Recent Reads: Tisha: The Story of a Young Teacher in the Alaska Wilderness as told to by Robert Specht

When I was young my mother would read the book Tisha on a yearly basis.  I too have read Tisha more than once, not as many times as mom did, as I never tire of the story of a young woman in the late 1920’s moving up to Alaska on her own to teach in Chicken, Alaska.  "Tisha" is how teacher sounds when the native Alaskans say the word.

The story is written by her grandson, but has the clear voice of Anne Hobbs throughout the book.  Besides dealing with the harsh elements of Alaskan winters, Anne also finds herself in the midst of long held prejudices between whites and native Alaskans in a tight-knit community. 

I find her story inspiring as someone so long ago, female no doubt, cannot sit aside and let the prejudice continue in her school room or in her personal life and relationships. 

Anne Hobbs has a strong spirit, a light heart, and a passion for justice and equality that guides her as she teaches the young children of Chicken, Alaska.  Each time I read the book I am encouraged by Anne’s ability to put aside what society sets as right, and instead follow her heart.