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Paint the Wind

  • 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

This review of Paint the Wind was written by Ellen Dendy

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.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • 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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More on Paint the Wind

Book Summary

Life hasn't been easy for 11-year-old Maya -- orphaned at 5, she lives in a tawny California mansion with her overbearing grandmother who detested Maya's horse-loving mother. But a tragic event changes everything. Maya is whisked off to Wyoming to live with her mother's relatives, whom she's never met and, due to her grandmother's lies, she actually fears.

Maya struggles to adapt to her new family and living in a rustic camp, but her love of horses -- the strongest connection she has with her mother -- makes living in a teepee and dealing with her bratty cousin a little easier. Maya learns to ride and slowly comes out of her shell, embarking on a journey of self-discovery that leads her to a beautiful, wild horse named Artemisia. With Artemisia by her side, Maya will face the unfathomable.

Is It Any Good?

Award-winning author Pam Muñoz Ryan paints vivid images of wild horses and western landscapes in this tale about a young girl who must adapt to a brand-new life. It's hard to imagine any horse-loving child disliking this satisfyingly complete story, and the rich plot and character development are likely to captivate young readers who aren't horse-obsessed, too.

The main character's story is interspersed with segments written from the perspective of the wild horse, Artemisia, and Ryan's thorough research on the region and wild horses is evident. Ryan is a masterful writer who deftly handles dialogue, detailed descriptions, action scenes, and plot and character development, and she's achieved another winner in PAINT THE WIND.

Publisher’s Details

Publisher: Scholastic Inc., Publication date: 09/01/2007
Number of pages: 327, Price: $16.99 (hardcover)
Read Aloud: 7, Read Alone: 7

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    I loveeeee this book so much! Its so madly addictve but tho at some times i got a little bored but im farther into the book now so its way better! im a horse lover so i loveeeee this book! So beautiful!!!!

  2. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    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.

  3. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    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.

  4. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    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.

  5. Parent Reviewer
    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/

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