Secret of the Swans

This debut young adult novel from Alaskan author Althea Hughes tells the story of fifteen-year old Jeff Nickerson who is thrilled to be camping at Tanada Lake in the Wrangell Mountains of Alaska with his scientist father, Larry. Along with wildlife-filled adventure and new friendships, the wilderness hands out some serious setbacks to father and son. An old prospector moves in and out of the Nickersons' back-country adventures, introducing a compelling mystery. Sven appears with many a friendly howdy-do then suddenly retreats into himself or vanishes to his remote mountain cabin. Jeff ponders the puzzle of Prospector Sven as his Alaskan summer brings a swirl of unexpected encounters. The fate of a swan family and a special friendship with an Athabaskan boy his own age lead Jeff to new knowledge about himself and a fascinating, life-changing surprise. Author Hughes' extensive knowledge of her story setting's human and natural history, as well as her compassionate understanding of a young man's journey toward wisdom, make this an informative and entertaining story for young readers and others who enjoy coming-of-age tales.