“This novel will reconvince you of the power of wilderness to heal a human heart” (Pam Houston, author of Contents May Have Shifted). Tara Marconi has made her way from Philadelphia to “the Rock,” a remote island in Alaska governed by the seasons. Her mother’s death left her unmoored, with a seemingly impassable rift between her and her father. But in this majestic, rugged frontier she works her way up the commercial fishing ladder—from hatchery assistant all the way to king crabber. Disciplined from years as a young boxer, she learns anew what it means to work, to connect, and—through an unlikely old tugboat—how to make a home she knows is her own. A testament to the places that shape us and the places that change us, The Alaskan Laundry tells one woman’s unforgettable journey in waters as far and icy as the Bering Sea, back to the possibility of love.

In this eco-focused middle-grade novel, readers follow the story of twin sisters who move with their father to a small town in Alaska for a new start after the devastating loss of their mother. It’s been four months since their mother died. The twins and their father have moved from Pennsylvania to a small town in Alaska to be near extended family. Nicky and Josie find the wilderness mysterious and beautiful, and a much-needed refuge. The girls drifted apart somewhat during their transition, each dealing with grief in a different way. Now, as they settle into a new normal, they become involved in a community debate that threatens the very land they are growing to love. For the local adults, livelihoods are at stake, and tensions are high. But it’s the young people who take the lead, especially newcomers Josie and Nicky, who find a way to speak up for what they believe, reconnecting with each other and with their father in the process—and, they hope, doing their mother proud. Will their heartfelt plea keep the peace and save the trees that have existed for hundreds of years? Author Brendan Jones’s passion for Alaska shines through in this, his debut middle-grade novel. Indeed, Brendan’s day-to-day subsistence lifestyle in his own Alaskan community—a place he’s called home for decades—and his appreciation for young activists greatly inspired Whispering Alaska. The rich detail with which he describes the earth's largest intact temperate rainforest will make readers wonder whether they too can hear the trees whisper. Recipient - 2022 Nature Generation Green Earth Book Award “Skillfully combining the newer themes of the pandemic and environmental activism with traditional themes like family, loss, and sibling rivalries, this book is compelling and modern.” —School Library Journal “Strong but not simple conflicts, a vividly rendered natural setting, and smoothly integrated elements of fantasy and realism crank up the intensity of this multi-layered tale.” —Booklist, starred review

Committee Serial No. 6.

A mother who risks everything to start over and a daughter whose longings threaten to undo them both. From the moment Ruth Sanders rips a glossy photo of a glacier from a magazine, she believes her fate is intertwined with the ice. Her unsettling fascination bewilders her daughter, 16-year-old Sylvie, still shaken by her father’s leaving. When Ruth uproots Sylvie and her sister from their small Midwestern town to follow her growing obsession - and a man - to Alaska, they soon find themselves entangled with an unfamiliar wilderness, a divided community, and one another. As passions cross and braid, the bond between mother and daughter threatens to erode from the pressures of icy compulsion and exposed secrets. Inspired by her own experience arriving by bush plane to live on the Alaska tundra, Deb Vanasse vividly captures the reality of life in Alaska and the emotional impact of loving a remote and unforgiving land.

Juneau, Alaska is an integral part of the United States, yet offers up the feeling that’s it’s a world away from the Lower 48. Juneau holds the unique title of being not only the largest capital city by land mass but one of the most remote as well. Inaccessible by land, Juneau is a city that requires visitors to make the trek by sky or sea when the siren call of Alaska rings out loud and clear. While some are called in the pursuit of a wild adventure in the heart of nature, others make their way unassuming by cruise ship, only to get caught up in the unexpected beauty and grace this island city provides. Whether it’s glaciers, bear, whales or the charm of a downtown dotted with boutique shops that appeal to the adventurer in you, Juneau is worth a visit. Rich in history and culture, this is a city that provides a look at a native past that’s delicately balanced against an ever-growing hub of tourism. Learn to let go of expectations when you arrive in Juneau. It’s a city that asks you to put one foot in the rainforest and one in the ocean for an experience quite unlike any other. About the Expert Caitlyn Knuth is a lifelong writer who was inspired to put a pen to paper as a child long before spelling skills were acquired. Constantly captivated by the pictures words have the power to paint and the owner of a spirit that is always ready for the next travel adventure, she’s found her muse alive and well through the process of exploring new cities and sharing what she’s found with the world. An initial trip to Juneau several years ago left a bigger impression than she originally expected. Prepared for bears, she fell in love at first sight with the whales that call this area home. Unaccustomed to the raincoat culture that is essential to Juneau, she found herself enamored with the endless mist and fog that frequently roll in and give this rainforest packed city an enchanting take on weather patterns. It’s a place that’s hard to shake long after the trip has ended. When new cities follow you around, they’re worth writing about. A passion for discovering the unexpected inspired her to put together a comprehensive guide to visiting the best of Juneau—with the understanding that this book is nothing more than an encouraging starting point to a greater adventure. HowExpert publishes quick 'how to' guides on all topics from A to Z by everyday experts.