The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian  •  Sherman Alexie LITERATURE •  2007 •  HARD COVER  • 229 PAGES • YOUNG ADULTS In his first book for young adults, bestselling author Sherman Alexie tells the story of Junior, a budding cartoonist growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation. Determined to take his future into his own hands, Junior leaves his troubled school on the rez to attend an all-white farm town high school where the only other Indian is the school mascot. Heartbreaking, funny, and beautifully written, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, which is based on the author's own experiences, coupled with poignant drawings by acclaimed artist Ellen Forney, that reflect the character's art, chronicles the contemporary adolescence of one Native American boy as he attempts to break away from the life he was destined to live. (PNW218, $16.99)
Ancient Forests, Discovering Nature  •  Margaret Anderson NATURAL HISTORY •  2003 •  PAPER  • 40 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) A workbook on the ecology and folklore of the old-growth forests of the Pacific Northwest, this book features 16 activities geared for children ages 9-12. (ALA67, $6.95)
How We Crossed the West  •  Rosalyn Schanzer EXPLORATION •  1997 •  HARD COVER  • 48 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) Published by the National Geographic Society, this book brings the U.S. Exploring Expedition to life for young readers (ages 6-10). It includes excerpts from the journals of Lewis and Clark as well as lively, light-hearted color illustrations, depicting the explorers, and the people, wildlife and landscapes they encountered. (PNW40, $18.00)
I Heard the Owl Call My Name  •  Margaret Craven LITERATURE •  1993 •  PAPER  • 159 PAGES • YOUNG ADULTS In this brief novel, a young vicar comes to live with the Kwakiutl Indians of the town of Kingcome in the Pacific Northwest. Written for teens but worthwhile for adults, it is a story of cultural sharing and the rediscovery of ancient Native American traditions. (PNW90, $6.99)
The Incredible Journey of Lewis and Clark  •  Rhoda Blumberg HISTORY •  1995 •  PAPER  • 144 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) An award-winning, illustrated version of the Lewis and Clark story, written for middle school students. (PNW91, $12.99)
Killer Whale  •  Mark Carwardine NATURAL HISTORY •  2000 •  HARD COVER • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) An illustrated overview of orcas for middle schoolers. (BST85, $30.00)
Orca's Song  •  Anne Cameron  •  Nelle Olsen LITERATURE •  1987 •  PAPER  • 32 PAGES • YOUNG READERS (Age 4-8) A retelling of a traditional Indian myth, gracefully explaining the origins of the killer whale's song. Illustrated with black-and-white drawings that evoke Haida art. For children 5-9. (PNW111, $7.95)
The Race to Save the Lord God Bird  •  Phillip Hoose NATURAL HISTORY •  2004 •  HARD COVER  • 208 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) An engaging and well-researched history of the ivory-billed woodpecker, and the struggles surrounding its survival. It's a suspenseful and entertaining book about modern conservation and environmental issues for middle-school readers, featuring John James Audubon and others. The bird, only recently rediscovered, once ranged across the southeastern United States. With black-and-white photographs throughout. (BRD30, $21.00)
Raven: A Trickster Tale from the Pacific Northwest  •  Gerald McDermott LITERATURE •  1993 •  HARD COVER • YOUNG READERS (Age 4-8) Told in simple language, this beautifully illustrated traditional tale of the raven -- a familiar symbol on totem poles -- is geared for children ages 4-8. A Caldecott Honor Book. (ALA62, $16.00)
Survival of the Salmon, Adventures of Riley  •  Amanda Lumry  •  Laura Hurwitz NATURAL HISTORY •  2006 •  HARD COVER  • 36 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) Young adventurers Riley and Alice visit the pristine wilderness of Southeast Alaska in order to solve a puzzling salmon migration mystery: Why are Pacific Salmon thriving while North Atlantic Salmon are more endangered than ever? (PNW223, $15.95)
Thunder Rolling in the Mountains  •  Scott O'Dell LITERATURE •  1993 •  PAPER  • 128 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) A novel for middle schoolers about the expulsion of the Nez Perce from their homeland, drawn mostly from primary sources. Told from the viewpoint of Chief Joseph's daughter Sound of Running Feet, the unsentimental book traces the tribe's odyssey from Oregon to the Lapwaii Reservation in Idaho. Along the way, they are attacked by settlers and routed by the army, incidents of violence which are not whitewashed here. This was O'Dell's last novel, co-written with his wife (who finished the manuscript after his death). (PNW103, $6.50)
Touching Spirit Bear  •  Ben Mikaelsen LITERATURE •  2002 •  PAPER  • 241 PAGES • YOUNG ADULTS In the tradition of Gary Paulsen's "Hatchet" comes this novel of a delinquent boy's adventures on a remote Alaskan island. This young adult's novel follows the fate of Cole, an abused and abusive troubled teen who chooses a traditional First Nation punishment -- banishment -- over incarceration. But banishment isn't sufficient to reform Cole. For that, it takes an encounter with the white Spirit Bear of First Nation legends. Ages 12 and up. (PNW127, $5.99)
Volcano, The Eruption and Healing of Mount St. Helens  •  Patricia Lauber NATURAL HISTORY •  1993 •  PAPER  • 60 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) Geared for middle schoolers, this Newbery Award-winning book documents the 1980 eruption, its aftermath and the return of life to the volcano with 80 full-color photos and text. The whole family will appreciate the excellent photography, design and in-depth information. (PNW41, $8.99)