Water Steps

by A. LaFaye

Kyna likes her friends, her purple hair, and taking photographs. But there's something she definitely doesn't like: the water. Every time she comes near it, she feels the sinister pull of the depths trying to draw her down to a watery grave. Even the calm water in the bathtub reminds her of the torrential storm that took the lives of her sailing family when she was just a baby. But Kyna's adopted parents love nothing more than to swim and splash about in lakes and streams, or even the local pool. When they decide to spend the summer at a beach house on Lake Champlain, Kyna is convinced that they're trying to teach her something about water that she's not ready to learn. Little does she know that the water will reveal far more than she ever could have imagined. Inspired by Champ, the legendary monster living in Lake Champlain, Water Steps finds novelist A. LaFaye at her best, expertly interweaving themes of adolescent fears and fantasies, the frustrations and rewards of family, and a world of mystery and magic under the placid surface of nature.

Genres: Middle Grade, Fantasy, Young Adult, Family, Childrens

208 pages, Paperback

Published April 7, 2009

Reviews

[Jennifer Wardrip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by Sarah Bean the Green Bean Teen Queen for TeensReadToo.com

Kyna hates water. Ever since a boating accident left her orphaned, her fear of water has taken over. She is afraid of walking on the beach. There's no way she could swim. Even the idea of taking a bath is enough to send Kyna into a panic attack.

So when Kyna's adopted parents announce they've rented a lake house for the summer in hopes that Kyna will take more water steps, tasks to get her closer to the water, she is less than pleased.

How can she stay in a house surrounded by a body of water? She'd much rather spend time taking photos on dry land.

Kyna's summer starts to look a little brighter when she befriends Tylo. Tylo claims to have seen silkies in the lake and wants Kyna to help him find the truth with her camera. Kyna isn't thrilled about getting close to the water, but she doesn't want to lose her new friend.

Can she finally push herself to the biggest water step of all?

WATER STEPS is more than a story about a girl trying to overcome her fear. There are fairy tales woven into Kyna's story. A. LaFaye writes a beautiful tale of risks and growth and adds Irish folklore into the mix.

A magical tale for readers of all ages, WATER STEPS is the perfect read for anyone who believes in the impossible.

[Lana · Rating 3 out of 5]

water steps was ok but it just really depressing until the end

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kyna’s spirit is unflappable, the kind of kid that bounces through life, seeing the good everywhere she looks. Her one weakness is a deathly fear of water after a near drowning when she was three years old, in a boating accident that took the lives of her entire family. A summer at a cabin forces her to face her fear of the water. Her adoptive parents, Mem and Pep, were the people that saved her and had tried to save her family. Mem and Pep are a little quirky and talk a lot about Irish lore, but Kyna isn’t buying their silly stories. But … summers have a way of changing things.

Wonderful middle grade story written by a real pro. Alexandria teaches writing for children in the MFA programs, at Hollins and Hamline University. She won the Scott O'Dell award for her historical novel, Worth.

[Jodee Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. The writing was beautiful, the characters very likeable. The author wrote in such as way that you could feel the way the character was feeling.

[Jacqueline · Rating 4 out of 5]

P. 161 "Shrink the fear down to the right size. Don't let it disappear and lead you into foolishness, but don't let it get so big it drowns you."

Wonderful quote about handling one's fears.

[Jennifer Sommer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kyna has a crippling fear of the water due to a horrible storm that took the lives of her family while sailing. Saved by Mem and Pep, who eventually adopt her, she is taking "water steps" to overcome her fear that includes baths, puddles, and even drinking water. Water has a burning sensation to her, but not to Mem and Pep who love being in the water. They take her to Lake Champlain for the summer where they can frolick. Kyna cannot stand to even look at the lake, but eventually brings herself to build a treehouse in the woods that overlooks it, thinking she will spend her time trying to photograph an owl in flight that she may enter into a county contest. Meanwhile, she makes friends with Tylo, who believes he's seen silkies in the lake. Kyno agrees to help him capture a photo of the creatures about which Kyna's Irish parents have told her stories, and in the process takes her biggest water step of all. The beautifully written novel will appeal to readers in grades 5 and up who enjoy a little mystery and magic to spice up their stories. Some shrewd readers may figure out the secret of Lake Champlain before it is revealed, but that won't spoil the journey Kyna takes as she tries again and again to overcome her fear of water. Children with their own fears, whatever they may be, will identify with Kyna's struggle and pain.

[Kerstin · Rating 2 out of 5]

What a strange book! I think the author missed a great "teachable moment" by dumbing down a legitimate trauma recovery story. It is well written and begins as an authentic story line of a young girl, Kyna, adopted by an Irish couple now living in America. She is the sole survivor of a boat caught in a violent storm. She loses her entire family. As a result Kyna is terrified of water and her parents have been patiently waiting for a breakthrough. There are constant references to a secret in her parents' past, and questions about her family of origin rightly cause uncertainty. The author uses a tired scenario where Kyna must put her fears aside to help a friend, finally overcoming her fear of water. You'd think that would be the ending. There is still the unresolved secrets of her rescue and her parents' mysterious past. This is where the story derails.
Spoiler Alert:
There is no reference anywhere that this book is fantasy/fairytale. It's very abrupt in its ending when Kyna finally learns the truth of her rescue; her parents are silkies (based on Irish folklore) a form of mermaid with fur instead of scales. I understand that it us fiction, but to casually turn Kyna's parents into mythical creatures, and burdening her with now keepjng this secret is a terrible ending.

[Nellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Water Steps is about a girl named Kyna who is deathly afraid of all water. This is because of her memories of the storm that took her families' lives at sea when she was three. When it was soon after the accident, she couldn't even look at the water. The she could look at it but not touch it. Finally, after a few years, she could take a short shower. When her adoptive parents decide that they're going to spend the summer in New York, on Lake Champlain, Kyna decides to face her fear. When she does this she ends up finding way more about her adoptive parents than she ever thought could be true. I think that this is a really good book about facing your fears and not letting them win. It also has a twist of fantasy that is really intriguing.

[Deb Aronson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really clever set up/ problems the characters have. Did not see the plot twists coming. Loved the characters

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this, it was a good time. Would recommend as a Summer read because it is all about summer vacation at a lake house.

[Jo Matey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too much vagueness and not enough magic, but still an intriguing read for advanced and curious youth.

[Glorianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kyna lost her entire family to a boat accident and because of that trauma, she is scared of all water. Her adoptive parents, Mem and Pep rescued her and they love the water as much as Kyna hates it. This is a great story of the love of family and courage for a young girl who can overcome her fear of water.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! I thoroughly enjoyed this novel that includes drama, fantasy, humour, magic moments, and the mythical.
A toddler was rescued from drowning when she, her parents, and brother were sailing, and a storm sank their boat. The couple who saved the little girl adopted her, but now she has a deathly fear of all water. One summer they rent a cottage on a lake, much to her dismay and her parents' hope to help her with her fear. That summer changes their lives in so many ways.

I listened to this on my provincial library site instead of downloading the ebook. The author also performs her story and she did it superbly. If you have the chance, listen, don't just read. Her inflections make the story even better, with Irish brogue and different voices.

[Cindy Hudson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever since she nearly drowned in a storm that took the lives of the rest of her family, Kyna has had a crippling fear of the water. Only three when she was rescued by the couple who became her adoptive parents, Kyna has spent the seven years since then learning to take water steps—small victories that help her get over her anxiety from even simple things like washing her hands.

Mem and Pep, Kyna’s adoptive parents, are patient with her, supporting her efforts and always there to encourage every new water step she takes. But Kyna is dismayed when they book a house by a lake for the summer. Don’t they know she’s not ready to take that big of a step yet?

Despite Kyna’s determination to stay as far away from the lake as possible while she explores the forest instead, she finds herself longing to overcome her fears once and for all so she can stop the limitations she puts on herself.

Despite the gloomy-sounding premise, Water Steps by A. LaFaye is delightful to read. Kyna has experienced so much pain and loss, but she’s surrounded by love and hopefulness too. Just as Kyna’s adoptive parents fill her with stories of magical creatures from their native Ireland—silkies, fairies and leprechauns—her story has a hint of magic as well. You’ll find yourself cheering for Kyna with every water step she takes. And you’ll love the Irish myths woven into the story along with a little bit of mystery too.

Good discussion points for mother-daughter book clubs reading Water Steps include overcoming fears, friendship, acceptance, and courage. Recommended for book clubs with girls aged 9 to 12.

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was interested in reading Water Steps because the majority of the book takes place in Plattsburgh, NY and Lake Champlain, which happens to be where I went to college. Although there was not a huge amount of references to the town itself other than in a generality, it was interesting that the author selected this location for her story. The story is about a young girl named Kenna who is orphaned at an early age when her family's boat is destroyed in a storm at sea. Kenna's adopted parents are only able to save her and childless themselves, choose to adopt her. The young girl is petrified of water, she is even scared to bathe in it. As the years progress her adopted parents try to help her to appreciate the water. Finally they choose to go to a cabin in Plattsburgh, NY for the summer. Kenna is horrified that she has to be near the water but soon she befriends a young boy whom she does not want to disclose her fear of water to and so forces herself to become better adjusted to the water. At the same time her parents who are from Ireland, never fully disclosed their lives to her and makes Kenna wonder who they really are. The story is definitely for young adults but being a little older than that, I really enjoyed it as well. It is a quick read and one that I would recommend.

[Elaine Bearden · Rating 3 out of 5]

gr 4-7
I thought the premise of this book was fascinating and full of imagery - about a girl having to face her fear of water. Plus, the cover has a great photo. This is the same author of Worth - another story that has a tragic premise. So the main character - Kyna - lost her parents and sibling(s?) in a storm and was rescued by a man and woman who take her as their own. She is, however, frightened of water from that day forward. One summer, her parents announce they will spend it on a lake - and Kyna is furious. It is here that she must face her fear and also discovers a secret of her adoptive parents. (Don't read further if you don't want the ending spoiled). I thought the writing was a little obtuse - hard to get into, though I think all of the ingredients are there for a good story. The magical realism works - I wasn't sure how it was going to work, but it does. I think the story got wrapped up in itself and lost the audience. However, the climax of the story is compelling and draws one in. (I don't think a child would read that far to get hooked.) I think Worth was a stronger draw for the audience. Published by Milkweed Editions, a not-for-profit publisher that also published Behind the Bedroom Wall.

[Marelu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Water Steps was an unexpectedly sweet story that mixed friendship and fantasy with the facing of a huge fear. The main character eleven year old Kenna was afraid of water to such an extent that I wondered about the validity of her extreme reactions. I learned recently that her symptoms and behaviors were legitimate. I listened to the book on CD and really enjoyed the charming Irish brogue as the reader spoke for the mother and father. I didn't, however, care for the iterpretation of Kenna's friend's voice. Even though the story utilized a lot of interaction with the parents, the author stayed focused on Kenna's voice. I suspected early on the interesting detail about her parents but it wasn't actually revealed until near the end. I liked the way all the loose ends were tied together at the happy ending. I found the story to be heart-warming and insightful and one that would be enjoyed by 8-12 yer olds.

[Sarah BT · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who really hates swimming and the thought of going underwater, I could relate to Kyna. When I first picked up this book, I was thinking ok, another book about a girl over something she fears-which wasn't a terrible thing, but not something I thought would really thrill me. But Water Steps is more than a story about a girl trying to overcome her fear. There are fairy tales woven into Kyna’s story. A. Lafaye writes a beautiful tale of risks and growth and adds Irish folklore into the mix.
I loved the added element of the silkies and the tales that Mem and Pep would tell Kyna. This is a great read for readers who like their stories with a hint of magic.

[Susan Dunn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kyna has been terrified of the water ever since her entire family drowned when she was a little girl. Her adoptive parents have tried their best to help her overcome her fears - and this year their latest attempt is to rent a cottage at a lake for the summer. Kyna has no desire to be anywhere near water, but her parents love it. Every night they go out swimming, and wish Kyna could join them. Can she overcome her fears once and for all?

[Lace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this book! The main character is a young girl trying to conquer her fear of water, and that alone has the makings of a good story. The writing style made for a quick read, it constantly grabbed my attention and kept me wanting more. The girl's family is so supportive and understanding throughout the book, and with an added bonus of a little magical family secret revealed at the end, Water Steps makes for a very heartwarming story.

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eleven-year-old Kyna's family drowns when she is only 3, leading to a crippling fear of the water. She is adopted by the people who rescued her, Irish people who speak their own language. A language they won't teach to her, in much the same way they will not talk about their lives before adopting Kyna. Is there a reason? Maybe...

[Revolution Mockingjay · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pretty good book. I loved it when I was younger, but now it's not as good. Then again, it's directed toward the younger audience, so I understand why I wouldn't like it was much now. The fact that a girl is afraid of water is a pretty neat idea. I liked it when I was younger, but not really now.

[Cathy Alcorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful new book from teen fiction. This is a quick read but worth taking the time. High adventure, family lore and an 11 year old girl learning to conquer her fear.

[Kelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kyna faces her fear of water while also suspecting the folk and fairy tales her adoptive Irish parents have told her entire life are true while visiting Lake Champlain.

[Harla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this one as well. Good girl read.

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short & sweet. Not as deep as Worth or Stella Stands Alone (my favorite), but LaFaye puts emotions into words with amazing skill. The Irish-American folklore was neat, too.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good for the people out there who like faniseys and real life together :)

[Mary E. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, clearly written, but both this extreme fear of water and silkie parents were too much for me.

[W W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not bad. I liked it well enough to try another book LaFaye has written.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author reallys conveys the fear of the child. An easy read that still digs deep into emotions.