Prescription for Adventure Book Series

The Prescription for Adventure books are a group of non-fiction books that depict Alaska and all its grand adventures. Written by Naomi Gaede-Penner, these books are told from the perspective of various family members and a schoolteacher friend, beginning in 1955. Even though each book is complete in itself, "'A' is for Alaska" comes chronologically before "'A' is for Anaktuvuk."

Do you like to read about Alaska adventure? Bush pilots? Early healthcare in the Last Frontier? Teaching challenges in remote villages? Life in isolation without roads or trains, and transportation by airplane-only when weather conditions are favorable, or by boat-only when the river isn't frozen? If so, you'll love these books!

Visiting Alaska? You'll be able to identify landmarks on your trip or tour to Anchorage, the Kenai Peninsula, Yukon River, Seward, or Seldovia. Fasten your seatbelt for some great Alaska sites and adventures!

IT'S HERE: The Alaska Bush Pilot's Son is the story of Mark A. Gaede. From the time he was a toddler, Mark flew in his father's bush planes, colored airplane pictures, assembled model airplanes, pretended his bicycle was an airplane, and watched airplanes take off and land. He never doubted he'd someday be a pilot, but when his father slid down a mountainside, would he have the skills as a teenager to fly out and get help? Find out how the bush pilot and the bush pilot's son were alike—and different.

“This coming-of-age story details Mark's extraordinary adventures from small boy to grown man.” — Martin Walsh

Alaska Bush Pilot Doctor brings to life Doc Gaede's supper table storytelling. His flying, hunting, and medical adventures are set against a land of tundra, dogsleds, 60^o F below, midnight sun, and the legendary Yukon River.

“I've read several Alaskan flying and adventure books over the years and have enjoyed none of them as much as this one.” — Mark Westover

The Bush Doctor's Wife
Ruby Gaede expected to be a Kansas farmer's wife, snuggled safely into a Mennonite community with her relatives, milking cows, and gathering eggs. What happens when her husband climbs off his tractor, goes to medical school, and becomes a bush pilot doctor in the middle of Alaska? She makes a home, cranks homemade ice cream on the frozen Yukon River, sings Christmas carols at 40 below, serves moose roasts, and seeks tips from the Native women on how to keep her four young children warm in the winter.

"Reading Gaede-Penner's book, I was amazed how Ruby persevered through each exasperating episode with her children, initiated classy social activities in a village with all a general story, and without hesitation open her home to local and long-term guests alike. I couldn't put down the book." — Melissa Fogle

From Kansas Wheat Fields to Alaska Tundra: A Mennonite Family Finds Home is being described as the next Little House on the Prairie book. Find out why.

Take a sneak peek at all the chapters

“I couldn't put your book down, but read it from start to finish! I liked the flashbacks between Alaska and Kansas. The contrast was fascinating.” — Rolland Winter

'A' is for Alaska: Teacher to the Territory
Anna was introduced in From Kansas Wheat Fields to Alaska Tundra and Alaska Bush Pilot Doctor. Now you can get to know her directly and view Alaska through her unique experiences. Doc's prescription for adventure was flying and practicing medicine in Alaska. Anna's prescription was teaching in Alaska — and heading farther and farther north.

“Anna's life was so unusual for a single woman in the '50s and early '60s, and more so in the harsh and demanding Alaska environment. Her interview provided an entertaining glimpse into her experiences. My husband and I were captivated! We loved hearing her tell her stories and the pictures were fascinating.” — Karen Hill

'A' is for Anaktuvuk: Teacher to the Nunamiut Eskimos picks up where 'A' is for Alaska: Teacher to the Territory leaves off.

"I can't tell you enough what a delight it was to read this book! You brought Anna Bortel's amazing northern tales to life, and by the time I finished the book, I felt like Anna was an old, dear friend. It is a delightful, charming book that I could not put down." — Inge-Lise Jensen, School Teacher, Anaktuvuk Pass, Alaska

Honoring Our Sacred Healing Place: Tanana, Alaska documents the history of hospitals in Tanana and the significance they played, which went beyond physical healthcare, and impacted the Native population in many positive ways. Naomi Gaede Penner was honored to be a part of this deeply meaningful project.