Del Norte Public Library

It's the winter of 1873 in the Washington Territory, and a mysterious, hugely ugly woman dressed all in black has suddenly appeared in a forest clearing. Chin Ah Kin is commissioned to return her to the white world.

Kaya's Nez Perce people are known for their skill with horses, and Kaya hopes to become the best horsewoman in the village. But after accepting a foolish challenge that puts her brothers in danger, Kaya earns a punishment and an insulting nickname. Kaya is inspired by a brave young woman in her village, and is determined to make better choices. Will Kaya prove that she can change--and lose that horrible nickname?

Feeling lonesome and missing her sister and her horse who were captured by enemy raiders, Kaya befriends a dog that has wandered near camp. Although others warn her not to trust the animal, Kaya senses something different. Then, an annual gathering makes Kaya hopeful of her sister' return, and a group of hunters bring news of horses running wild in the mountains. Will this summer bring the happy reunions Kaya's tribe is hoping for?

Follows Golden Sun, an Appaloosa horse, through several seasons as Little Turtle, a Nez Perce boy, raises and trains him then takes him along on a vision quest in hopes of saving his friend Pale Moon from serious illness.

"A young girl in a Pacific Northwest Native American tribe in the 1920s must deal with the death of her father and the loss of her tribe's traditional ways"--Provided by publisher.

Still grieving over the death of her friend, and missing her stolen horse and kidnapped younger sister, Kaya tries to earn the trust of a lone and starving dog who is about to have puppies. Includes historical notes on Nez Percé children.

Retraces the 1853 journey of Theodore Winthrop through Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia, offering a narrative of a land caught between conservations and development and its people.