Skip to main content

Water Steps

By

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.
Labels:

Comments

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
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Review: Umami

By
  Umami By Jacob Grant New York: Viking, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC, 2024. Picture Book. Umami is a little penguin who is sick of eating the same thing everyday, cold fish --ugh! She becomes determined to find new foods and flavors, so Umami begins a journey across the sea in search of something different to eat. She reaches a place with a plethora of delicious options, and tries bitter, sweet, sour, and foods with umami (just like her name!) among others. Umami decides to bring all these delicious new flavors back for the other penguins to try in a feast. But, will the other penguins enjoy this new experience?  Filled with charm and humor, Umami is a diverse romp through a universal experience --am I willing to try something new? What will it be like? The idea of trying new foods and flavors make it especially relatable, and the appealing illustrations will have many readers ready to hop out on a culinary adventure. A humorous and sweet ending, caps off this delig...
Post a Comment
Read more

Review: Faker

By
Faker By Gordon Korman New York: Scholastic Press, 2024. Fiction. 214 pages. 12-year-old Trey is used to starting over at a new school -- he has the routine perfectly memorized: make new friends, introduce his dad to the wealthy parents of his new friends, and "Houdini" themselves out of there before they get caught running their latest scam. Trey's dad is a master con artist, and Trey has just been promoted to full-partner. Their new scheme for the next big score brings them to the affluent suburb of Boxelder, TN where Trey's dad has cooked up a fake electric car company for investors to buy into. The only problem is that Trey is starting to grow tired of moving around and never putting down roots, especially after forming a fast friendship with Logan and developing a crush on Kaylee, a socially conscious girl in his class. As Trey longs for a normal life, is there any way he can convince his dad to get out of the family business? Gordon Korman is a perennial favorit...
Post a Comment
Read more

Five Faves: Picture Books with Festive Treats

By
In my family, December marks the beginning of the holiday season, where we get to spend time together and do all of our favorite traditions. And, of course, eat lots of yummy food. I love that holidays look different for different families, but so many families have special foods they eat during the holidays. These are some of my favorite picture books about families making (and eating!) special holiday treats. These books might even give you new ideas of festive treats to try! The Last Tamale Written by Mendiola Orlando Illustrated by Teresa Martinez New York: Harper, 2024. Picture Book. Once a year, Luis' whole family gets together for their annual tamalada -- a party where they make tamales using a super-secret recipe. It's all love, family, and tradition until there is only one tamale left. Who will get it? It's an all-out family battle to decide who gets the last tamale. Colorful and humorous, this story is perfect for the holidays or whenever your family likes to enjo...
Post a Comment
Read more