Customer Reviews

The Silent Stranger: A Kaya Mystery (American Girl Mysteries)

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1 star:		(2)

 

 

Kaya and her band of Nez Perce Indians have settled into their winter home in the Salmon River Country, and are preparing for the upcoming winter Spirit Dances. One day, two of Kaya's cousins find an injured young woman lost in the wilderness. They bring her back to the village. Kaya names the stranger Hawk Woman, and is determined to reach her. But Hawk Woman refuses to communicate and seems lost in her own world, and Kaya's beloved dog, Tatlo, seems to have abandoned Kaya for this strange woman. Kaya is worried that Hawk Woman may want to harm them, and so she decides to try and find out where the woman has come from, and why she was all alone.

This is good historical mystery that fans of the American Girls Collection, in particular those that are special fans of Kaya, are sure to enjoy. It's a longer, more detailed story than the other American Girls Collection books, so readers who are beginning to outgrow the regular books will appreciate the added length. It can also be enjoyed by girls who haven't read other American Girls books but who love historical mysteries. I really enjoyed this book, and I look forward to reading the other books in the new American Girls mystery series.

While Kaya still feels that she is mourning her beloved friend, Swan Circling, who recently passed on, she can't help but feel excited to be getting ready to celebrate the winter Spirit Dances. It is during these dances that Kaya's village will finally speak of Swan Circling, and wish her a happy passing, as well as celebrate the spirits of the past. While Kaya is helping to prepare these celebrations, she will spend much of her time looking after the little ones, as she has not yet been on her vision quest. Therefore, she is still considered a child. However, when a mysterious stranger arrives in Kaya's village, injured, and refusing to speak - either vocally or through signs - Kaya finds herself looking after more than just children, but looking after the silent stranger, as well. The stranger looks harmless, but, at night, she thrashes about, the victim of horrifying dreams and nightmares that plague her once the sun goes down; and, in the day, she takes Kaya's dog, Tatlo, with her as she explores the mountains, and searches for something that no one else can see. Kaya is confused as to why this stranger is not only silent, but why she is traveling alone, without a tribe. With the help of some of her friends, she attempts to uncover exactly what this stranger is here for, and why she acts so unresponsive and ungrateful at the friendly gestures her tribe provides to the woman. But, as Kaya digs deeper, she learns of a secret that the woman is keeping. One that even she did not know was hidden beneath her heart. And Kaya, even at her young age, must look inside her own heart, and place her dislike for this stranger aside, in an attempt to help save her from the demons that are riddling her mind, and give her some comfort. But sometimes it's hard for someone as young and Kaya to make an impact on an adult. Especially an adult who wants to be left alone to wallow in her own misery.

While I have read almost every AMERICAN GIRL book that has ever been released, I have never had the pleasure to read Kaya's tales, so THE SILENT STRANGER was actually my first taste of Kaya's lifestyle, and family. I can, in all honesty, admit that it will certainly not be my last. I have been fascinated with the ways of Native Americans for years, and always enjoyed the addition of them in the Kirsten Larson books, so I was extremely happy to see many of the customs they celebrate featured in this particular mystery. Kaya is a wonderful character, whose kind heart, caring nature, love for her animals, and do-good attitude make her appealing from the get-go. Her inner struggle to help the mysterious woman who invades her village, while at the same time feeling a dislike towards her for hogging Tatlo is invigorating to read about, and really gives the reader a chance to view conflict first-hand. I adored the fact that there is a blind character, Kaya's sister, Speaking Rain, as she truly illustrates the struggles of a blind girl in such an era - from relying on her sense of hearing and smell to really experience everything around her. Speaking Rain, while not being featured much throughout the story, is a heroic character, and her inclusion in the tale will, most certainly, teach readers more about facing life with such a disadvantage, and how appreciative they should be of their own health; while, at the same time, making her an interesting, unique character, who is both independent and brave, and extremely lovable. The interactions she shares with Kaya are enjoyable, and it's delightful to see no sign of sibling rivalry between the two of them - just sisterly love. Rich with values and conflict that are sure to keep readers occupied long into the night.

Erika Sorocco
Freelance Reviewer

Kaya tries to befriend an injured stranger who is brought to their village. The women either can't or choses not to speak. When the woman does not respond the way Kaya expects she has difficulty trusting the woman. Much of the plot is discussed already so I will just add my thoughts. This book teaches the importances of not passing judgment based on how things and people may appear on the surface. Yes there is a sad part when a dog is killed by a cougar, but I feel death is something most kids of an age to be reading this can handle the way it is portrayed. My daughter is only 5 and very emotional so I told her prior to reading the book that I had heard that a dog dies in the book and did she think it would be too sad to read, she asked if it was Tatlo and I told her I didn't think so. (It's not.) She chose to read it anyway and I think having the information to expect the sad part made it better in her case. The conversations we have had based on this book have been wonderful. I do recommend that parents consider reading this book with their child as it has many good points to discuss. In my case I read it to my daughter but with an older child you could have them read it to you. I thoroughly enjoyed all of the Kaya books probably as much as my daughter did.

I really enjoyed reading this book.I would say it`s good for girls atleast over the age of 10 to read.A strange woman comes to Kaya`s village.She is troubled by dreams and cannot speak to any one in their village.Kaya wants to help the poor woman and at first the woman will not accept it.In the end Kaya finds out the real truth and is able to help this troubled stranger.

I didn't like this book one bit! i never could really put my mind on it, and in the end i was really didn't understand what happened. Its a wierd story, unlike the others, even though i don't care for the American girl mystery, " danger at the zoo". I wouldn't get this book if i were you. Hope i helped!!!

Many, many tears have been shed over this book by my nine year old daughter. For reasons I do not understand...reasons that were completely unrelated to the storyline, a little dog that Kaya adores is killed by a cougar. There is absolutely no need to put this in the book. There are plenty of dead dogs in other books such as Where the Red Fern Grows for children to read when they are older, but why would anyone writing for little girls need to add this disturbing part of the book??