The One Where Kaya Learns Many Lessons: Kaya’s Escape

In the second Kaya book, the American Girl team breaks format, and also places our protagonist in great danger. Instead of learning just one big lesson, Kaya learns many. After Kaya and her sister are kidnapped, Kaya has to use her smarts to plot an escape. Our coverage discusses Kaya’s enslavement and what this book teaches us about 18c life for Kaya’s people. We also shed light on the team behind these books and discuss alternative narratives by indigenous authors. Finally, we consider the relevance of Rutherford Falls and Rebecca Black’s ten-year anniversary remix of Friday.

An important word about content for our listeners: this book features upsetting themes including kidnapping, slavery, animal abuse, and threats of violence. We discuss this themes in the context of the book and history.

Learn more about E Jane Gay’s work: Browse her photos / photo book

We also recommend:

  • Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley

  • The Thundermaker by Alan Syliboy and Lindsay R Marshall 

  • Kunu’s Basket by Lee DeCora Francis 

  • Green Grass Running Water by Thomas King 

  • Riding the Trail of Tears by Blake Hausman

    You can also browse on this indigenous reading list/shop.

Additional Studies:

  •  Staging Indigeneity by Katrina Philips 

  • Slavery in Indian Country by Christina Snyder

  • Ties That Bind by Tiya Miles

Resources:

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Image of Steps High from user Nipasu on the American Girl Wiki.