Synopses & Reviews
It's the 1920s, and Bo was headed for an Alaska orphanage when she won the hearts of two tough gold miners who set out to raise her, enthusiastically helped by all the kind people of the nearby Eskimo village.
Bo learns Eskimo along with English, helps in the cookshack, learns to polka, and rides along with Big Annie and her dog team. There's always some kind of excitement: Bo sees her first airplane, has a run-in with a bear, and meets a mysterious lost little boy.
Bo at Ballard Creek by Kirkpatrick Hill is an unforgettable story of a little girl growing up in the exhilarating time after the big Alaska gold rushes.
Review
Praise for Bo At Ballard Creek:"Endearing." - School Library Journal *"Cheerful and uncomplicated." -- The Horn Book, starred review
"A warm tale set in an Alaskan gold-mining town in 1929-30 . . . Bo is an endearing Pollyanna in a parka." -- Kirkus Reviews
"Fans of the classic Little House books, will soak in the atmosphereic look at a particular time and place. A great choice for classroom unites on the gold rush." —Booklist
Praise and Awards for The Year of Miss Agnes:
California Young Readers Medal
Once Upon a World Childrens Book Award
South Carolina Childrens Book Award Nominee
Young Hoosier Book Award Nominee
“Hill has created more than just an appealing cast of characters; she introduces readers to a whole community and makes a long-ago and faraway place seem real and very much alive. This is an inspirational story about Alaska, the old and new ways, a very special teacher, and the influence that she has over everyone she meets. A wonderful read-aloud to start off the school year.” —School Library Journal
“An uplifting portrait of a dedicated teacher.” —Booklist
“A quiet, yet satisfying account.” —Kirkus Reviews
About the Author
Kirkpatrick Hill lives in Fairbanks, Alaska. She was an elementary school teacher for more than thirty years, most of that time in the Alaskan “bush.” She has written several books for young readers, including Toughboy and Sister, Winter Camp, and the award-winning The Year of Miss Agnes.
LeUyen Pham has illustrated numerous popular books for children, including Freckleface Strawberry by Julianne Moore and Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio. She is also the author and illustrator of books such as Big Sister, Little Sister and All the Things I Love About You. She lives and works in San Francisco with her artist husband, Alex Puvilland, and her sons Leo and Adrien.