Alaska Authors

Authors Against Book Bans has joined the growing pushback by parents, educators, librarians and groups seeking to prevent what members feel is a dangerous drift toward reducing the number and diversity of books on library shelves.

After penning a memoir and a novel, the author who was born in Sitka and grew up in Anchorage is planning a collection of stories from her childhood.

“What Makes Us Human” has so far been published in 22 languages, and Santos has been involved in a number of other projects centered on Indigenous languages.

Kirk’s book, “After the Gulag,” is unavailable in Russia, where the government is attempting to erase the system’s memory.

The Ketchikan artist’s work has become iconic in Alaska, blending bold psychedelic colors, natural science, surreal sensibilities and, of course, humor.

Their work is rooted in Indigenous cultures and northern themes, peppered with fantastical elements.

Through Northern Light Media, Hegener has published her own works as well as books from other authors, often focused on mushing and other Alaska history.

Photographer Colin Tyler, who was at the Nature Center for a decade as a resident volunteer and staff member, released his book of striking images this year.

Greci, who worked as a teacher for much of his more than 30 years in Alaska, used those experiences in plotting his books to keep the attention of young-adult readers.

Alaska Authors: Jones, whose Nathan Active series was set in a fictionalized Kotzebue, spent many years as a journalist and with the FAA before becoming a novelist.

His debut novel “Secondhand Summer” was drawn from his family’s move to Anchorage, while “Coming Home” conveys tumult in both Alaska and America.

As a young woman, Hill spent a year in the village of Tatitlek. Despite warnings of how she may be received in the state, she left with “pure raw possibility and hope.”

“I didn’t go to my graduation ceremony,” said Crestodina, the author and illustrator behind “Working Boats: An Inside Look at Ten Amazing Watercraft.” “I went to Sitka instead. And I’ve been fishing ever since.”

Originally arriving in Alaska from England in 1991, author Gerri Brightwell has been at UAF for the last two decades.

For “Sivulliq: Ancestor,” the author learned from elders, tribal leaders and whalers to craft the historic thriller.