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Courtesy of Mother-Daughter Book Club.com
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.
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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 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. -
Reviewed by Sarah Bean the Green Bean Teen Queen for TeensReadToo.com
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.
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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.