Through their mutual love of a dog, these two troubled children develop a friendship of trust that helps them both face what they thought were insurmountable problems. This is such a wonderful book for any age. It is really meant to be shared and enjoyed.

This is an interesting story told in alternating chapters about two unlikely friends, Parker and Sven, and the dog that connects them. Neither character is particularly likable for a good chunk of the story, which may turn off a lot of readers, but middle grade fans who enjoy dog stories will connect with Alaska and be rooting for her to help Parker and Sven move past the challenges they've faced over the past year.

Gorgeous book for kids and big kids alike! I really enjoyed getting into the story and I’m 30 so can you imagine how cool it would be for youngsters?!
I think this would be a great addition to any school library and an equally lovely bedtime story to read over a week or so at home with family. Especially dog lovers!

Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publishers for letting me read an advance copy of this book in exchange for my feedback.

rigger Warning: Invisible Disabilities, Epilepsy

How amazing is it that even in my late twenties I am still living and adoring middle grade fiction?

I am telling you, it is pretty darn awesome!

Talking to Alaska was one of those beautiful books I pretty much fell in love with, as I read more and went deeper into the story!

Parker is having a difficult summer, made so because she has had to give up her beloved dog, Alaska away for her brother developed an allergy to dog hair.

Even, on the other hand developed epilepsy a year ago and is only now starting school, and is all nervous about his first day. He knows that he has to do something cool to be not known as the epileptic kid.

Parker and Sven find themselves as enemies when Sven ends up making an embarrassing nickname for Parker in a class exercise and that nickname sticks, because of course it does.

It all becomes too much when at the end of the school day, she realises that her beloved dog is now Sven’s service dog, helping out with his epilepsy but Sven isn’t taking care of Alaska the way she deserves to be.

Parker knows the only way forward is to steal Alaska back from Sven.

What neither Parker nor Sven expect is the grudging friendship they both develop with each other - Parker teaching Sven all about appreciating Alaska and her help as well as Sven teaching Parker about understanding that not everything that looks to be okay is not always okay.

An adorable middle grade fiction that packs a powerful punch when it comes to invisible disabilities. The author has done fantastic job of treating this sensitive topic with the care it actually deserves!

I keep looking for good Young Adult books, but I rarely find one that I can really recommend. It seems like most of them have a lot of romance, which I don't consider appropriate for this age group, or are futuristic or dystopian, or something else that I don't like. The description of Talking to Alaska sounded good, so I decided to check it out. By the time I finally got around to reading it, I had forgotten the description completely, and thought maybe it was nonfiction about someone's trip to Alaska. That could hardly be farther from the reality!
Sven and Parker are both starting at a new school today. Parker has had a very hard summer, and she just wants to blend in and not be noticed. Sven, on the other hand, is desperate to be seen as someone other than the boy who has epilepsy. By the end of the first day, both are unhappy about the way it went—and Parker knows that Sven is the one who got her dog, Alaska, when she had to give him up.
Parker, in her desperation to have Alaska back, begins making midnight trips to Sven's home. The two talk about the problems they each face, which feel insurmountable. Parker has to face life with a father who has withdrawn from everyone after the family endured terrible trauma. Sven has to face life knowing that at any moment he could fall down in a seizure—and he is stuck with a service dog, which he calls the “beast.” Parker, who loved Alaska dearly, can hardly bear the thought that her best friend now belongs to someone else. Then, Sven figures out who his midnight visitor is, and things really get complicated.
I really liked Talking to Alaska. I don't remember reading a book before that portrayed epilepsy the way this one does. This book shows young people that everyone has peculiarities, and many people have trauma that makes them the way they are. I loved the way Alaska was described, and everything I learned about service dogs from this book. This is one that I would not hesitate to allow my middle-grade children to read. In fact, I may read it aloud sometime. I'm pleased to have found a Young Adult book that is worth reading!
I received a review copy of this book from NetGalley, and these are my honest thoughts about it.

This review will be posted on www.learningresource directory.com approximately October 4, 2021.

A beautiful read , covering being and feeling different, friendship and overcoming. The book deals with difficult themes very sensitively. The story is told on two POVs, which I thought were done really well and had clearly distinct voices, overall just a great read which will raise some good questions for discussion

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

Considering this is a reasonably short book it packs a reasonable punch. Both Parker and Sven are well developed characters both dealing with personal trauma's and angst. Through them and the absolutely wonderful Alaska, you get both a great story including acceptance, friendship and understanding all tied in with increased awareness about hidden disabilities. Certainly a lot here to discuss with children but I'm equally sure it will be popular generally.

Cute middle grade that's going to teach about empathy, doing what's right and how to overcome fears. Plus, Alaska is the cutest dog and a great animal-friend to both characters. Can't say much about the disability representation but I liked the way it was portrait. TW for convulsion, talk of robbery and robbery, shooting and talk of blood. Some things are hard to believe like a child leaving the house in the middle of night to visit another child/dog in a different side of the city. But overall was really enjoyable.

I received an ARC of Talking to Alaska by Anna Woltz thanks to the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Content warning: bullying

Blurb thanks to Goodreads:
"A powerful story of two unlikely friends brought together by the love of a dog

It only takes one day at their new school for Parker and Sven to become mortal enemies. Parker's had a terrible summer and just wants to be invisible, while Sven is desperate to make an impression and be known as anything other than "that boy with epilepsy."

When Parker discovers her beloved dog Alaska – who she had to give away last year – now belongs to Sven, she's determined to steal Alaska back. Of course, that's easier said than done..."

Review:
Talking to Alaska is a middle grade novel that revolves around a dog, Alaska. There are two main characters, Parker and Sven, who are new to the school. Sven wants nothing more than to fit in, although with epilepsy not yet controlled, he needs to make a big stunt for that to happen. Parker is dealing with a lot of big emotions and no longer has her best friend for comfort, Alaska.

I instantly loved Parker and Sven, although Sven lost some points a few chapters in because... (spoiler). Parker was a girl after my heart. I cannot imagine losing your dog and knowing it is still out there. I would be broken. On top of that, Parker has to deal with the repercussions of the traumatic event that happened over the summer, which just made me love her more.

The story is told in alternating POV, and both POV's were well done. It was really interesting to see events from one person's eyes and then outcome for the second person. For example, when Sven has a seizure you can see Parker's POV but when Sven 'comes to' it switches back to him so you can experience how he feels about the event. Really well done and it never felt forced.

The story has a great plot that was really well paced. The confrontations were realistic and the conclusion was perfect. I can absolute see where the story would continue going forward (even without a sequel).

Talking To Alaska is a layered middle-grade story. It covers invisible disability, trauma, transitioning into middle school and finding one's place in the midst of it all.

I liked the aspects of the story that covered epilepsy, and trauma. I enjoyed how a dog bonded two people who really did not get along well. I liked how Parker learned to let go of, and how Sven learned to care for, Alaska. It was heart-warming and sweet, with a fast pace to the read.

Parker and Sven did not appeal to me immediately, their way of communicating with each other and their views of life could get frustrating at times. But I did appreciate their growth throughout the story and their growth into a friendship. My main criticism might be the pacing. The story at times felt rushed and much of it felt like a tonne of information being just dumped upon the reader. I would have appreciated some more pages if it meant a more smooth discovery of the events.

Overall, however, it was a solid read with great messages. I would recommend the read to both younger and older audiences, as both would benefit.

Thank you to NetGalley and Rock the Boat for an early copy.

This was a sweet and very fast read!

In the novel, we meet young Parker and Sven. Parker is a young girl who's struggling to get over some traumatic events her family went through; Sven suffers from epilepsy, and is having a really hard time getting used to his new life, where he can suffer a fit at any time.
Both of them have something in common: sweet Golden retriever Alaska, who now lives with Sven after having been raised by Parker's family.

I liked the idea of a children's book talking about service dogs – they're quite underrepresented in literature, but I find them to be absolutely fascinating. How amazing is it that a dog can do things that us poor humans, with all our education, can't manage to do??
So, that was the part I really enjoyed: meeting Alaska and seeing how she was changing both of the children's lives (but especially Sven's).

I didn't really manage to get into the book, though, and I feel that it was mostly due to Sven and Parker being somewhat shallow (and, at times, slightly infuriating).
I totally get that it's a book for children, from 10-11, but I feel like the story would have greatly benefited from some more insights into the kids' lives, whereas as it stands, you sometimes just wanted to tell them to think for a minute and stop whining!

Overall, a really nice short book, that children will very likely enjoy – but grown-ups might not be so enthusiastic about it.

5 Stars for Talking to Alaska. Winner of the Zilveren Griffel literary prize for Dutch Children's book. Talking to Alaska is a heartwarming tale that examines the friendship between Parker and her previous beloved dog Alaska, Parker and Sven, and between Sven and his new assistance dog Alaska. Parker and Sven attend school together and at first despise each other. They form a friendship when Parker sneaks into Sven's house determined to steal her old dog Alaska back. Sven is epileptic and needs Alaska to help him and keep him safe. Being Dutch by heritage I appreciated the Dutch references in the book and was laughing and smiling the whole way through.

I'll admit, I requested this book immediately because of the dog... I have no regrets. I apologize in advance for the vague review, but if I say much more I'll give it all away!

I found Talking to Alaska to be a very unique book for several reasons. First, Woltz navigates the discussion on invisible disabilities and does so beautifully. Second, the two main characters - Sven and Parker - are connected unknowingly from the start in an unexpected way. Third, the story celebrates how everyone is "weird" in some way, shape or form.

Talking to Alaska also includes literature circle questions at the end making it the perfect book to incorporate in a middle school English curriculum.

Generally speaking, Talking to Alaska is a quick, fun read told from two distinct perspectives that reminds you to embrace everything that makes you you and to not be afraid of the evil in the world because it's inevitable, but how you handle it makes all the difference.

This book was not what I was expecting but in the best way possible. I was definitely expecting a soft and easy book about a dog and the two kids who care for her but this book was so much more than that. This book actually explores some pretty tough subjects and it does so in a way young kids can understanding.
I appreciate the exploration of an invisible disability most of all. The way it can be isolating even from those you love and who care about you. The discretion of it as making you feel like you are constantly on Mars really hit home for me. The always having to explain how and why you do something. The only thing I do wish had been explored a bit more is the disbelief those with an invisible disability face but that didn't bring the book down for me.
I will say the one thing that did bother me was the characters. I found them very unlikable for probably 70% of the book. I'm unsure if this was done on purpose or not. Is some places it felt purposeful especially with Sven but I also found Parker to be very annoying. Her constant self-righteousness really bothered me in places. By the end of the story I was less bothered by them but I also felt as if their personality made a major flip. It didn't feel like a casual growth thing either but more like it was almost out of nowhere.
Overall this was a really good middle grade book that explores some great subjects. I would recommend this book solely based on the elegant way it handle a pretty challenging subject. The characters did rub me the wrong way but they may have just been me. I would say as someone with an invisible disability this is a book I was I had growing up even if it didn't have my exact disability I still felt seen even now as an adult.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an early review copy.

All middle schoolers feel a little like that are the lone aliens inhabiting their social spheres, but when Sven and Parker both have their otherness exposed, they have to choose whether to run from reality or embrace it. This story covers normal new school jitters as well as anxiety and chronic illness. Both characters grow immensely over the course of the book as they grow to accept their circumstances instead of rejecting them. I really loved this story and it was only enhanced by the inclusion of a cute service dog, Alaska....CW: Gun Violence, Epilepsy (detailed descriptors of seizures)

Talking to Alaska is a beautiful heartfelt story that tells the story of two very different people and they come to form a solid friendship over a dog that they have both owned. A heart warming read.

Talking to Alaska was a great book! It is told from alternating points of view from Parker and Sven. Alaska is an epilepsy support dog - Parker had to give up the dog because her family was allergic and Alaska ended up with the Sven, who has epilepsy.
One kid videos one of Sven's seizures and spreads it around school which makes Sven not want to come back to school. A group of friends bands together and makes a video about all of their embarrassing things - this is a good talking point about spreading hurtful things and that the internet is forever, and that also everyone has their own struggles.
Our only concern about the book is that Sven's seizures are called "fits." We researched this and found that Talking to Alaska was originally published in Europe, where this term is used typically. However, this term can be offensive and derogatory to people who have seizures.

Talking to Alaska is a heartwarming book about a girl who discovers her beloved dog she had to give up now belongs to a classmate with epilepsy, as a service dog. She finds a way to keep visiting the dog, and along the way, builds an honest relationship with the boy. Each child has to work through their own feelings about their challenges. A beautiful story.

This was a wonderful story about an assistance dog bringing together two students.-one has epilepsy and the other used to be his owner. There are secrets and fears and it takes a while, but the two become friends under adverse conditions. As they get to know each other they realize they can help each other and to just be yourself.

A powerful story about feeling different, unlikely friendships, bullying and a love of animals. The book deals with difficult themes in a sensitive and engaging way.
Parker had to give up her beloved dog, Alaska, when her brother was allergic to her.
Sven has epilepsy and is given an assistance dog to help him to manage his condition.
When Parker discovers that a boy she can't stand (Sven) is Alaska's new owner, she decides to get her back.
The story is told in alternating chapters from two points of view, which really helps the reader to understand the different perspectives of the two main characters.