Sixteen “scenes” with illustrations from various artists give readers a brief synopsis of Alaska’s History in this comic strip graphic novel. Dozens of historical characters are introduced as narrator Benny highlights their importance through dialogue and bold illustrations. ( )

Benny Benson is the main character and he tells a story of Alaska’s historic milestones through images and flashback illustrations. It is written in an educational style that keeps the reader entertained while learning the sequence of events up to modern day. ( )

Historical Fiction: Graphic Novel
Hurst, Sarah A Native Lad. Greatland Graphics, 2010. 148p. Middle school and up
Benny Benson tells the story of Alaska’s history from the Alaska Purchase through the discovery of oil at Prudhoe Bay, the Alaska Native Lands Settlement Act, the establishment of the PFDs, and Sarah Palin. Very informative storyline with flashbacks, told in dramatic point of view with some narration. Clever and thoughtful at times ranging to confrontational at others depending on which characters are speaking. Theme is Alaska’s modern history.
AK: Alaskan history, people, places, and events
Activity: Do you think the change of illustrators every few pages works well? Can you recognize the same characters from artist to artist? Do the artistic changes detract from the story? ( )