Kaya's Hero: A Story of Giving

American Girl: Kaya #3

by Janet Beeler Shaw

Kaya is in awe of a young warrior woman named Swan Circling, who's so fearless, she doesn't even flinch when a runaway horse gallops straight at her! Swan Circling goes with the men into battle, bringing them fresh horses and tending to the wounded. If I were as strong as Swan Circling, Kaya thinks, I'd find a way to get my sister back. Swan Circling has heard the children calling Kaya "Magpie," the nickname she got for being irresponsible. Although Kaya has made mistakes, she wants very badly to be friends with Swan Circling. Will Swan Circling want to be friends with her?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Childrens, Historical, Fiction, Middle Grade, Native American, Chapter Books

88 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2002

Reviews

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again, reading for the first time as an adult, in advance of the Dolls of Our Lives podcast.

Like the "Surprise" books in earlier AG series, this one is a winter story and there are important gifts. In place of Christmas, it shows Kaya's family celebrating the beginning of a new year at the winter solstice. But the gifts come in because of a tragedy at the end.

This one is slower in pace than the previous book, focusing largely on Kaya's relationship with Swan Circling. Kaya aspires to be just like her, and wants her good opinion more than anything. She's still processing the events of both previous books, and thinks that if she were just like Swan Circling, she'd be able to rescue Speaking Rain.

I think it's clear that Swan Circling is just as drawn to Kaya. She doesn't say it in so many words, but she clearly sees a lot of herself in Kaya and wants to mentor her. I love this relationship as a model for women helping and supporting younger women. The closest similarity I can think of in earlier AG books is Cornelia's introduction in Samantha's Surprise - another young woman who takes our protagonist under her wing a bit. It's a shame this sweet friendship gets cut off so soon.

As a series, the Kaya books are building nicely. "Magpie" still stings, but she was able to put the nickname to good use at the end of Kaya's Escape, and I get the sense here that it has just about run its course. She also helps Two Hawks deal with his trauma by helping him find a project and a friend. And clearly Kaya's relationship with Swan Circling is going to have a long-lasting impact.

Overall, I love that this series features so many women, providing us an idea of what the future could hold for Kaya: Brown Deer and courting, Running Alone and her baby, Swan Circling who travels with the warriors (something we haven't heard of other women doing, but doesn't seem completely unheard of, so presumably there's precedent). It continues through Eetsa to the grandmothers and the medicine woman.

A few last thoughts:

- There is a doll, as there should be in a "Surprise" book, though it's not Kaya's - it belongs to Speaking Rain. Kaya mends it and keeps it close, thinking often of her sister.

- Babies are always a lot of work, but this one also needs a lot of rescuing! And Swan Circling does it twice. And apropos of nothing, the baby is the same age as one Felicity Merriman.

- Speaking of Felicity, while she and Kaya are both Horse Girls 110% of the time, I appreciate that Kaya also likes doing at least some of the hard, time consuming, utterly necessary work that women in her culture do. In some ways, I think aspects of Felicity's setting are downplayed because we have a character who personally doesn't like those things. Which in itself is fine - people in all time periods can like what they like - but it bothers me because the "women's work" that Felicity dislikes is also exactly the kind of work that historically has been minimized or underappreciated specifically because it was done by women.

- I'd actually love a frank discussion of gender roles and status in Kaya's culture. I'm curious about what it means for Swan Circling to be a warrior woman. The descriptions in Hero made it sound like a support role, not actually doing the fighting herself, but it's never expanded on. Was this common? Unusual but known? Wildly rare?

More Kaya babble

Meet Kaya | Kaya’s Escape | Kaya’s Hero | Kaya and Lone Dog | Kaya Shows the Way | Changes for Kaya

Kaya and the River Girl | Kaya’s Short Story Collection

The Silent Stranger | The Ghost Wind Stallion

The Roar of the Falls

[Sarah B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think out of the seven Kaya books I have read, this is the one that had surprised me the most. And the most shocking thing is the fact you can stare at an item that you are familiar with and yet somehow not recognize it at all! You see that thing she is holding on the cover? Do you know what it is? Well I of course saw her holding something but I had no idea of it's identity. I think due to my autism my eyes automatically go lock on those two bold pattern areas: the red, blue and yellow.. And I do see the upper part too - that black bits that rise up at the front and back. But I still don't comprehend what it is. And I never actually notice the other part of it, the most telling bit, that is actually hanging down way at the bottom of the picture. Because it blends into the background of her clothes.

So do you know what it is? I sure didn't! And when I found out at the end of the story I was quite startled! And then I wondered how could I be looking at it and not notice that? It is amazing sometimes how these things can happen!

I will give you a clue: it's a horse saddle! Native American style. And the stirrups are way at the bottom...but I got so sidetracked by that pattern I never saw them! Amazing! The saddle is made of wood and hide.

In this story Kaya gets herself a hero: another woman in the tribe. And this woman is a great warrior and a great horsewoman too. And like any hero worship, Kaya would love to talk to her but she is also nervous and scared. What would her hero think of her? Her name is Swan Circling

There are some exciting moments in here including a runaway horse. And a few other dangers as well. Plus we learn sometimes the most unexpected things can happen, even to people who we think are highly skilled. And we have to live with those results.

[Olde American Spirit · Rating 2 out of 5]

Book three was much better as Kaya is beginning to get the message that thinking of others is truly the greatest joy. She still has a way to go.

There is quite a bit of religion up to this point in the series. I got excited in book one because I felt like they were worshipping the one true God.

But now I'm pretty sure that it isn't and it could be very confusing to a young person, I believe.

This would definitely be one for lots of discussion prior to handing it over to a kid to lesson the confusion.

I'm very curious to see if that changes, and especially to see what other changes Kaya makes in the last three books of the series.



✨📚☕💙☕📚✨More in-depth reviews on my Youtube Wrap Up videos.

[Laura Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

The historical content and information on the Nimiipuu way of life is excellent. I love the spiritual elements woven into the story. The way the native people thanked the earth or the animals for providing and left gifts, etc.

The story is also realistic in regards to Swan Circling and Speaking Rain (who is not back yet). In life, not everything is wrapped up quickly with a neat bow nor does it always have the ending you want. I love the American Girl books for the lessons they teach. I also like the strong women, like Swan Circling, who populate these books.

[Julia Kerrigan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Doing a presentation on this for ENGL 3510: Children's Literature and I'm not ashamed to say it made me a little weepy. Swan Circling knew all of Kaya's mistakes and left the name to her anyway :,) Great handling of themes of grief/death and shame for a children's series (maybe it's time to reread all the Kaya books???)

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one may be my favorite in the series so far. You can see that Kaya has really begun to grow and change. She's found a strong role model in Swan Circling, and she is realizing what she needs to do to become the woman she wants to be. I was very touched in the end when, after her death, Swan Circling's name is to be passed on to Kaya. I thought it showed that she viewed her as a daughter since she had no children of her own. I wish their friendship had been built up more prior to her death because it was mostly focused on in this book, and I think it would have hit a littler harder had we know more about her and their bond earlier in the series.

[Danae · Rating 3 out of 5]

I forgot to write a review for this, so I don't have much to say!

This is definitely a sad book, with Kaya finding a role model in Swan Circling and then barely having time to get to know her before she dies. I do think it would have been more impactful for the readers if Swan Circling was in the books a bit more before her death, but I enjoyed Kaya's character growth anyway.

[RaspberryRoses · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my favorite of the Kaya books. I feel like this one had the best balance of slice of life and action, and I loved all that I was able to learn about Nez Perce culture through it. I also loved seeing more of how Kaya fit in within her community.

I do feel that it's pacing within the overall book series is odd, though. I think the ending with Swan Circling's death would have been more impactful if the character had been introduced prior.

[Laura]

GAH

Is this the bury your gays trope?? 🙀

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Your proble asking "If she didn't like these books then why didn't she stop reading them?" Because when I start A sieries I HAVE to finesh it.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Three picks up shortly after the previous book concluded, which is made evident by Two Hawks' ongoing healing. This leads me to several points that I like, so I'm going to move straight into the meat of the review.

What I liked about Kaya's Hero:
The overall pacing of the series - In a series that feels like it fits together to form a full length novel in its combined entirety, I like that this series doesn't rush the timeline. There are many plot points that need to play out in order to fully take advantage of their value -- Two Hawks' recovery; Magpie; the fate of Speaking Rain and Step High. I think that Shaw does a fine job with the way she unravels these threads just enough to make them feel believable.
The introduction of some new relationships - ...at least as far as the reader is concerned, anyway. I loved watching Kaya interact with both Swan Circling, and with Running Home and Light On The Water. The changes in Kaya since we first met her are evident. She is learning from her previous experiences, and we are seeing more thoughtfulness, awareness, and compassion in her actions.
Addressing real life challenges - Speaking of Kaya's previous experiences, we see her struggling with regret, integrity, courage, shame, and grief. While I might be careful giving this series to an elementary aged child, given some of the situations that present, but a middle-grade child would be more than ready to tackle some of these weightier topics.
A look into the Nimiipuu culture - Recognizing that there unique cultural practices amongst Native American peoples, to get this prolonged insight into this particular group, especially as the Nez Perce consulted on the content, has been fascinating, even as an adult reading a children's book. This opens up several opportunities for parent-child discussions on such topics as celebration traditions, burial practices, and religious beliefs -- where they share similarities and where they are different from what the child is familiar with. 
Expectations of children - Children in this culture don't get to just spend their time playing. They have responsibilities within their village group, such as daily chores and minding the younger children. They are expected to practice life skills they are taught. It's clear they are taught that it is critical for all to perform their roles for the success of the group at large.

What left me conflicted:
There is a lot for a child to digest - This is more of an afterthought after Books Two and Three. If a child is left to read these without an adult to weigh in, I feel like there might be a lot of anxious thoughts that might result. On the one hand, I appreciate that they aren't shying away from more some heavier subject matter. On the other, well, I've already stated my concerns.

Even as an adult, I find this an opportunity to expand my knowledge of a different time and culture. The "Peek into the Past" conclusion provides some interesting insights on the subjects and details the story offers. I am curious what is to come in Kaya's story.

[Chanda Ferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Kaya American Girl Series was my favorite as a kid, so I decided to re-read the series this year to remind myself of the story and to see how it holds up after so much time. I still loved this series! It’s educational, beautifully illustrated, and full of lessons, intense adventures and conflicts, and so much characterization and development. There were a lot of aspects of Kaya that upon a re-read, I realized I related to or admired about her, and I think that, mixed with her cultural background was a lot of the reason she was so special to me growing up. It gave me a lot of insight into my inner child by reconnecting with this piece.

I recommend this series, and other American Girl series, for readers who enjoy learning about history, culture, and diversity, as well as engaging stories full of danger, coming of age themes, and much more. I appreciated the inclusion, not only of Indigenous tribes and representation, but also of a deaf character, a slave, and more. This series is quite progressive for it’s time, and my biggest criticism now is that an indigenous writer wasn’t tasked to tell the story, but beyond that, I feel as though it’s aged well and stands true in representation and awareness. I love the history excerpts in the back, the vocabulary and illustrations that aid in the telling of the story, and the history embedded throughout.

If you would prefer to read indigenous stories by an indigenous author, I also recommend these stories:
• “Faye and the Dangerous Journey: An Ojibwe Removal Survival Story”
• “Little by Little: You Can Change the World”
• “A Snake Falls to Earth”
• “Buffalo Dreamer”
• “Find Her”
• “Heroes of the Water Monster”
• “Lei and the Fire Goddess”
• “Liar’s Test”
• “Little Moons”
• “Ancestory Approved”
• “The Storyteller”
• “We Still Belong”
• “Red Bird Danced”
• “Stealing Little Moon”
• “Rez Ball”
• “Firekeeper’s Daughter”
• “Funeral Songs for Dying Girls”
• “Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians But Were Afraid to Ask: Young Readers Edition”

Books 110-115
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like the last book, this entry in Kaya's series really took me by surprise. I think it might even be my favorite so far.

I thought the friendship/mentorship between Kaya and Swan Circling was sweet. I wish Kaya got to tell Swan what she wanted to, about all her mistakes with the competitiveness and leaving Speaking Rain behind with their captors, before she passed away.

Which is really what surprised me about this book, the inclusion of death at all. I know children's books have discussed death before, but I feel like they're usually talked about in past tense, where characters lose loved ones prior to the events of the book. Sure, those losses might still have an impact on the story, but you don't really see them happen - or, rather, see the initial shocked reactions of the young protagonists. So I really admire the author (and her team of advisors) of this book for including such a thing here. We might not have actually seen firsthand what happened to Swan Circling, but we get to see Kaya's reaction to her death - her initial denial of Swan being gone before she slowly comes to accept the loss and honor her with a toy horse at her grave. It was almost cathartic to read, as I'm currently processing a loss myself; not someone I knew personally, but someone who almost felt like a friend to me - actor Matthew Perry, from the TV show (a big comfort series for me in my teen years) Friends. It's not the same as Kaya's loss, I'm aware, but grief is grief, no matter who's passed on, so I can understand, to an extent, what Kaya's going through. And her talk about Swan Circling's spirit still being around (even if it was only temporarily) gave me a small sense of comfort.

Oh, I also appreciated the side plot about Two Hawks learning the flute. It kinda showed his embrace of the Nez Perce culture and that he's accepting it as his home for now. And he's learning their language too! I almost wish I could have read more about him in this book. I really like him as a character and I feel drawn to his story. If only I could see it fleshed out more, perhaps in longer books with dual POVs. But I know that won't happen, since these books are short on purpose due to the audience they're meant to appeal to. Wonder if the newer books, which are basically the original 6-book series condensed into two longer volumes (combining and abridging 3 of the 6 books in each) gave Two Hawks a more in-depth storyline. Maybe I'll have to pick them up sometime in the future to compare to these original texts.

Alrighty, onto the next one!

[Joey Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kaya adores Swan Circling, she’s unlike any woman in her tribe, she’s fearless, brave, kinder than any other and will do anything to help anyone. Kaya admires her immensely and wants to be around her as much as possible, which was so adorable seeing how much Kaya looked up to this woman.

This was really sweet, Kaya found her hero, someone she looked up too and wanted to be exactly alike, it was really sweet just how much Kaya looked up to her and tried her hardest to be like her. She wanted to make sure she was as strong and brave as Swan Circling was.

The storyline literally is a shock though, I didn’t see it coming In anyway and I was in tears, it was so incredibly sad that Swan Circling died, this brave and strong woman, loved by all and a true asset in their community and she dies, and little Kaya is left feeling sad and guilty as she didn’t think she deserved her friendship due to a few mistakes she once made. It was so utterly sad but also a really adorable story. I also adored that she will receive her name as she grows up too, it was such a sweet gift that was bestowed onto her.

[Meagan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was fine. Kaya’s sister is still kidnapped which bothers me greatly. Hoping we circle back to that plot point eventually. Kaya is briefly mentored in this novel by Swan Circling who seems to see a great deal of herself in young Kaya. Tragically, Swan Circling is killed before we can get too attached to her and before we can really appreciate her relationship with Kaya.

This is honestly one of the most disjointed AG series that I have read. We seem to jump from storyline to storyline with no continuity and no real connecting arc. Sean Circling’s abrupt death only added to this feeling for me.

In the end of the novel it is revealed that Swan Circling wanted to give Kaya her name after her death. We get the impression that this is an important and heartfelt gift within their culture but the book does nothing to explain the significance of the gift in context or to explain how names can be given/replaced or how Kaya would take the name as her own. I wish the peek into the past would have addressed any of these points!

[Lydia Therese]

This was the least action-packed of Kaya's books so far – not much happened in terms of the overarching plot. Instead, the readers get to know Kaya better, appreciate some of the character development she's gone through, and also get to know her friend, Two Hawks, and some others in her village. The death of Swan Circling was a big surprise that I was not expecting, but I appreciated the more realistic, bittersweet ending.

Book 10/264 (3.8% of the way done)
I am currently in the process of reading all 260-ish American Girl fiction books in chronological order. It's a project I decided to start just for fun, since I have many of the books already in my own personal collection. It will probably take me several years, but I'm hoping to leave a review for each book. Follow along if you're interested! :)

[Lauren]

Re-reading these books after so many years has been such an interesting experience so far. I’m catching many things now at 21 that I’m sure I never processed at ages 7-9. There’s something that makes Kaya’s stories particularly touching to me, but this one packed an extra punch. I remember thinking Swan Circling was so cool when I was a kid, so I was absolutely blindsided by her death. How did I forget that!? When Kaya was told that Swan Circling had given her her name, it felt incredibly meaningful. She says will know when she feels that she can claim it, and when she does, I think it will supersede her dreaded nickname Magpie. I’m looking forward to finishing out the series.

[Abbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

My kids and I really enjoyed this series, but I thought this was the weakest book in the set. I would have liked to spent more time with Swan Circling. She seems like a really cool lady that Kaya hero worships from afar, and then Kaya grieves the next few books. It's understandable and what happens in real life (which I liked), but as the reader, I didn't see as connection and mentorship develop as much as I would have liked.

That said, American Girl books are not high art. We really enjoyed this series, though. Read with my 6g & 9b (mostly for the 6 yo's benefit, lol). Definitely recommend.

[Aimee · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. It had a lot of great history and culture to this one. And I did enjoy the story too. Slightly lower rating because it went very fast and there was a lot to it. I felt like this story could have been longer and I would have loved to have seen Swan Circling a little more in the previous stories. I feel like it would have made her death that much more affecting - instead she’s a character randomly thrown in that the author tries to quickly make us attached to (she kind of succeeds but still!!)

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great story in this series. In this book Kaya gets the chance to meet Swan Ciricling a girl she has only heard great things about and admires. Kaya hopes Swan Ciricling will like her, but afraid she won't because of the mistakes she has made. Swan Ciricling is brave and even heads with the men into battle. Kaya hopes they can be friends and she can learn many things and lessons from Swan Ciricling.

[Ashlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kaya wants to be friends with Swan Circling so badly, yet she can’t tell her the whole truth on why she has the nickname “Magpie” and how she left her little sister behind. Unfortunately, Swan Circling passes away before Kaya can do so but Swan Circling already knows and she doesn’t seem to care. She even bestows her name to Kaya, but Kaya won’t use it until she feels she has earned it.

Kaya’s character development was significant and I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series!

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was never my most favorite in the series and I am remembering why. I feel like not much happens in this book. Kaya has a strong female role model which is amazing. But then a problem comes to the village and the story ends in sorrow.

Kaya receives a great gift from her role model that inspires her to be an even better person. Character development in this one is good. Kaya matures with each book.

[TheBookishHobbit · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book to me was always the weakest out of the series as a child, but as an adult it was highly impactful. This story takes a look at Kaya and how she loves her hero, Swan Circling. Kaya almost looks at Swan Circling as "other worldly" similar to how we see celebrities. Yet, as the story progresses she realizes her hero is also human like her. And honestly the ending was really tragic in my opinion. A really great story and can't wait to read the fourth book.

[Morgan's Endless Bookshelf · Rating 2 out of 5]

I could not care any less about Kaya's stupid nickname. YOU GOT YOUR SISTER KIDNAPPED AND ENSLAVED. SHUT UP ABOUT YOUR NICKNAME.

I also don't like the Native American magic/religion that was really prominent in this book, especially since the description of the creator in the first book sounded so similar to the true God.

Also, Swan Circling deserved better.

The one thing I did like was watching Kaya with the baby. That was sweet.

[Paola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this series ahead of my daughter to see when it would be appropriate, and I’m finding them very enjoyable, informative, and heartwarming. I look forward to the day when she can extract some life lessons and understanding of history from these stories.
As a side note, I would say the recommended age of 8 is probably appropriate given some of the violence and death in the Kaya series.

[Katie Kaste · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kaya is back home and misses her sister. She sees the horsewoman and warrior Swan Circling and wants to be more like her. Kaya is helping with one of the babies when she gets sick. Can Swan circling help get the medicine? I love this series. I really appreciate that there is a counsel that sees the books before they were published. I can't wait to read the next book.

[Amanda Van Parys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arguably the saddest book of the series as Kaya has to witness the death of her hero, who died helping someone else. Her hero blesses her with the most important gift you can give someone. Kaya really takes to heart the lessons she learned for Swan Circling, vowing to be like her for the rest of her life. Her loving family gives her the space to mourn for the rest of the series.

[Laura]

Wow. What a difference between this and Molly refusing to eat her turnips. I'm gutted by Swan Circling's death. My son and I decided we just couldn't go on with this series just yet.

[Nichole Ostrander · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these little stories they are perfect for first and second graders they have small chapters and living history lessons. I am sad that they are no published because they have been great reads for us.

[Renn · Rating 5 out of 5]

CWs death of a loved one, unexpected death

I love that the Kaya books are such a cohesive story! The end absolutely shocked me, but it goes to show that it’s time for me to stop underestimating this series. It deserves to stand out on its own.