Synopses & Reviews
From humorist, storyteller, author, and the voice of Motel 6 commercials, here is an exciting middle-grade adventure novel set in rural Alaska. Ivan and September Crane, ages 12 and 13, are left alone for a couple of weeks while their fisherman Dad is away at sea. In typical adolescent fashion, they quickly proceed to ignore his only two instructions--don't run down the batteries on the portable short-wave radio, their only means of communication, and don't cross the bay to town. Through a series of bad decisions they find themselves crossing Bag Bay in their skiff when they are suddenly overtaken by a sudden and fierce autumn storm known as a williwaw. Ivan and September must use every ounce of strength, courage, and ingenuity they posses to keep themselves afloat until help comes. Williwaw contains rich descriptions of Alaskan geography and wildlife. Its likable characters and taut suspense will keep readers riveted until the last page.
About the Author
Tom Bodett is a storyteller recognized for his warm, humorous style, but he is perhaps best known as the spokesperson for Motel 6. He made his national broadcasting debut in 1984 as a commentator for National Public Radio's All Things Considered; he currently hosts the PBS/Travel Channel co-production Travels on America's Historic Trails with Tom Bodett, which has received two Emmy nominations. His voice can also be heard on Steven Spielberg's Animaniacs, Pinky and the Brain, Saturday Night Live, and National Geographic Explorer. He is the author of five books and has recorded fifteen audiocassettes.
He has lived in Alaska for the past twenty-three years.