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. A mysterious old prospector, 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 read.

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.

After moving from Maine to Alaska in 1953, Althea Hughes and her husband Kenneth have spent 66 years accepting the uniqueness, beauty, and special challenges of the North Country. Althea has worn many hats over the years—teacher, homesteader, wife and mother, business owner, nature writer—to name a few. Her special knowledge of local birds and her nature articles for Alaskan publications are well-known to many. A generous spirit, she has offered tireless encouragement to other writers in her Copper River Valley community. Secret of the Swans, a juvenile fiction tale of the Alaskan wilderness that can be enjoyed by all ages, is her first novel.