2
Junie B. Jones' photo journal of her Hawaiian vacation turns out just a little differently than what her teacher had in mind.
Dogteam - Gary Paulsen, (978-0440411307), Fiction
Interest level: K-2, Lexile: 960
Enjoy the astonishing beauty of the Alaskan wilderness as you ride along with a dogsled team in this beautiful book.
Dumpling Soup - Jama Kim Rattigan, (978-0316730471), Fiction
Interest level: K-3, Lexile: 500
An Asian American lass living among Hawaii's multitudes of Asians of different backgrounds tries to learn to make dumplings for her contribution to her family's traditional holiday meal.
Storm Run - Libby Riddles, (978-1570612930), Non-fiction
Interest level: K-2
This book tells the story of the first woman to win the Alaskan Iditarod.
The Island Below the Star - James Rumford, (978-0395851593), Fiction
Interest level: 1-4, Lexile: 680
A family of brothers sets out in their boats and reaches Hawaii, each brother exhibiting one special talent.
The Hungry Giant of the Tundra - Teri Sloat, (978-0882405360), Fiction
Interest level: 1-5, Lexile: 580
A ravenous giant loses his right to eat dinner in this modern version of a classic Yupik folk story.
Santa is Coming to Alaska - Steve Smallman, (978-1402295171), Fiction
Interest level: K-3
Enjoy Santa's ride over Alaska on Christmas Eve and see how many famous spots you can pick out that you would like to visit.
Santa is Coming to Hawaii - Steve Smallman, (978-1402290091), Fiction
Interest level: K-3
Enjoy Santa's ride over Hawaii on Christmas Eve and see how many famous spots you can pick out that you would like to visit.
The Bravest Dog Ever: The True Story of Balto - Natalie Standiford, (978-0394896953), Fiction
Interest level: 1-3, Lexile: 300
Balto leads his sled team through a tough storm to deliver medicine for a diptheria epidemic.
Building an Igloo - Ulli Steltzer, (978-0805063134), Non-fiction
Interest level: K-3
The very young will enjoy seeing the pictures and illustrations and hearing the text that has precise igloo-building directions.
The Bottle Imp - Robert Louis Stevenson, (978-1409930594), Fiction
Interest level: 2-8
In this classic version of a folktale, Keawe purchases a bottle with magical powers, but he has to sell the bottle for less or he will lose its benefits; he also has to get rid of it before he dies.
Jungle Bear: Journey To Alaska - Monica Sukowski, (978-0578056661), Fiction
Interest level: K-3
Jody dreams of many living things and adventures in Alaska, including a seal, a bear, and a moose.
Under Alaska's Midnight Sun - Deb Vanasse, (978-1570614224), Fiction
Interest level: K-3
During the Alaskan summer, there is no night, and a young girl living there learns about the midnight sun and all the extra activities she can fit in during the 24-hour day.
Kula and the Old Ukulele - Lance Wheeler, (978-1566478441), Fiction
Interest level: 1-3
Kula practices very hard on the new (to him) old ukulele his grandfather gives him for a birthday gift so that he can do well in the local talent contest and please his grandfather.
Running with the Big Dogs: A Sled Dog Puppy Grows Up in Denali National Park, Alaska - Lori Yanuchi, (978-0967017709), Fiction
Interest level: 1-4
A young sled dog tells the story of his growing up and his relationship with a special park ranger in the wilds of Denali National Park in Alaska.
Baby Honu's Incredible Journey - Tammy Yee, (978-0896102859), Fiction
Interest level: K-2
A baby Hawaiian sea turtle must face many challenges after he leaves his cozy nest.
From Hawaii with Aloha, Grandma and Grandpa - Tammy Yee, (978-1597005074), Non-fiction
Interest level: K-3
Learn about all the Hawaiian islands and each island's unique qualities and offerings in this voyage with Grandma and Grandpa.
S is for Sumo: Celebrating Hawai'i, the Aloha State - Tammy Yee, (978-1492885757), Non-fiction
Interest level: 1-4
Learn about unique Hawaiian foods, legends, geography, music, etc. in this informative picture book.
Upper Elementary to Middle School Books
Children of the Midnight Sun - Tricia Brown, (978-0882406176), Non-fiction
Interest level: 3-8
See pictures and read interviews with Alaska's wide variety of children, from Aleut to Yupik in this fascinating book.
Atiska Ataska, Charlie's in Alaska - Anne Canterbury, (B00DYP8KXC), Fiction
Interest level: 2-6
Charlie has a great time when he first visits Alaska because of his excellent tour guide, Sourdough Sam.
A President from Hawaii - Joanna Carolan, (978-0763662820), Non-fiction
Interest level: 2-5
This book covers not only Obama but also gives a brief history of the cultural and spiritual background of the 50th state.
Cacy & Kiara and the Curse of the Ki'i - Roy Chang, (978-1933067476), Fiction
Interest level: 4-8
Cousins Cacy and Kiara end up in a dangerous quest to save Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and themselves during a school field trip; they must call on their personal family gods ('aumakua) and their knowledge of Hawaiian history to emerge from this murder mystery.
Pele and Poli'ahu - Malia Collins, (978-1933067131), Fiction
Interest level: 2-6
Learn how the goddesses of two of the mountaintop volcanoes in Hawaii raced to prove which was stronger, fire or ice.
The Boy Who Tricked the Ghosts - Ellie Crowe, (978-0896107694), Non-fiction
Interest level: 2-5
Although Kaululaau is sent to Lanai for his bad behavior, he manages to outwit the ghosts there and confront the sorceress who is holding him; this book is based on a Hawaiian legend.
My Name is Not Easy - Debby Dahl Edwardson, (978-1477816295), Fiction
Interest level: 8-12
Luke's name and language are forbidden at the boarding school where he lives with other Inupiaq, Eskimo, white, and Indian children, but another child teaches him a lesson about cultural pride.
Kamehameha: The Rise of a King - David Eyre, (978-0873363204), Fiction
Interest level: 3-7
This fictionalized biography of King Kamehameha is rich with Hawaiian history, culture, language and exciting narrative.
White Rainbow, Black Curse - David Eyre, (978-0873361170), Non-fiction
Interest level: 3-7
This book tells the story of the great Kamehameha, an important figure in Hawaiian history.
Sand to Sea: Marine Life of Hawaii - Stephanie Feeney, (978-0824811808), Non-fiction
Interest level: 5-8
Enjoy the photos and text about the natural life in Hawaii.
Diamond Willow - Helen Frost, (978-0312603830), Fiction
Interest level: 5-9
Willow much prefers sled dogging to dealing with people, but she does not realize how her friends can help her when she makes a mistake; this book is written in poems.
Mush! Sled Dogs of the Iditarod - Joe Funk, (978-0545494786), Non-fiction
Interest level: 3-8, Lexile: 1140
This book includes descriptions of the sled dogs and their race, the Iditarod, including fascinating facts about the rough terrain it covers.
Julie - Jean Craighead George, (978-0064405737), Fiction
Interest level: 4-12, Lexile: 700
Julie returns to her family's home village while trying to save her beloved wolves despite all the changes taking place in the environment.
Julie of the Wolves - Jean Craighead George, (978-0060219437), Fiction
Interest level: 8-12, Lexile: 860
Julie declines an arranged marriage and instead voyages across the Alaskan tundra, torn between Eskimo ways and the modern world.
Water Sky - Jean Craighead George, (978-0064402026), Fiction
Interest level: 5-12, Lexile: 730
A young boy learns about the Inupiat culture and its reliance on the whaling industry while he visits Alaska.
The Million Dollar Putt - Dan Gutman, (786-836415), Fiction
Interest level: 6-8, Lexile: 620
Although Birdie is blind, the 13-year-old hopes to win the Angus Killick Memorial Golf Tournament in Hawaii.
The Double Life of an Alaskan Sled Dog - Andrea Aufder Heyde, (978-1468537949), Non-fiction
Interest level: 3-7
The author's experience living and teaching in Alaska led to her experiencing the Iditarod herself so that she could teach and write about it.
Dancing at the Odinochka - Kirkpatrick Hill, (978-1442413528), Fiction
Interest level: 3-8, Lexile: 970
Of Russian descent, Erinia finds her life at an Alaskan trading post changes when the area becomes part of the United States.
Leaving Protection - Will Hobbs , (978-0380733125), Fiction
Interest level: 5-10
Robbie must tread carefully on the Alaskan troller where he is working after he discovers the captain is illegally searching for historic treasure along the coasts.
Wild Man Island - Will Hobbs, (978-0380733101), Fiction
Interest level: 4-10, Lexile: 690
Andy is stranded on a wilderness island in Alaska; his survival attempts yield views of surprise animals, strange humans, and even remains of ancient humans.
Lydia and the Island Kingdom: A Story Based on the Real Life of Princess Liliuokalani of Hawaii - Joan Holub, (978-0689871993), Fiction
Interest level: 4-7
Princess Lydia Liliuokalani decides she must write down the traditional lore of her people as part of a Restoration Day celebration in 1846.
Hawaii - Joyce Johnston, (978-0822541523), Non-fiction
Interest level: 4-7
Learn all about the beautiful state of Hawaii in this book, from cooking to geography, from languages to history, from people to flora and fauna (Hello USA series).
Colony Kids - Heather Lehe, (978-1594332654), Fiction
Interest level: 5-9
Paul's family takes an opportunity to homestead in Alaska where, despite his reservations, he finds friends and adventure.
Princess Ka'iulani: Hope of a Nation, Heart of a People - Sharon Linnea, (978-0802850881), Non-fiction
Interest level: 2-6
Princess Kaiulani's biography includes facts about her life and Hawaii's annexation into the U.S.
The Call of the Wild - Jack London, (978-1613822081), Fiction
Interest level: 5-12, Lexile: 1120
Buck, a mixed breed part German Shepherd, must adapt to his new life in the Alaskan wilderness after being kidnapped in this classic adventure novel for children.
The Kids Book of the Far North - Ann Love, (978-1554532582), Non-fiction
Interest level: 3-7, Lexile: 1140
The Far North, which includes Alaska presents many challenges to its people and animals but its history, legends, stories, and determined people provide a fascinating read.
Lili'uokalani - Ruby Lowe, (B007M7OXCK), Non-fiction
Interest level: 3-7
This biography depicts the most important queen of Hawaii who tried to keep it a free country. Please visit www.ulukau.org for a free downloadable version.
The Mystery on Alaska's Iditarod Trail - Carole Marsh, (978-0635016683), Non-fiction
Interest level: 3-7, Lexile: 830
Christina and family fly to Anchorage to experience the Iditarod first hand, but they bump into a mystery as large as the state itself!
The Mystery in Hawaii: Our 50th State - Carole Marsh, (978-0635074454), Fiction
Interest level: 3-6, Lexile: 800
Christina and Grant's family vacation to Hawaii turns out to be full of mystery, Hawaiian history, volcanoes and lava, and water wonders.
Eye on the Iditarod - Hope Irvin Marston, (978-0893170714), Non-fiction
Interest level: 4-10
Aisling Shepherd tells readers of her determination to get her dog team into the Iditarod and win.
A Boy No More - Harry Mazer, (978-1416914044), Fiction
Interest level: 5-9
Adam loses his father in the attack on Pearl Harbor during WWII, but he and the remaining family he has try to rebuild their lives.
A Boy at War: A Novel of Pearl Harbor - Harry Mazer, (978-0689841606), Fiction
Interest level: 4-9, Lexile: 530
Adam has some stressful days searching for his naval officer father after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
The Great Serum Race - Debbie Miller, (978-0802777232), Non-fiction
Interest level: 2-7
When Nome was attacked by deadly diptheria in 1925, 20 dogsled teams set off for Anchorage and the antitoxin serum that would slow the outbreak; their "Serum Run" became the basis of today's Iditarod which today includes memories of the heroic sled dogs Togo and Balto.
The Great Serum Race: Blazing the Iditarod Trail - Debbie Miller, (978-0802777232), Non-fiction
Interest level: 1-10, Lexile: 910
This book relates the exciting true story of the husky Togo who helped delivery diptheria antitoxin to a remote location in Alaska during an epidemic.
A Child's Alaska - Claire Rudolf Murphy, (978-0882408590), Non-fiction
Interest level: 2-8
Readers will delight in this feast of information and photos about the huge state of Alaska.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park - Sharlene Nelson, (978-0516263786), Non-fiction
Interest level: 2-6
Learn all you can about Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with plenty of pictures, graphs, and detailed explanations.
Hawai'i - P.J. Neri, (978-0516223834), Non-fiction
Interest level: 3-7, Lexile: 980
This non-fiction book delves into all that is interesting about Hawaii, including its cuisine, geographical features, history, people, and language (From Sea to Shining Sea series).
Bright Star, Bright Dawn - Scott O'Dell, (978-0547053196), Fiction
Interest level: 4-10, Lexile: 670
A young Inuit girl cannot rely on her injured father to help her when she enters the famed Iditarod sled race in Alaska.
Eyes of the Emperor - Graham Salisbury, (978-0440229568), Fiction
Interest level: 6-12, Lexile: 630
Despite a Japanese-American's having volunteered to serve in the army during WWII, he experiences racism and separation from the rest of the troops; the final blow comes when he receives training to hunt other Japanese.
House of the Red Fish - Graham Salisbury, (978-0440238386), Fiction
Interest level: 4-9, Lexile: 610
Tomi and his friends try to rescue his dad's ravaged fishing boat just a year after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and the increase in anti-Japanese sentiments on the island.
Lord of the Deep - Graham Salisbury, (978-0440229117), Fiction
Interest level: 4-12, Lexile: 540
Mikey learns a lot about fishing but even more about important life lessons like risk taking while he works for his stepfather on a charter in Hawaii.
Man Trip - Graham Salisbury, (978-0375865077), Non-fiction
Interest level: 2-5
Calvin goes deep-sea fishing with his mom's boyfriend Ledward and Calvin catches a huge fish, but Ledward's catch of an upset marlin ends up chasing them and attacking the boat (Calvin Coconut series).
The Impossible Rescue - Martin Sandler, (978-0763670931), Non-fiction
Interest level: 5-10
This non-fiction account of the rescue of some whalers in 1897 Alaskan Arctic waters is more exciting than any imagined adventure, with limited food supply, impassable terrain, blizzards, cold, foundering sled dogs, and other setbacks.
Ice Island - Sherry Shahan, (978-0307929549), Fiction
Interest level: 4-7
Tatum and a friend get caught in an Alaskan blizzard and shelter in an abandoned hut, only to realize one of them must take the dogs and go for help.
Nate & Shea's Adventures in Hawaii - Carrie Simmons, (978-0615918808), Non-fiction
Interest level: 2-6
A companion volume to the TV series Travel With Kids, this book explores the geographical formation of the islands, the history of the people, the Hawaiian Royal class, Hawaiian food, festivals, tourist sites, volcanoes, and language.
The Great Death - John Smelcer, (978-0805081008), Non-fiction
Interest level: 5-10, Lexile: 940
Read about two Alaskan sisters who did not become ill and die after white men's diseases wiped out a lot of the population of their village in 1917.
Seldovia Sam and the Very Large Clam - Susan Woodward Springer, (978-0882405704), Fiction
Interest level: 3-5
Young Sam is digging clams, determined to find a really big one, when the tide comes in, and his dad has to rescue him.
Apun: The Arctic Snow - Matthew Sturm, (978-1602230699), Non-fiction
Interest level: 3-5
Readers learn about the great importance of the Alaskan snow cover as well as the fact that there are 25 different words for snow in Inupiaq, each for a different type.
Heba the Ho'oponoponoist - Charan Surdhar, (978-0956485106), Non-fiction
Interest level: 2-6
Heba, a fairy in Hawaiian culture, guides children through healing steps with the practice of Ho'oponopono.
Hawaiian Myths of Earth, Sea, and Sky - Vivian Thompson, (978-0824811716), Non-fiction
Interest level: 4-8
This book contains many Hawaiian folk tales.
Clueless in Alaska - Jen Funk Weber, (978-1570614415), Non-fiction
Interest level: 4-7
As an activity, information, and puzzle book, this introduction to Alaska's culture for the young is a great fun way to learn about Alaska before you travel there or just learn about it in school.
Snow Dogs! - Ian Whitelaw, (978-0756640811), Non-fiction
Interest level: 3-5
Photographs and lively text show the lives of sled dogs and their racing world.
Middle School to Young Adult Books
From the Alaskan Wilderness - Romey Atchley, (978-1578339556), Fiction
Interest level: 5-8
Teens can follow two animal friends and their adventures in Alaska.
Iditarod Alaska - Burt Bomhof, (978-1594332968), Non-fiction
Interest level: 8-12
Bomhoff describes the geography and culture of the sled dog racers, their camaraderie, challenges, and triumphs.
Bristol Bay Summer - Annie Boochever, (978-0882409948), Fiction
Interest level: 8-12
Zoey struggles during her Alaska summer to make sense of her mother's divorce, the mother's new boyfriend, and her own physical and mental changes.
Arctic Homestead - Norma Cobb, (978-0312283797), Non-fiction
Interest level: 7-12
One family moves to Alaska and experiences all its beauty, weather, and other challenges.
Fierce Heart - Stuart Holmes Coleman, (978-0312384517), Non-fiction
Interest level: 8-12
This book describes a small community on Oahu from which came many important Hawaiian surfers, skin divers, and musicians who all loved their culture and heritage.
Gaff - Shan Correa, (978-1561455263), Fiction
Interest level: 5-10, Lexile: 730
Paul appreciates that his father must raise roosters for cockfighting to earn his living since he is disabled, but Paul's conscience asks him to balance respect for his father against the brutality of the fight.
Boom Town Boy - Jack deYonge, (978-1935347064), Non-fiction
Interest level: 9-12
This memoir describes Jack's growing up in Fairbanks during the time of WWII.
Yukon Quest - Lew Freedman, (978-1935347057), Non-fiction
Interest level: 8-12
Freedman tells the story of the organization of the first new sled dog race, the Yukon Quest.
Right Behind You - Gail Giles, (978-0316166379), Fiction
Interest level: 7-12, Lexile: 590
Kipe gets a chance at a new start in a new school in Indiana where he goes to live with his father and new stepmother, but his past still haunts him.
Fifty Miles from Tomorrow - William L. Iggiagruk Hensley, (978-0312429362), Non-fiction
Interest level: 10-12
A young I-upiaq, born near the Arctic Circle, offers views into Alaskan life as seen from a native's point of view including his development as an advocate for land ownership and ecology for his people.
Year of the Dog - Michelle Hogan, (978-1493517367), Non-fiction
Interest level: 7-12
Michelle Hogan offers a contrasting tale of what it is like to be a female musher, a mother of 8, and a lifelong resident of Alaska.
Healing Water: A Hawaiian Story - Joyce Moyer Hostetter, (978-1590785140), Fiction
Interest level: 4-12, Lexile: 620
Pia, ravaged with leprosy, arrives at Molokai's leprosarium full of anger and independence, but the kindness of other patients and staff soften his resolve of revenge.
The North End of the World - Dave Hunsaker, (978-0985980405), Non-fiction
Interest level: 9-12
This photographic essay offers views of a non-romantic, stark Alaskan landscape.
A Wolf Called Romeo - Nick Jans, (978-0547858197), Non-fiction
Interest level: 7-12
A wild wolf makes friends with the Alaskans in the Juneau area and constantly comes back to share food and customs with them.
Clouds of Memories - Mona Kahele, (978-1932660029), Non-fiction
Interest level: 7-12
This expanded biography of Mona Kahele gives a large amount of information about the Hawaii of the 20th century, focusing on the rural areas and traditional legends.
Ordinary Wolves - Seth Kantner, (978-1571310477), Fiction
Interest level: 10-12
Cutuk's difficulties meshing with the native children occur in the backdrop of a startling Alaskan childhood, growing up in native housing and eating foods unknown to most American teens.
Only if You Can Find Me - Patricia Laurel, (978-1566477987), Fiction
Interest level: 10-12
A California girl visits her ancestral home, the Phillipines, and makes friends with a knowledgeable Hawaiian who shares the mysteries of the cultures of both lands.
Strange Relations - Sonia Levitan, (978-0440239635), Fiction
Interest level: 6-10, Lexile: 700
Marne is not used to the strict beliefs of her aunt's Chasidic family when she goes to spend her summer off with them in Hawaii.
Stories of Hawaii - Jack London, (978-0935180084), Fiction
Interest level: 9-12
Jack London's short stories reflect an earlier era in Hawaii and include out of date views of other cultures and races.
Heroes Don't Run - Harry Mazer, (978-0689855344), Fiction
Interest level: 3-10, Lexile: 650
Adam tries to compensate for losing his father during the Pearl Harbor attack by enlisting and fighting on Okinawa.
Winterdance: The Fine Madness of Running the Iditarod - Gary Paulsen, (978-0156001458), Non-fiction
Interest level: 7-12
Famed children's author Gary Paulsen describes his own grueling experience of facing the Iditarod, the Alaskan weather and terrain, and his own personal ghosts.
Blue Skin of the Sea - Graham Salisbury, (978-0440219057), Fiction
Interest level: 7-12, Lexile: 810
Sonny's childhood in Hawaii includes sea fishing with his father and learning to appreciate all aspects of the ocean.
Hunt for the Bamboo Rat - Graham Salisbury, (978-0375842665), Fiction
Interest level: 8-12
Zenji, of Japanese origin, begins work as an army translator at the age of 17 when the army sends him to the Phillipines to gather information on the Japanese.
Island Boyz - Graham Salisbury, (978-0440229551), Fiction
Interest level: 5-10
These short stories about growing up in the Hawaiian islands touch on many aspects of the appeal of Hawaii for young boys coming of age there.
Night of the Howling Dogs - Graham Salisbury, (978-0545176354), Fiction
Interest level: 7-12
Dylan's camping trip turns ugly when an older boy hassles Dylan's friends.
Under the Blood Red Sun - Graham Salisbury, (978-0440411390), Fiction
Interest level: 7-12, Lexile: 640
Tomikazu finds he can no longer pursue his beloved baseball after the Japanese attack Pearl Harbor and he experiences great ostracism.
Born to Mush - Dallas Seavey, (978-1610992381), Non-fiction
Interest level: 7-12
Dallas Seavey tells his own triumph over dog sled racing and how he became the youngest musher to win the Iditarod.
To Hawaii, with Love - Michael Spradlin, (978-0060594107), Fiction
Interest level: 7-10, Lexile: 760
Spy master Rachel and her friends from Blackthorn Academy find themselves in Hawaii in pursuit of an artifact that disappeared.
Mark Twain's Letters from Hawaii - Mark Twain, (978-0824802882), Non-fiction
Interest level: 8-12
A young Mark Twain reluctantly records the delights of his assigned visit to Hawaii.
Runaways on the Inside Pasage - Joe Upton, (978-0882405650), Fiction
Interest level: 6-9
Twins Annie and David find an elderly salmon fisherman to help look for their missing father after their mother dumps them.
Bird Girl and the Man Who Followed the Sun - Velma Wallis , (978-0060977283), Fiction
Interest level: 9-12
Two native Alaskans, one man and one woman, defy tribal expectations and set out to lead lives outside of their safety nets.
Two Old Women - Velma Wallis, (978-0060723521), Fiction
Interest level: 9-12
This riveting story, based on a legend, tells about two older women, abandoned by their tribe, during a harsh Alaskan winter.
Punahou Blues - Kirby Wright, (978-0974106717), Fiction
Interest level: 10-12
Jeffrey is not having the best year in his exclusive school, academically or socially.
Books for Mature Teens and Adults
Alaska Sourdough - Ruth Allman, (978-0882400853), Non-fiction
Interest level: 7-12
Learn how to make the recipes that Alaskans used when facing their frontier.
Pana O'Ahu: Sacred Stones, Sacred Land - Jan Becket, ed., (978-0824818289), Non-fiction
Interest level: 9-12
This photographic essay shows the fascinating stone monuments of Oahu along with explanations of their meaning and importance; also included are the people from Hawaii who shared information about the important stone sites.
Hawaiian Mythology - Martha Beckwith, (978-0824805142), Non-fiction
Interest level: 9-12
This classic early 20th century study of Hawaiian culture includes mythology, history, legends, traditions, and folktales.
Moloka'i - Alan Brennert, (978-0312304355), Fiction
Interest level: 10-12
Rachel is sent to live in Kalaupapa, a leper settlement in Hawaii, at the age of 7 and eventually becomes healthy, but after she marries and gives birth to a daughter, her unhappiness returns when she must give up the baby.
Bird of Another Heaven - James Houston, (978-0307388087), Fiction
Interest level: 10-12
Sheridan discovers a by-gone world which contrasts with that of today's Hawaii when he looks at his great-grandmother's journals and learns about her relationship with the last royal king of Hawaii.
Murder Casts a Shadow - Victoria Nalani Kneubuhl, (978-0824832179), Fiction
Interest level: 10-12
A Hawaiian reporter and a playwright attempt to solve a series of brutal murders in 1930's Honolulu.
Beyond Ophir - Jim Lanier, (978-1594333545), Non-fiction
Interest level: 9-12
Jim Lanier contrasts his life as a pathologist with his second love, sled dog racing, with its many amusing tales and challenges.
Hawaiki Rising - Sam Low, (978-1617102004), Non-fiction
Interest level: 8-12
This book describes a voyage of discovery about the history of the Hawaiian islands and their surrounding waters.
Coming into the Country - John McPhee, (978-0374522872), Non-fiction
Interest level: 9-12
McPhee describes contrasting areas of Alaska and the people within each area; he describes the wilderness and the urban areas with interest and precision.
Your Ideal Hawaii Move - Tyler Mercier, (978-1478223382), Non-fiction
Interest level: 10-12
This book has a myriad of suggestions of how to make your move to Hawaii successful
Hawaii - James Michener, (978-0375760372), Fiction
Interest level: 10-12
This epic saga portrays life in Hawaii throughout the history of the resettlement of many Asians and the arrival of Christian missionaries.
East Wind, Rain - Caroline Paul, (607-80762), Fiction
Interest level: 10-12
After a Japanese pilot crashes on the Hawaiian Island Niihau, villagers have heard nothing of the Pearl Harbor attack he has just come from; he speaks to the two Japanese residents who try to conceal the happening from the other islanders, fearful of reprisals against them and the pilot.
On Time Delivery:The Dog Team Mail Carriers - William Schneider, (978-1602231672), Non-fiction
Interest level: 9-12
This book's discussion of Alaskan history reveals the existence of overland trails which were used to deliver mail at the beginning of the 20th century; the dog sled teams did the work and also helped keep up the trails.
Denali National Park - Bill Sherwonit, (978-1594857133), Non-fiction
Interest level: 9-12
This visitors' guide to Denali provides information on every aspect of park life, geography, animals, weather, and activities.
The Lion in the Lei Shop - Kate Starbird, (978-1611098044), Non-fiction
Interest level: 10-12
Five-year-old Marty becomes haunted by a legendary lion in a tourist shop after the Japanese attack Pearl Harbor, but she makes her way to a new life with her mother after the war.
Days of Infamy - Harry Turtledove, (978-0451460561), Fiction
Interest level: 10-12
This book imagines what might have happened if the Japanese had been successful in their bid to take over Pearl Harbor as a jumping stone to getting all of the U.S.
Kantishna: Mushers, Miners, Mountaineers - Tom Walker, (978-1575101248), Non-fiction
Interest level: 9-12
The 1898 Klondike Gold Rush brought many pioneers and adventurers to the Mt. McKinley area of Alaska, and their tales include confrontations with fierce animals, crimes, and psychological problems.
McKinley Station - Tom Walker , (978-1575101453), Non-fiction
Interest level: 9-12
Harry Karstens helped change McKinley Park to the massive Denali in his career as park ranger and advocate for the Alaskan Wilderness.
The Seventymile Kid - Tom Walker, (978-1594857294), Non-fiction
Interest level: 9-12
Harry Karsten's journals and other text tell the story of the first expedition that summited Mount McKinley.
Breathless - Pam Withers, (978-1551434803), Fiction
Interest level: 8-12, Lexile: 610
This high-interest (for teens) book with easy vocabulary portrays Beverly trying to lose weight and, as a result, having problems with keeping up with her scuba diving interest.
Behold the Many - Lois-Ann Yamanaka, (978-0312426545), Fiction
Interest level: 10-12
Anah and her two sisters are confined to a Hawaiian orphanage after contracting tuberculosis, but only Anah survives; the ghosts of her dead sisters come back to haunt her because of their jealousy of her happy life.