If you are ever interested in a study of Alaska, at any level beyond say Grade 6, than may I recommend an amazing book, THE GREAT DEATH by John Smegler ( Henry Holt, 2009, $16.99). This book of only 166 pages follows two young Alaskan native girls at the beginning of the twentieth century who are fleeing a pandemic of measles, smallpox and influenza. Some light-colored strangers with red spots on their bodies came to their village. Very quickly disease and death spread everywhere.
The sisters, 13 year old Millie and her younger sister Maura, know they have to escape from the village to seek safety. Millie recalls her father’s stories about settlements down the river. With meager supplies and little equipment the sisters set out to find safety. The journey through the wilderness is harrowing and frightening to say the least. The stamina and courage each girl musters will hold every readers’ rapt attention.
Overcoming nature’s obstacles, as well as those of man, are handled with dignity. Their ultimate survival comes through their great devotion and love for each other. Native lore abounds in and during this amazing story.