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Water Steps

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Water Steps
by A. LaFaye
188 pages
age 9-12
Minneapolis : Milkweed Editions, 2009

Kyna was a little girl when her family's ship was wrecked at sea. She alone survived and was lucky enough to be rescued by a loving couple who ended up adopting her. Kyna loves her adoptive parents and has a happy life despite her debilitating fear of water. Terror grips her when confronted with a bathtub or even a glass of water. Kyna is therefore stunned when Mem and Pep tell her they have rented a summer house at "magical" Lake Champlain. Nothing she says or does can convince them to change their mind. Once they arrive, she avoids the lake at all costs, exploring the forest and hillside instead. Of course, this can't last forever. A new friend enlists her help in proving that there are silkies in the lake. Can she overcome her fears to keep a friend? And could this be the reason her parents say the lake is magical?
The author deals with her character's fear in a realistic way. Although most readers will not have such crippling phobias or such tragic stories behind their fears, they will gain some insight on how to cope with the fears they do have. A great blend of fantasy and realistic fiction.
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A. LaFaye said…
Thank you so much for this thoughtful review of my new book. If any young readers have questions about the book, they can contact me via my website at www.alafaye.com I'm also available to do school visits and library talks. Thank you again. Alexandria LaFaye
August 27, 2009 at 9:40 AM
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