Secret of the Swans (1)

This debut young adult novel from Alaskan author Althea Hughes follows fifteen-year old Jeff Nickerson as he embarks on a camping trip at Tanada Lake in the Wrangell Mountains of Alaska with his father, Larry. Their adventure filled with wildlife encounters and new friendships takes an intriguing turn when they cross paths with an enigmatic old prospector named Sven. As mysterious events unfold, including the fate of a swan family and a friendship with an Athabaskan boy, Jeff gains new insights about himself and uncovers a life-changing surprise. The book highlights the author's deep understanding of Alaska's natural and human history, woven into a compelling coming-of-age story.