Review of Alaska By The Way

"What a beautiful book!" I said aloud as I pulled Alaska By The Way by Joy Budensiek from By The Way out of the brown package. Usually I put a new book in the review pile, but it was so pretty and it was a travel book, so I had to sit down and look through this lovely book from the By The Way Book Series. After looking at all the beautiful photographs and illustrations, I read the whole book in one sitting. I loved it! 

Deciding it was too old to read to my three-year-old grandson, I put it aside. However, he found it and after flipping through the pages, asked me to read it to him. He stayed attentive and interested through the whole book. Several people read it (adults, older children, younger children) and every one agreed it was an awesome book.

Why was Alaska By The Way so amazing? 

We get to join a family on their trip to Alaska. We join them on the ferry, visit coastal villages, and explore the world inside the Arctic Circle. We learn about Alaska history, culture, geography, and wildlife. The family visits cities and villages while enjoying the lovely scenery along the way, as well as the wildlife.

Since I love to travel, I was fascinated by the book and the children's adventures in the untamed Arctic land of Alaska. 

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Alex and Lexi are likable children traveling with their parents to see Alaska. We were drawn to their characters and found ourselves wanting to visit more with them in the future.

Alaska By The Way is Christ-centered and written from a Christian worldview. I love that! But it goes beyond that. God is involved in the everyday lives of this family. They have a relationship with Christ. They believe He created everything and they look to Him as their Heavenly Father. I love the tone of these books and the subtle message that God is Creator and King. This book opens the door to discuss spiritual truths in everyday life.

Those who read it in my household all enjoyed it. Once we finished the book, we had to talk our beautiful 49th state and all its natural wonders. We discussed the United States purchasing the land from Russia and the controversy over the Alaska Pipeline. We also decided to watch Snow Dogs, a Disney movie about a Miami dentist who inherits a team of snow dogs in Alaska. ​We also made an igloo out of sugar cubes.

The book itself is a lovely 8" x 10" hardcover full-color book with stunning photographs and lovely illustrations. Each page is pleasing to the eye. ​In fact, it is much more attractive than similar secular books I've checked out from the library. I will have to ask our library to carry the By The Way series of books. 

Created for 5-12 year-olds, I really think that the all ages will enjoy this delightful book. It brings Alaska alive for all ages. 

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My plan is to collect all the books in the series because I loved them! 

​So far, there are ten books in the series: Ireland By The Way, Colorado By The Way, New York City By the Way, Florida's Treasure Coast Here We Come, Washington Here We Come, Ohio Here We Come, Pennsylvania Here We Come, Smokey Mountains Here We Come, Alaska By The Way, and Indiana By The Way. 

Idaho, Michigan, and Indiana are coming soon!

Oh, and did I mention the card packs. Alaska By The Way comes with a card pack that give information about the animals of the state including elks, humpback whales and huskies. The cards are bright and cheery with lovely photographs and easy-to-read and understand information.

Do you want to learning more about this amazing By the Way series? Check out By the Way on Facebook.

Until next time, Happy Homeschooling!

Warmly, 
​Meredith Curtis

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