Product Description

THIS EDITION IS INTENDED FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. Kaya dreams of racing her beautiful mare Steps High. Although the horse isn't ready to race, Kaya accepts a challenge to race. As they ride, Kaya loses sight of her little brothers and her ca

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #58011 in Books
• Published on: 2002-09
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 80 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9781584854234
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

From Publishers Weekly
The American Girls Collection welcomes a new character: Kaya, a member of the Nez Perce tribe. Billed as the "first" American Girl, Kaya's story takes place in 1764, before European-Americans made their way to the Pacific Northwest. The series, written in consultation with the Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee, includes six titles by Janet Shaw, illus. by Bill Farnsworth. The first, Meet Kaya, introduces Kaya as she and her horse take part in a dangerous bareback race and she leaves her twin brothers unattended. The boys wander off, and Kaya faces punishment by her people. Kaya's Escape!; Kaya's Hero; Kaya and Lone Dog; Kaya Shows the Way; and Changes for Kaya will be released simultaneously. Each contains a "Looking Back" section, with photographs, that provides historical details about the Nez Perce tribe.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Reviewed with Janet Shaw's Kaya's Escape!

Gr. 3-5. In 1764, nine-year-old Kaya lives in the traditional homeland of the Nez Perce tribe (present-day Idaho, Washington, and Oregon) with her parents, siblings, and Speaking Rain, a blind girl. In Meet Kaya, she neglects her duties and, when the other children find out, she wonders if she will ever live it down. In Kaya's Escape, Kaya and Speaking Rain are captured and taken to an enemy's camp. Determined to escape, Kaya struggles to make it home through the bitter winter weather without supplies. Nez Perce words are used throughout both stories, and a glossary is appended. A closing section in both titles provides cultural and historical information as well as pictures of the Nimiipuu, known today as the Nez Perce. The editorial staff of Pleasant Company worked with the Nez Perce Tribal Executive Council to create an advisory board that supervised all aspects of the project, including the decision to set the story before contact with white explorers and settlers. Both historically accurate and culturally sensitive, Kaya's stories are welcome additions to this publisher's output and a noteworthy result of a unique collaboration. Karen Hutt
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Customer Reviews

Good story, excellent illustrations
This is the first book in the American Girls series about Kaya'aton'my', a nine-year-old Native-American girl growing up among the Nez Perce people in 1764. In this book, we meet Kaya, who is so proud of her horse. However, when Kaya leaves her little brothers (whom she is supposed to be watching) to race, she lands all of the children in trouble. And now, having earned the nickname of Magpie (a thoughtless bird), she finds that she has a lot to learn. But, seeking to help those around her, Kaya sets out to be a better person.

My daughter loves Kaya, and really enjoyed this book. The story was good (if a little unfocused), and the illustrations excellent. Unlike most other American Girls, Kaya's religion is alive for her and part of her life, which makes me wonder why they didn't do this for the others. Anyway, my daughter and I bother liked this book, and highly recommend it to you.

Finally here!
From the days of Pleasent Company, when there were only three dolls Kirsten, Samantha and Molly, lovers of the American Girls collection have longed from a Native American Girl. But, alas we were forced to wait, until now.

The Story of Kaya'aton'my' is one of the most amazing to come out of the American Girl Collection to date. The first story is that of a young girl who is very proud, too proud. Her pride and boasting land her in mess after mess. But in the end she learns from her mistakes.

One of Meet Kaya's greatest assest is the research that was put into making an accurate and unique tell. The difference between Kaya's culture and modren american culture is clear from the onset. However, the book does not attemp to lecture the reader about "Brave Indians" instead it takes great care to explain culture differences with dignity and respect. Also, the learning is expectly woven into the fabric of the tale. We learn about everything from disclipine of the youth to courting rituals to the history of when horse were introduced to Kaya's people.

This is an ubber quick read for adults, and and a fun and challenging one for the age group it was intended from. It does not lag or suffer from "forced plot" as some of the other American Girl stories do. The plot flows evenly and as smoothly as with any quality book. Additionaly because the plot is so well done, it would definitely appeal to those who are put off by other American Girl books.

While the book is largely text there are a number of beatiful high quality illustrations. The style of the arent works well with the text and does a great job of ...well... illustration what is going on. Very stylistic and very well done.

All in all this a great book worthy of any library.

Kaya Series
American Girl Series

Are you looking for a book that takes you on adventures? Well if you are, the American Girl series is a great place to start!
The books are about nine to eleven year old girls. They take you back in time as late as the 1700s. They let you learn about different cultures and about what a girl's life was like back then. If you are dieing for a great book, choose a book from the American Girl series.

Rebecca, 9
Cunniff Elementary School
Watertown, MA