An Alaskan Adventure Story
Middle-Grade / Action / Adventure
Date Published: November 19, 2021
Publisher: MindStir Media
The new school year is here, and Sean is worried about starting the fourth grade. When his grandmother organizes a trip to meet Sean's new teacher, we learn that Mr. Simmons is nervous, too. Will their adventure into the Alaskan tundra build their confidence, or will it end in disaster?
Jacob Deskins had just graduated Cincinnati Christian University in 2020 when he saw an ad that said, "Teach in rural bush Alaska!" Three weeks later, he and his wife left everything they knew behind in Columbus, Ohio, population 1.2 million, to start his teaching career and an adventurous new life in Kwigillingok, Alaska, population 320. A Trip on the Tundra Explorer is the first of the author's forthcoming series inspired by his adventures in Alaska, and in the classroom.
Interview with Jacob Deskins
What inspired you to write this book?
My biggest inspiration in writing this book was my fourth grade student, who is the main character in my book. Along with the fact that not many people know about this part of Alaska, and how it differs from the rest of this beautiful state. I wrote this book to bring awareness to the beautiful tundra in Southwest Alaska, and the beautiful landscapes this place has to offer. This book is a great book for any person struggling with anxiety before the start of school, and I want children and teachers to know that this anxiety is normal.
Can you tell me about the book?
A Trip on the Tundra explorer is a true adventure story. A story of a teacher and his student coming from two different worlds and coming together to get the best out of one another with the student’s grandma there to help guide them on their journey into the tundra, and truthfully into the unknown. What is this school year going to be like for Sean? A student who struggles in school, and does not have a lot of friends. Also for Mr. Simmons, a brand new teacher to Alaska trying to find his place in life as well. Will the people here accept him? Or will they turn away from him because he is an outsider? This story has it all from the thrills of going to the tundra for the first time, to seeing these two worlds collide for the greater good of one another. This book is for all ages truthfully because it has beautiful illustrations and the message behind it is even more beautiful.
What did you learn when writing the book?
I learned a lot from writing this book, but the two that stand out to me the most are: You are capable of achieving anything you put your mind to if you step out of your comfort zone and do not let your anxiety control your life. Also, going on an adventure and trying new things can lead to friendships and relationships you never thought were possible.
What surprised you the most?
The biggest surprise for me in writing this book was how important each word truly is in a children’s book. When I finished my first draft the book was about 1,500 words, and I thought it was perfect. I soon realized that children’s books have to be about half of that, and I really had to dig deep and let the illustrations do a lot of the talking in some places.
What does the title mean?
It is a self-explanatory title meaning exactly what it says. It is A Trip on the Tundra Explorer, and the name of the place we went is the tundra, and we did it on a boat called Tundra Explorer.
Jacob Deskins had just graduated Cincinnati Christian University in 2020 when he saw an ad that said, “Teach in rural bush Alaska!” Three weeks later, he and his wife left everything they knew behind in Columbus, Ohio, population 1.2 million, to start his teaching career and an adventurous new life in Kwigillingok, Alaska, population 320. A Trip on the Tundra Explorer is the first of the author’s forthcoming series inspired by his adventures in Alaska, and in the classroom.
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