Janet Beeler Shaw Books

The Larson family celebrates Kirsten's tenth birthday.

In 1764, when Kaya and her family reunite with other Nez Percé Indians to fish for the red salmon, she learns that bragging, even about her swift horse, can lead to trouble. Includes historical notes on the Nez Percé Indians.

Kirsten is a pioneer girl of strength and spirit who settles on the frontier. After a long journey from Sweden, Kirsten and her family arrive at a tiny farm on the Minnesota frontier

Kirsten Larson is a pioneer girl of strength and spirit growing up on the Minnesota prairie in 1854. Kirsten's stories begin with her long, dangerous voyage with her family from Sweden to America. At first, Kirsten finds it difficult to get used to this strange new country. But as she makes friends and discovers what her new land has to offer, she learns the true meaning of home -- and that love is the same in any language.Kirsten has trouble in her new American school. She finds escape in playing with her secret Sioux friend, Singing Bird.

A tough Minnesota winter brings many changes to Kirsten's frontier life, including the new responsibility of helping her brother Lars set his traps and a move into a new house for her family.

At last it's summer! Even Kirsten's chores, like going to the stream to catch fish for dinner, seems like play in the fine Minnesota weather. One day while she's fishing, Kirsten leaves the stream to explore the woods beyond the farm. There she finds a treasure--a bee tree packed with honeycombs. Kirsten knows Papa could use honey to trade for things the family needs. So she decides to surprise him by bringing the honey home. Kirsten needs help, so she asks her brother Peter to go with her. But they don't know that bears are after Kirsten's treasure, too.

Kaya's beloved horse, Steps High, has been captured by enemy raiders. Kaya fears she'll never see Steps High again, until she hears of a herd of Nimiipuu horses running wild in the mountains. As she travels with a hunting party into the mountains, Kaya is troubled by the smoke she smells on the wind--smoke from mountain fires. While searching desperately for Steps High, Kaya has to face a fear greater than she's ever known. Smoke on the Wind, the second volume of Kaya's classic stories, tells how Kaya's strength and wisdom help her make important choices.