Changes for Kaya: A Story of Courage

by Janet Beeler Shaw

Book Overview

Speaking Rain has returned! As Kaya joins a hunting party traveling into the mountains, she's hopeful that she'll find her beloved horse Steps High, too. But if Speaking Rain is troubled, she smells... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1584854332
• ISBN13: 9781584854333
• Release Date: September 2002
• Publisher: American Girl Publishing Inc
• Length: 70 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 6.1" x 8.5"
• Age Range: 8 to 10 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 5

Customer Reviews

Lack of Excitement, But Still Good!

For an ending book, I'm just not completely sure there was enough excitement, or feeling of fulfillment. Sure, there was a part most people would consider to be "exciting", but it was obvious how things would turn out in the end. I think the Kaya books focused more on Kaya's life then excitment, but that's okay, because even though, looking back, I kind of wish there would have been more going on, I still enjoyed learning about Kaya's world. Once again, I don't exactly care for the "spirit" or "unknown person" used in this book, because I don't believe in anything like that, but it was only a part close to the end that had something like that, so I can't complain too much. I do think this book had one happy little surprise, which I won't give away. The history pages in the back of this book were interesting, and helped me to understand and respect the Nez Perce a little more. The pictures in the story part of the book were beautiful, and I think whoever painted/drew them should continue to make art for American Girl. Overall, I would say Kaya was a very good series that I am happy to have read. I recommend it to any girl who loves to read.

Recommended

This is another 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. After her many adventures, Kaya's life is settling back down, and she is even ending her period of morning for her mentor, Swan Circling. The only thing truly missing from her life is her horse, Steps High. When scouts return with the information that there is a herd of apparently escaped Nez Perce horses in the hill, her hope begins to burn bright. However, when Kaya finds is not what she expects, and great courage is needed.This is the final, full-length Kaya book, and it is every bit as excellent as the others! My eleven-year-old daughter is now the proud owner of a Kaya doll, which she loves, like she loves this book! We both highly recommend this book to you!

Kaya's Wisdom

In "Changes for Kaya"(Book 6 in the series), readers see how Kaya has changed since the first book, "Meet Kaya". She is a courageous girl who has also learned to trust the wisdom of her elders and not rush impulsively into doing things for herself. She is learning to be patient and understand when it is time to get adult or tribal help. Her developing wisdom is rewarded when she has the opportunity to be reunited with her beloved lost horse and a new surprise-her foal! Earlier losses become gifts that bring her to a stronger sense of herself and her place in the tribe. She comes to the awareness that she is growing up and will soon be ready for her vision quest. With the lessons she has learned, she knows that she can face it with the patience and confidence of a leader.