It’s Christmas Eve and today is the last giveaway this week.  While yes, it’s another book, it’s NOT a picture book this time.

Photo credit Tim Mossholder

I’ve been thrilled to share all the Alaskan goodies I can this week to warm up your winter holidays and today is no exception.  One of our local writers, Tricia Brown, has published numerous books for children over the years.  She was recently selected for the Library of Congress’ National Book Festival.  Each state (and US possession) was represented so it was quite the honor.  

Her latest book, cowritten with Joni Spiess, is NOT a picture book (though it does have gorgeous photos by photographer Roy Corral).  “Alaska Native Games and How to Play Them” is considered a middle grade book.  It also has a forward by American Ninja Warrior Nick Iligutchiak Hanson.  You can read more about the book’s journey at Tricia’s blog. 

Here is also a book blurb:

The athletes of the Alaska Native games aren’t just returning to their roots. They’ve never left them. In this beautifully illustrated book, readers learn the history of twenty-five Native games that have been handed down through generations, how each one relates to the subsistence lifestyle, and how you can try them yourself, regardless of where you live.

Each game today can be linked to some aspect of surviving in a harsh environment, of drawing sustenance from the land and sea. From the Seal Hop to the Bench Reach to the Four-Man Carry, these ancient games still require athletes to be in top physical condition and possess sharp mental focus. They hold dear the traditional Native values of honoring the elders, responsibility to tribe, sportsmanship, humor, patience, and hunter success. This book offers an engaging introduction to these games and their history, inviting people to jump in and try them for themselves!

These games are amazing to watch.  There are competitions every year to see how long, how far, etc the competitors can last and my goodness, these are NOT easy!  If you live in the US and you’d like a chance to win a copy of this truly awesome book, just enter the rafflecopter here.