School Library Journal Review
Gr 3-6-Kaya is a spirited Nez Perce girl in the American Northwest. In the first book, she disobeys her mother, endangering herself and her sister. As a result, the girls are kidnapped by a band of raiders. She realizes that Speaking Rain's blindness could impede a successful escape, and she makes the difficult decision to leave her sister behind. Kaya struggles for miles through the cold and rugged mountains to return home. Relieved to be there, she vows to bring her sister home. In Kaya's Hero, she realizes that she must develop more courage and wisdom before a rescue is possible. Swan Circling patiently mentors her young friend as Kaya tries hard to become worthy of the young woman's respect. The plots proceed simply, making the adventures easy for young readers to follow. Kaya is well developed through her actions and words. Nez Perce vocabulary is interspersed throughout. The illustrations also give evidence of careful research; full-page paintings and small sketches depict both action and artifacts. The color and detail are reflective of the culture and setting. Information about Nez Perce education, clothing, and crafts helps children to better understand the narrative. Readers of the series will be delighted with this new character, time, and culture.-Carolyn Janssen, Children's Learning Center of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OH (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
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. (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Booklist Review
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
