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Paint the Wind

(2007, Fiction - Literary Fiction, Written by Pam Munoz Ryan)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 5, age appropriate for kids over 7; suggested age 7.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Horse tale shines with rich plot and characters.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 7 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Kids lie, break the rules, and pull pranks -- sometimes with dire consequences -- but eventually grow through the lessons they learn. A bitter grandmother demonstrates poor parenting skills and judgment, but the other adult characters provide their young relations with unconditional love ... and tough love when appropriate.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    A mountain lion kills a colt, not described.

  • Sex:

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Paint the Wind

Parents need to know that this book has some intense scenes that may upset younger or more sensitive kids, but none are graphic, many are kept to very brief descriptions, and, for the most part, everything turns out all right in the end. Most of the story takes place in Wyoming, so the harsh realities of the wilderness are prevalent. There's also a relatively descriptive account of a horse giving birth that could raise questions.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how Maya changed once she left her grandmother's home and moved to Wyoming. How did Maya's new family, and the rough conditions of the horse camp, help her grow as a person? How did her relationship with Artemisia help her feel closer to her mother? What do you think the future holds for Maya?
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Our Members Say

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See all 7 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    sophie featherst ...
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 5.0

    this book is for tweens

    i love it. i enter vewed 1,234 people on it. only one did not like it. horse lovers will love this book.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  2. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    sophie featherst ...
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 5.0

    this book is for tweens

    i love it. i enter vewed 1,234 people on it. only one did not like it. horse lovers will love this book.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  3. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    sophie featherst ...
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 5.0

    perfect for 10-13 year olds

    omg i entervewed 298 people on the book only one did not like it. great for horse people.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
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  4. Parent Reviewer
    AnthonyK
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 4.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Good role models

    attention catcher

    This is a beautifully written story that will capture your attention and your heart. The author's style allows you to feel the relationships between all characters. Her descriptions of the elements and terraine allow you to visualize the story as if seeing it on film. When I finished the story, I felt as though I had seen the movie. For more information, visit this site: http://personalmoneystore.com/Personal-Loans/personal-Loan/

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
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  5. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    kitty15
    I rate this title on for age 17 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    perfect for all ages

    i loved it so much

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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