I Survived the Great Alaska Earthquake, 1964

AUTHOR: Lauren Tarshis

GENRE: Historical Fiction, Survival, Fiction, Adventure

SUMMARY: It was 1964 in the brand-new state of Alaska, a vast land of staggering beauty and heart-stopping dangers. Eleven-year-old Jack had grown up living happily with his parents in an off-the-grid cabin, miles from their closest neighbors. Grizzlies and wolves outnumbered people, and dark winter days were 30 degrees below zero. Jack had always thought of himself as strong — “Alaska tough”. But then the most powerful earthquake in American history — the Good Friday Earthquake — struck. The 9.2 magnitude quake lasted nearly five minutes, destroying downtown Anchorage and sending 30-foot tsunamis into coastal cities, wiping out entire communities. Its vibrations were felt around the world. In the end, it caused billions of dollars in damage and the death of 129 people. The event tested Jack in ways he never could have imagined.

Draven’s Defiance

AUTHOR: Paul McCusker

GENRE: Fantasy, Fiction, Christian

SUMMARY: While running through an old railroad tunnel, Scott Graham bumps his head, and suddenly finds himself in another world where time has stopped and he is expected to fulfill a purpose he knows nothing about—set for him by the Unseen One. In a wartime period resembling Nazi Germany, Scott must learn from a daring prophet and take a stand that will affect an entire nation—and his very life. Based on the biblical story of Elijah, Draven’s Defiance retells the story from a kid’s perspective, helping kids understand the themes and principles in God’s Word.

The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood

AUTHOR: Howard Pyle

GENRE: Classics, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy

SUMMARY: When young Robin Hood commits a crime against the Sheriff of Nottingham, he is forced into hiding in Sherwood Forest. There he is joined by a group of colorful characters also escaping wrongful oppression. Along with Little John, Friar Tuck, Will Scarlet, and Tinker, Robin Hood and his Men get involved in many fine feasts and adventures, robbing the rich of their wealth and distributing it amongst the poor.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to differences in multiple editions of this book, please read the Great Illustrated Classics edition only: ISBN 1591971969.

Frindle

AUTHOR: Andrew Clements

GENRE: Fiction, Humor

SUMMARY: Is Nick Allen a troublemaker? He really just likes to liven things up at school — and he’s always had plenty of great ideas. When Nick learns some interesting information about how words are created, suddenly he’s got the inspiration for his best plan ever…the frindle. Who says a pen has to be called a pen? Why not call it a frindle? Things begin innocently enough as Nick gets his friends to use the new word. Then other people in town start saying frindle. Soon the school is in an uproar, and Nick has become a local hero. His teacher wants Nick to put an end to all this nonsense, but the funny thing is frindle doesn’t belong to Nick anymore. The new word is spreading across the country, and there’s nothing Nick can do to stop it.

2025 Tournament in Pictures

Students from Our Savior’s Christian, Salem Academy, Santiam Christian, Western Christian, and Willamette Valley Christian came together on April 11, 2025 to compete for the 3rd-4th and 5th-6th grade division titles of the all-school SALT Tournament, hosted by Salem Academy. Congratulations to all of the participants for another fantastic year filled with exciting skirmishes and memories.

2025 Tournament Winners

Congratulations to the winners of the 2025 SALT tournament. Well done!

3rd & 4th Grade Champions

Santiam Christian, Book Wyrms (Logan, William, Irene, Ellie, Audrey)

5th & 6th Grade Champions

Salem Academy, The Continental Cat Congress (Sigrid, Jason, David, and Finn)

Duman Award Winner: Reagan Ramirez

Congratulations to Reagan Ramirez, our 2025 Duman Award winner from Santiam Christian!

We ask for coaches from each school to nominate one student who shines their light brightly for Jesus by always showing kindness, encouragement, and good leadership skills. This year’s Duman Award winner, Reagan, stood out among the nominees. This is what Reagan’s coach had to say…

“I am honored to nominate Reagan Ramirez for the 2025 Duman Award, as she truly embodies the qualities it represents. A quiet yet powerful leader, she consistently shines her light for Jesus through her kindness, encouragement, and unwavering support for others. She is the first to recognize the strengths and value in her peers, always uplifting and inspiring those around her. With a heart full of selflessness and determination, she approaches SALT and every challenge she faces with grit and a willingness to work hard, not for personal recognition, but for the success of those around her. Whether through her dedication to preparation, eagerness to collaborate, or steady encouragement, Reagan is a shining example of what it means to lead with faith, humility, and love.”

The Duman Award was established as a way to honor our beloved teacher Trisha Duman who passed away in 2018. She loved being part of SALT, and her passing left us with a forever hole in our hearts. This is an award we give to honor her memory. Trisha had many amazing characteristics, but she was best known for her kindness.

Partial Book List for 2025-2026

We’re excited to announce the first 8 books on our 2025-2026 reading list:

  • Beneath the Swirling Sky by Carolyn Leiloglou
  • Book of Luke NIV Bible
  • Jim Elliot: One Great Purpose by Janet & Geoff Benge
  • Pax by Sara Pennypacker
  • Poppy by Avi
  • The Chocolate Touch by Patrick Skene Catling
  • The Enormous Egg by Oliver Butterworth
  • The Red Pencil by Andrea Davis Pinkney

You can find details about the first 8 books here on the website. Watch for the remaining books to be announced this Fall. The eighth season of SALT will be here before we know it. Happy reading!