Reading the North

By Laura Gyfteas (CreateSpace, $14.95)

The blurb: In the Anchorage author's novel, an attorney decides to represent her friend in a volatile divorce case without knowing the dangerous circumstances that will come as a result.

Excerpt: "After clearing her desk, Carmela walked out into the office waiting room and saw her friend sitting on a chair and nervously holding a cup of coffee.

" 'Hello again, Emma,' she began warmly, but Emma was looking even more pale and tense than she had already been earlier that day. Carmela reflected ruefully that the coffee might not be a good idea. 'Come in, please.'

"Emma, her face filled with apprehension, walked into Carmela's office. Carmela closed the door behind her and gestured for Emma to sit in one of the chairs facing her desk.

" 'Are you sure that it is okay for you to be my lawyer?' Emma started nervously.

" 'Of course, Emma why would it not be?'

" 'I-I don't know,' Emma started, looking down at her hands, which were clasped together nervously. 'I just don't know if this is a good idea. I realize that it might be putting you in danger, too.' "

Alaska Then and Now: Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau

By Sonya Senkowsky and Amanda Coyne (Thunder Bay Press)

The blurb: "Alaska Then and Now" matches historic photos with views of the same scenes today, offering new insights into Alaska history.

Excerpt: "The Lathrop Building, a local landmark known as the home of the Art Deco-style Fourth Avenue Theater, was completed in 1947 after a five-year delay in construction during World War II. The theater was built by Cap Lathrop, who was previously responsible for a chain of theaters throughout Alaska. This three-story building was even more show-stopping inside that out, with elegant and elaborate Art Deco murals depicting the development of the state decorating the walls, and a sky of 'stars' with a prominent Big Dipper adorning the ceiling. The first movie to be shown here was The Jolson Story. In addition to the theater, the building contained radio and television stations, offices, and a restaurant."

Lucy's Dance

By Deb Vanasse, illustrations by Nancy E. Slagle, Yup'ik translation by Agatha John-Shields (Snowy Owl Books, $16.95)

The blurb: This children's book tells the story of a little girl determined to help her grandfather demonstrate for the people of her Alaska Native village the beauty and complexity of traditional dancing. Available in both English and a Yu'pik translation.

Excerpt: "After many years, Lucy's ap'a was the only one left who had swung the sticks and beat the drums. Sometimes he'd speak of the dance festivals with their drumming and singing and dancing and gifts.

" 'Teach me,' begged Lucy. 'Teach me to dance.'

"Ap'a shook his head. 'My bones are sore and my legs are stiff.' But Lucy saw the faraway look in his eyes."

-- Compiled by Matt Sullivan, Anchorage Daily News