Kirkpatrick Hill

-Contemporary Realistic Fiction Wilderness survival, Person vs. Nature
-Hill, Kirkpatrick. Toughboy and Sister. M.K. McElderry Books, 1990, 121 pages, Intermediate

-Through the eyes of Toughboy and Sister, this story is a harrowing tale of how two Athabascan children who live in the Yukon survive on their own through the summer at fish camp. The reflective and poignant tone brings a sense of admiration for the characters through a straightforward and descriptive narrative style making this a well-rounded read.
-Keywords: Bannock, Potlatch, Fish camp, Wringer washer, Clabas, Athabascan
-Activity: Have students write journal entries from the perspectives of Toughboy or Sister, reflecting on their on their experiences and emotions throughout the story.… (more)

-Historical Fiction: Novel Rural Alaska, Culture vs. Assimilation
-Hill, Kirkpatrick. Year of Miss Agnes. Illus by Peter Knorr. Simon & Schuster, 2000, 115 pages, Middle-grade

-In a remote Alaskan village, Miss Agnes arrives as a new teacher, igniting a journey of learning and aspiration among her students. Through the eyes of young Fred and her deaf sister Boko, a deep bond with Miss Agnes forms, highlighting the significance of education and cultural integration. Kirkpatrick Hill's straightforward yet compelling narrative style and heartfelt, hopeful tone breathe vibrant life into this deeply immersive and personal narrative that any student or educator will enjoy.
-Keywords: Aleutian Islands, Athabascan, Rural education, Cultural Integration, Remote village
-Activity: Have students create a map of the village and surrounding areas, marking important locations mentioned in the book. Have students write a diary entry from Fred’s perspective about a memorable day at school with Miss Agnes.… (more)

Bo at Ballard Creek

Childrens literature



Bo at Ballard Creek by Kirkpatrick Hill and illustrated by LeUyen Pham Henry Holt and Co. (BYR); First edition Ebook edition (June 18, 2013) Pages CM

This book captivates a historical relevant place in Alaskan History. Transforming the modern reader back in time to a place where the Alaska Native People still lived in Sod homes and log cabins and the big hunt for gold was happening. The main characters are BO and her best friend Oscar and her two Fathers Arvid and Jack who raised her from a few weeks old. The fathers fell victim to the love and affection of a baby that was supposed to be put in an orphanage. This enduring tail describes the life as a child growing up in what would be a dyeing mining town. Learning both Alaskan Native language and English you will experience her adventures through her eyes as it seems to be told from a 3rd person perspective. With many daring twists and turns, from finding a lost boy to an encounter with the Bear and many other thrills of a five-year-old out exploring the vast world of Ballard Creek.

Plot living through the eyes of a 5 year old in the last frontier
Characters Bo, Oscar, Arvid, and Jack
Setting is in gold mining town in Alaska during the 1920s
Theme historical adventure
Style is 3rd person narrative through the eyes of a 5 year old
Tone enduring and adventuring
Point of view little girl growing up in a mining town
Illistartions look like they are water color
This was story kept me wanting more of Bos adventures to see what other kinds of things she might experience and explore as she grows.… (more)