Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this book does have 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 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?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Ellen Dendy
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 girl 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 point-of-view of the wild horse, Artemisia, and Ryan's thorough research of the region and wild horses is evident (most of the unusual terms are defined in text, but a glossary is also included).
Pam Muñoz Ryan is a masterful writer who deftly handles dialog, detailed descriptions, action scenes, and full plot and character development, and she's achieved another winner in PAINT THE WIND.
From The Book
Maya lifted her head and saw the stange apparition. A cluster of anomalous white pieces, like a dismembered spirit, drifted before her...She heard a nicker and soft blowing sounds. Her voice trembled and she whispered, "A ghost horse..."
As the ghost horse inched closer, its white parts grew larger. Maya watched with awe as its body emerged in its entirety, sidling so close that she could reach up and touch the underbelly.
"It is you," whispered Maya.
Artemisia uttered her familiar nicker.
Plot 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.
Related Books:
Other Books by Pam Muñoz Ryan:
Esperanza Rising
Riding Freedom
Becoming Naomi León
Other Stories about Kids and Horses:
Misty of Chincoteague by Marguerite Henry
Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
The Horse Whisperer by Nicholas Evans
Terri Farley's Phantom Stallion series
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ViolenceA mountain lion kills a colt, not described. |
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Social BehaviorKids 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. |
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