Alaska

Great Reads from Great Places

“Shanyaak'utlaax: Salmon Boy” by Michaela Goade (illustrator)

Age: 4-7 years

After a Tlingit mother gives her son a dried piece of salmon with mold on the end, the child offends the Salmon People by flinging it away. They sweep him into the water and into their world, where they name him “Shanyaak'utlaax,” or “Salmon Boy.” “Shanyaak'utlaax: Salmon Boy” (Sealaska Heritage) comes from an ancient Tlingit story about respect for nature, animals and culture that was edited by Johnny Marks, Hans Chester, David Katzeek and Nora and Richard Dauenhauer.

Tlingit illustrator Michaela Goade was raised in the rainforest and on the beaches of Southeast Alaska, traditional Lingít Aaní (Tlingit land). She has worked with a number of indigenous authors and tribal organizations to create children’s books centered on native people and culture.

Alaska Center for the Book
Loussac Library

Learn more about the 2021 Great Reads from Great Places book selections in this video series