Pack your parka and join PBS Books and the Library of Congress as we make the trek to Alaska on American Stories: A Reading Road Trip! Join us on December 3rd at 8pm EST/4pm AKST for a PBS Books Facebook Live event, or on the PBS Books YouTube channel, the PBS app, or pbs.org. Visit pbsbooks.org/readingroadtrip to learn more.
Inspired by the shimmering dance of the Northern Lights and the sweeping expanse of its landscape, Alaskans have been weaving stories long before the written word. For centuries, Indigenous peoples have passed these stories down through oral traditions, dance, and artistic expression. With the arrival of adventurers like Jack London (Call of the Wild), conservationists like Margaret Murie (Two in the Far North), anthropologists like Frederica de Laguna (Travels Among the Dena), and even its first Poet Laureate John Haines (The Stars, The Snow, The Fire)–Alaska’s literary tradition has expanded in ways that continue to celebrate what makes this state so unique.
Hear from today’s writers who carry forward this deep connection to the land including Native voices like Velma Wallis, who honors the importance of preserving tribal stories in works like Two Old Women, and children’s author and illustrator Michaela Goade, who celebrates traditional wild food harvests in Berry Song. Dana Stabenow intertwines Alaska’s rich history throughout her novels, including the Kate Shugak series, and Seth Kantner explores the stark differences from life in the Far North to modern American culture in Ordinary Wolves. Nancy Lord continues the conservationist narrative with Early Warming, linking environmental stewardship to Alaska’s literary legacy.
Alaska’s vast and wild landscape lends itself to awe-inspiring places to visit, from literary landmarks like Poems in Place to inspiring guided tours through Southeast Alaska’s nature. Fly into Anchorage and pay a visit to the Alaska Native Heritage Center and be sure to stop at Mosquito books while you wait for your plane to depart for your next location. There are many local libraries and bookstores throughout this expansive state.
About American Stories: A Reading Road Trip
Pack your curiosity —PBS Books is hitting the road! In partnership with the Library of Congress Centers for the Book, American Stories: A Reading Road Trip shines a spotlight on individual U.S. states and select territories to uncover their one-of-a-kind literary treasures.
From iconic authors and unforgettable books to hidden-gem bookstores, amazing libraries, and the real-life locations that inspired great works, this cross-country adventure celebrates the stories that have shaped our shared identity. Along the way, we’ll meet bestselling authors, passionate booksellers, and local storytellers —plus share highlights from local programs and events hosted by each state’s Center for the Book —revealing how their corner of America has left its mark on the nation’s imagination. Aligned with America’s 250th birthday, each episode invites viewers to explore the heart, history, and creative spirit of the United States —all through the lens of books and storytelling.
New episodes will stream on select Wednesdays at 8pm EST as PBS Books Facebook Live event, and on the PBS Books YouTube channel, pbsbooks.org, and the PBS app.
About the Library of Congress
The Library of Congress is the world’s largest library, offering access to the creative record of the United States –and extensive materials from around the world –both on-site and online. It is the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office. Explore collections, reference services and other programs and plan a visit at loc.gov; access the official site for U.S. federal legislative information at congress.gov; and register creative works of authorship at copyright.gov.
About PBS Books
PBS Books is a multi-platform initiative celebrating the love of reading. PBS Books is dedicated to connecting books with audiences by engaging them in unique experiences to spark their curiosity and encourage a life-long love of reading and learning. Through social and digital engagement and live coverage of important literary events across the country, PBS Books celebrates books and writers and works to foster a passion for reading among public media viewers and listeners.Visit pbsbooks.org, subscribe to the PBS Books YouTube channel, and follow PBS Books on social media to learn more.
