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Water Steps

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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. This book is destined to win some awards for its literary qualities. Highly recommended.

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.

A.LaFaye's latest work delves into fantasy, an area that she manages just as well as historical fiction. Eleven-year-old Kyna has a crippling fear of water, one so strong that even showers are a problem. After her entire family drowned in a boating accident, Kyna was adopted by the couple who rescued her. Mem and Pap have always been very understanding and gentle when dealing with Kyna's fears, but this summer they've decided she needs to confront her fears by moving near a lake. Kyna is terrified at first, but she begins to find things she does enjoy about the area, such as exploring the woods with a new friend.

While Kyna is coping with her fear, she also is beginning to question Mem and Pap. Why are they so in love with the water Kyna fears, and who are these strange friends of theirs, all who share Mem and Pap's Irish accents? Kyna begins to have suspicions about who Mem and Pap really are, but it's too fantastic to be true. Right?

LaFaye's pairing of myth and phobia is utterly brilliant. The strength of a story based on myth lies in the characters and how well a reader can relate to them. Fortunately, characters are where LaFaye shines in all her work. Kyna and her water phobia are very realistic (no small feat considering the severity of Kyna's phobia), and Mem and Pap are gentle but firm; model parents for a child with Kyna's traumatic past. While anyone with a knowledge of Irish folklore can guess the solution to the mystery, one keeps reading to find out what exactly happens to Kyna and her family.

I'd been hoping LaFaye would do more fantasy ever since I read "Dad, In Spirit," and am so very glad that she has returned to the genre in such a spectacular manner!

--Amie Rotruck (aka R. D. Henham)

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.

Reviewed by: Sarah Bean the Green Bean Teen Queen