Cheechako

About the Book

Clark's summer after the seventh grade begins with a letter that will change his life. Clark's father is offered a summer job in Alaska. His wife doesn't want to spend the summer in the wilds of Alaska, but reluctantly agrees to go. The job offer is to repair marine radios, however, when the family arrives they are taken into the wilderness. Dad is a watchman at an aging gold mine. Their cabin has no running water or electricity, Mom's worst nightmare. But learning to ocean fish, panning for gold, and riding a tidal wave in a boat during an earthquake are the stuff of most boys' dreams so Clark has the time of his life. Just as Mom settles in and makes friends, Dad's job changes and the family moves to a coastal town. The house has certain wilderness luxuries for Mom and the adventures continue for Clark. Clark's new friends show him Alaskan ways and trails. According to a myth, Clark's careless city ways may have made him responsible for a man's death. All that from stepping on a sacred bug? Whether it is from accident or at the hand of an angry god, the boys witness a death and Clark feels responsible until he can separate truth from myth. Clark's Alaskan summer ends all to soon for him but his life is changed for the better in many ways.

About the Author

Richard S. Calhoun spent the 1950's in Alaska. He writes about some of the events and adventures that he and his friends experienced. Today he writes history and food articles for kids publications that include: AppleSeeds, Boys' Quest, Calliope, Cobblestone, Club Connection, Faces, Guidepost for Kids, Highlights, My Friend, Nature Friend, On Course, On the Line, and U magazines.