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American Girl: Saige #2
Saige Paints the Sky
Painting in her grandmother’s studio and riding her favorite horse, Georgia, helps fourth-grader Saige cope with missing Mimi and sparks an idea for funding the school art program, but more creativity will be needed to keep Georgia from being sold.
124 pages, Paperback
First published December 15, 2012
About the author
Jessie Haas
60 books41 followersJessie Haas has written over 35 books for children and adults, many about horses--a lifelong passion. She currently owns a Morgan mare, Robin, who is being clicker-trained to be a trail and pasture-dressage horse. She lives in a small, off-grid house in the woods with husband Michael J. Daley, two cats and a dog. When not writing or riding or reading she likes to knit, cook, and write, or ride, or read.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
August 15, 2026
"We're feeling our way forward, Saige, and it's going to take time."Saige was SUCCESSFUL! She raised the MONEY! She got support from the PTA! So why in the heck are her art lessons so delayed?
...I got a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach.
In Saige's school, they either have art OR music for a school year, never both. Saige was able to raise enough money during the school's fundraiser to get an after-school program started so during music years, students can still do art (and vice versa).
But it isn't happening yet. Well, guess Saige will need to shake things up a bit!
This one wasn't too shabby! I liked the depth of characters and the overall plot arc!
"Gabi was there, too, and Tessa, and when i glanced over my shoulder, I saw a solid beige wall of classmates standing behind me. ... We'd done something big, all of us together."
There was an added element of realism in this story which made the worldbuilding feel much more solid to me. Saige raising the money didn't immediately equate to having a fully running after school art class.
I appreciated how the author had Saige work with the school to ensure her vision came to light.
It feels weird to say that I liked Mimi's physical therapy/rehab stay but I definitely did. When children and their grandparents age, there's this unique understanding - that they are becoming closer in terms of likes or interests but also there's this realization that things can't stay the same forever.
When Mimi broke her arm and leg in the first book, I really appreciated how the author didn't do a "Well, she's healed now! Back to the painting studio!" things were kept hopeful but realistic.
There's a maturity that develops when you realize that someone might need accommodations as they get older and how to go about that respectfully. I really appreciated how the author showed this with Saige and her family.
"As we walked together, I noticed that I was still faster than Mimi, but not that much faster. Time was passing. She was healing."
And also, I really loved the horses in this one! I mean, who doesn't love a horse girl? Fabulous book!
October 26, 2022
Saige full series review:
When I was younger I hated Saige out of spite—she was my sister’s favorite and I was so mad at the amount of attention that the GOTY dolls got compared to the historical ones. I never actually read her books though, and now that I have…she still is far from a favorite but I do like her story, and especially her storyline of saving the arts since her school has been doing budget cuts.
When I was younger I hated Saige out of spite—she was my sister’s favorite and I was so mad at the amount of attention that the GOTY dolls got compared to the historical ones. I never actually read her books though, and now that I have…she still is far from a favorite but I do like her story, and especially her storyline of saving the arts since her school has been doing budget cuts.
December 30, 2020
Saige and her friends raised money for an after school art program but nothing is happening. Mimi is in the hospital and Tessa is spending most of her time practicing singing. Saige enjoys taking care of Mimi's animals and is honored that Mimi trusts her enough to ride Georgia, a young, spirited horse. Mimi wants Georgia trained by October so Georgia can go to a new home and Saige is devastated. First she lost art, then her best friend and now her horse! With some help from her friends, she discovers a way to have art in her life and learns that new ideas can be freeing. She discovers that when four girls put their heads together, they can take on the whole school and fight for the cause they believe in.
This story is largely unnecessary. Most of the plot is given to horseback riding and Saige's worries. It's very slow moving. The real stand out is the scenery, once again. The balloon Fiesta sounds like fun and I wish more of it had been described. The illustrations are gorgeous! There aren't many but they look like photographs.
*********************
Reread
Saige is still annoying and whiny. The plot still doesn't appeal to me. My nieces might enjoy this one more.
This story is largely unnecessary. Most of the plot is given to horseback riding and Saige's worries. It's very slow moving. The real stand out is the scenery, once again. The balloon Fiesta sounds like fun and I wish more of it had been described. The illustrations are gorgeous! There aren't many but they look like photographs.
*********************
Reread
Saige is still annoying and whiny. The plot still doesn't appeal to me. My nieces might enjoy this one more.
February 19, 2026
why is art and music so hard to get money for
June 26, 2013
Saige Paints The Sky continues the story of Saige Copeland, a real-life fourth grader who fights to bring art classes back to her elementary school in Albuquerque, New Mexico. My 7-year-old sister and I absolutely loved the first book. We totally enjoyed it. It was a given that this one should be equally as impressive, as well. Sadly, that was not the case. This book bored us both to tears. Thanks to this book, story time became a huge fight and when I could get her to sit down and to listen to it, she just made faces at me or called me names... and that's when I managed to get her to pay me and Saige any attention. Being bullied by a 7-year-old for my poor choice in reading material is no fun.
I started thinking, because my little sister loved Saige so much, what went wrong with this book? I didn't have any fun reading this one either and I ended up reading the last half by myself, simply because I can't stand leaving a book unread. It was sooo dull, I couldn't wait for it to end. We are now reading an old American Girl favorite, 'Meet Addy' with much better results. So anyways back to Saige, what was wrong with the much anticipated (in our house anyways) second book? The only thing I can think of is that nothing exciting really ever happens. Saige has a very mild personality. She's obviously a wonderful kid, but nothing exciting enough to write a book about happened to her after the first book. In the first book she was preparing for a show during a parade and trying to get people excited about art classes and her grandma broke her arm and there was some friend drama. This one was just so lukewarm. The only reason I could see American Girl continuing the story is so we can see her complete the big goal of bringing art back to her school. That doesn't even happen in this book. I'm really not sure what the point is?
Don't get me wrong Saige is brilliant and very talented, she's a great role model for any girl and that alone I guess sort of makes it worth reading if you're like 9 or 10, but thinking back to when I was that age, I don't think I'd still have enjoyed this one. I think maybe it's just that Saige is such a goody-two-shoes, which I feel horrible complaining about. But there's a lack of spunk that most of the fictional American Girls have. Molly throws her brother's undies out the window, Felicity stole a horse, Samantha snuck out in the middle of the night to see her grandma's servant... it's those little human moments of making mistakes that keeps the book engaging and sadly this book really lacked those.
I started thinking, because my little sister loved Saige so much, what went wrong with this book? I didn't have any fun reading this one either and I ended up reading the last half by myself, simply because I can't stand leaving a book unread. It was sooo dull, I couldn't wait for it to end. We are now reading an old American Girl favorite, 'Meet Addy' with much better results. So anyways back to Saige, what was wrong with the much anticipated (in our house anyways) second book? The only thing I can think of is that nothing exciting really ever happens. Saige has a very mild personality. She's obviously a wonderful kid, but nothing exciting enough to write a book about happened to her after the first book. In the first book she was preparing for a show during a parade and trying to get people excited about art classes and her grandma broke her arm and there was some friend drama. This one was just so lukewarm. The only reason I could see American Girl continuing the story is so we can see her complete the big goal of bringing art back to her school. That doesn't even happen in this book. I'm really not sure what the point is?
Don't get me wrong Saige is brilliant and very talented, she's a great role model for any girl and that alone I guess sort of makes it worth reading if you're like 9 or 10, but thinking back to when I was that age, I don't think I'd still have enjoyed this one. I think maybe it's just that Saige is such a goody-two-shoes, which I feel horrible complaining about. But there's a lack of spunk that most of the fictional American Girls have. Molly throws her brother's undies out the window, Felicity stole a horse, Samantha snuck out in the middle of the night to see her grandma's servant... it's those little human moments of making mistakes that keeps the book engaging and sadly this book really lacked those.
February 3, 2013
This one is really 4 1/2 stars. I took off half a star for a predictable ending. This would make a perfect Disney movie. Everything is just a little too perfect in the end.
Saige and her friends are still working to get the after-school art program on track. the students are disappointed that two months have passed and the program is not up and running. It would have been nice if Ms. Haas would have had Miss Fane or Mrs. Laird explain about needing to get approval for a space, transportation, etc. Not to mention background checks on all the people who might volunteer to supervise, assist, and teach.
Overall, the story was well written and I enjoyed reading it. I could see the balloons and the horses. It was great that Tessa started to spend a bit more time with her friend; and the four girls work together on setting an idea in motion.
Throughout the story we saw Saige being a bit more human in her reactions and dealing with those negative emotions. She learned a lot about getting things done.
Very pleased to have read this story.
Saige and her friends are still working to get the after-school art program on track. the students are disappointed that two months have passed and the program is not up and running. It would have been nice if Ms. Haas would have had Miss Fane or Mrs. Laird explain about needing to get approval for a space, transportation, etc. Not to mention background checks on all the people who might volunteer to supervise, assist, and teach.
Overall, the story was well written and I enjoyed reading it. I could see the balloons and the horses. It was great that Tessa started to spend a bit more time with her friend; and the four girls work together on setting an idea in motion.
Throughout the story we saw Saige being a bit more human in her reactions and dealing with those negative emotions. She learned a lot about getting things done.
Very pleased to have read this story.
July 1, 2013
I enjoyed Saige Painted The Sky way more than Saige. I felt more from Saige's heart and emotions in this book.
I loved the "Day of Beige" idea and the school Faculty and Staff response. I liked being able to feel Saige's experience as she moved out of her comfort zone with family and friends support to raise awareness and funds for the school arts program.
It's a lot of work to make a difference and raise volunteer and financial support for a charitable cause.
Thank you for including Real Life Girls helping causes close to their hearts. I particularly liked Charms for Charity because Kyra H. raised funds in a very thoughtful and creative way for more than one cause. I also liked that Cute Crafts gave their donors a choice of causes to donate to.
The section "Hold Your Own Craft Sale" gave valuable information for girls inspired to raise funds for a cause or causes close to their heart.
I loved the "Day of Beige" idea and the school Faculty and Staff response. I liked being able to feel Saige's experience as she moved out of her comfort zone with family and friends support to raise awareness and funds for the school arts program.
It's a lot of work to make a difference and raise volunteer and financial support for a charitable cause.
Thank you for including Real Life Girls helping causes close to their hearts. I particularly liked Charms for Charity because Kyra H. raised funds in a very thoughtful and creative way for more than one cause. I also liked that Cute Crafts gave their donors a choice of causes to donate to.
The section "Hold Your Own Craft Sale" gave valuable information for girls inspired to raise funds for a cause or causes close to their heart.
March 24, 2014
Loved the Day of Beige solution to art after school. This was a story more about growing up than anything else. I like girl that Saige is becoming and wish I could follow her further than just these two books.
September 19, 2017
This is the sequel to the first book about Saige, the artist and horse-lover from New Mexico.
This book picks up the story seamlessly from where the first book left off. Even though the fundraiser was a success and they now have money for a school art program, it is still taking too long to start the classes! Teachers are needed and a program must be prepared, but Saige hates waiting. The school year is progressing and Saige does not even have after school painting with Mimi now since needs to spend time in rehab after breaking her leg. I just love how Saige loves art and I can relate to so many of her feelings and reflections about it.
Eventually, Saige and Mimi begin to hold art classes for all the patients at the rehab center. Thus, they cover another important aspect of art - that of its therapy/healing power. This was very well done, I thought, showing how art benefits the young and the old alike.
Saige is once again actively involved is supporting her art cause. She decides to organize a protest by getting the student body to have a "Day of Beige." It's Saige's idea, but Tessa, Gabi and Dylan help - Dylan even gets her mother, who is a reporter, to cover the story. Almost all of the students at school participate in wearing only shades of beige on the designated day - a statement about how drab life can be with out art. I really enjoyed this part, it's just so true!
It was also nice to see how Saige begins to change her view of Dylan through this project. She has seem Dylan as a threat because her long time friend Tessa has been spending a lot of time with Dylan in music class. Now, Saige slowly comes to realized that Dylan can be a friend too, even if she has a bit of a different personality from what Saige is used to.
Saige is also learning how to ride Georgia, one of Mimi's newer horses that requires a lot of skill because she is so young. Georgia is a Spanish Barb - a special kind of horse that we learn is important to New Mexico's history. Mimi is dedicated to breeding and preserving these horses. This was a very interesting part of the story - learning how riding a young horse differs from riding older more experienced ones.
I really loved how everything came together in a very believable way by the end of the story. Saige celebrates her birthday at the Balloon Festival with ALL of her friends. It's not just her and Tessa anymore, now Gabi and Dylan make them a foursome. She shares her traditional birthday a hot-air balloon ride with Mimi who is now recovered from her injury. While on the balloon ride, Mimi gives Saige her birthday present, a certificate of ownership - she is now the owner of Georgia. It means a lot to Saige that Mimi thinks she is skilled enough to be Georgia's owner. Okay, this part I definitely saw coming before Saige did - but I still enjoyed it. What girl wouldn't love to get a horse for her birthday?
The author, Jessie Haas, did a wonderful job of weaving all these fascinating and unique elements into a great story. I think we need more art advocates like Saige. I absolutely LOVE her character and wish there were more books in her series! :)
This book picks up the story seamlessly from where the first book left off. Even though the fundraiser was a success and they now have money for a school art program, it is still taking too long to start the classes! Teachers are needed and a program must be prepared, but Saige hates waiting. The school year is progressing and Saige does not even have after school painting with Mimi now since needs to spend time in rehab after breaking her leg. I just love how Saige loves art and I can relate to so many of her feelings and reflections about it.
Eventually, Saige and Mimi begin to hold art classes for all the patients at the rehab center. Thus, they cover another important aspect of art - that of its therapy/healing power. This was very well done, I thought, showing how art benefits the young and the old alike.
Saige is once again actively involved is supporting her art cause. She decides to organize a protest by getting the student body to have a "Day of Beige." It's Saige's idea, but Tessa, Gabi and Dylan help - Dylan even gets her mother, who is a reporter, to cover the story. Almost all of the students at school participate in wearing only shades of beige on the designated day - a statement about how drab life can be with out art. I really enjoyed this part, it's just so true!
It was also nice to see how Saige begins to change her view of Dylan through this project. She has seem Dylan as a threat because her long time friend Tessa has been spending a lot of time with Dylan in music class. Now, Saige slowly comes to realized that Dylan can be a friend too, even if she has a bit of a different personality from what Saige is used to.
Saige is also learning how to ride Georgia, one of Mimi's newer horses that requires a lot of skill because she is so young. Georgia is a Spanish Barb - a special kind of horse that we learn is important to New Mexico's history. Mimi is dedicated to breeding and preserving these horses. This was a very interesting part of the story - learning how riding a young horse differs from riding older more experienced ones.
I really loved how everything came together in a very believable way by the end of the story. Saige celebrates her birthday at the Balloon Festival with ALL of her friends. It's not just her and Tessa anymore, now Gabi and Dylan make them a foursome. She shares her traditional birthday a hot-air balloon ride with Mimi who is now recovered from her injury. While on the balloon ride, Mimi gives Saige her birthday present, a certificate of ownership - she is now the owner of Georgia. It means a lot to Saige that Mimi thinks she is skilled enough to be Georgia's owner. Okay, this part I definitely saw coming before Saige did - but I still enjoyed it. What girl wouldn't love to get a horse for her birthday?
The author, Jessie Haas, did a wonderful job of weaving all these fascinating and unique elements into a great story. I think we need more art advocates like Saige. I absolutely LOVE her character and wish there were more books in her series! :)
December 18, 2022
Saige is a good role model, but this story is very bland. It picks up where the last book left off, but not a lot happens. Also, even though she gets involved in additional advocacy for the arts at her school, we never see the end result. I would have liked more resolution for this central conflict in the story.
Overall, a reader will have to be highly interested in either horses or art to feel invested in this book. There are good elements, and there are plenty of worthwhile life lessons here, but there's just not enough story or character development to justify a second book. Saige seems like a very nice kid who would be pleasant to know, but she would have to be a much more compelling or intense character to carry a story with so little plot.
Overall, a reader will have to be highly interested in either horses or art to feel invested in this book. There are good elements, and there are plenty of worthwhile life lessons here, but there's just not enough story or character development to justify a second book. Saige seems like a very nice kid who would be pleasant to know, but she would have to be a much more compelling or intense character to carry a story with so little plot.
July 4, 2024
Another cute story about Saige and her friends, family, and love of art and horses! I love how well it captures the emotions that all kids go through with worries and friendship struggles. Saige has a lot of stressors but tries her best to be a good person. It's probably a bit unrealistic how she manages to keep her composure and never yell or give people attitude, but she's a great example for girls on how to handle stress and disappointments.
March 27, 2026
I enjoyed this even more than the first book! Saige was so passionate about art and how much it meant to her to do it with her grandmother. Again I found this relatable to young girls friendship dynamics and really enjoyed how the girls came together to stand up for art! The ending was very satisfying and sweet.
November 15, 2017
I liked this book because I like to paint.
December 22, 2020
I liked this book as it encourages speaking up for yourself. not just fuming!
February 6, 2022
Such great book!!
February 10, 2025
Enjoyed the continuation of Saige’s story and her quest to keep arts in school.
January 14, 2014
The American Girl franchise is so prominent that I am not sure they need our positive reviews but we do love the books that they publish. Each girl and each world they inhabit feels possible and easy to relate to. In this particular story Saige is an only child who loves to paint and is having some difficulties at school and with friends. She has a supportive family, which includes a famous artist for a grandmother, and has enough hardship to make the book a good read but not so much that it overtakes the idea that Saige is her own girl who will make things turn out well if she just stays true to her own talents and strengths.
It's not 'harmless' reading and it isn't dull. It is a wonderful choice for any 8 - 10 year old kid because the chapters are gripping enough that you want to know what will happen next but it is written in a style that is not too tiring. I'd suggest it to any young patron who wants to read about 'real life' but in particular I think an artistic kid or a horse-loving kid would just fall in love with Saige and want to read it over and over again.
It's not 'harmless' reading and it isn't dull. It is a wonderful choice for any 8 - 10 year old kid because the chapters are gripping enough that you want to know what will happen next but it is written in a style that is not too tiring. I'd suggest it to any young patron who wants to read about 'real life' but in particular I think an artistic kid or a horse-loving kid would just fall in love with Saige and want to read it over and over again.
February 5, 2017
Again not my favorite AG of the year story. I like saige. I liked how all four girls became friends. And I liked the imagery the story created because of the New Mexican scenery and the paintings. described. It brought me to imagine the things the relax and make me happy. So I enjoyed that much at least.
December 30, 2015
SAIGE PAINTS THE SKY picks up right (and I mean RIGHT) where SAIGE ends. Again, points for horses and art, two things I love very much, though there were still too many storylines combined into a fairly brief little book. I did find the description of Albuquerque's Balloon Fiesta fascinating, though I suppose it might feel a little stereotypically New Mexico (like the descriptions of Hawaii in the Kanani books did for me) if I knew the state better.
July 28, 2016
Saige Paints the Sky is a really great book. Saige wants to have an after school art class so bad, but everyone keeps telling her "It takes time". Saige not only is frustrated with the struggle of trying to get an art program, but Mimi, her grandmother -who is living at a rehab center after a fall- is going to sell Georgia, the horse that Saige loves very much. Can Saige solve both problems? Read the book to find out!
July 11, 2013
Well, I did not like this one very much at all. SO PREDICTABLE. It would be good for people who like that kind of stuff, but I think that half of the fun are the surprises within the book. It was ok, nothing spectacular, honestly, I think that American Girl is running out of ideas for their Girl of the Year Doll
March 21, 2013
Another really great American Girl book! My daughter loved this one - with all the art, the horses and the hot air balloons. We also loved how Saige was a "go-getter" without even realizing it. She fought for what she and the school wanted and needed. Yay!
September 10, 2013
This is a very cute story. My daughter got Saige for her birthday and this book came along with her. My baby girl loved this story of Saige and the creativity of her. This book all so taught her a very important lesson. I love the American Girl stories.
March 21, 2013
True rating: 4.5 stars.
August 25, 2013
Not my favorite of the American Girl books. But it was neat to read about hot air balloons and I learned new things about art.
October 9, 2013
The movie was better in my opinion.
Read
January 31, 2015We took turns reading this one. Mallory did great!
July 21, 2014
My daughter loved this book!!
October 16, 2014
This book it awesome I love it. her grandma falls and breaks a couple limbs but heals. Saige tries to make an after school art program. And she likes riding horses.
September 11, 2015
Good story of perseverance.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews