Pathki Nana: Kootenai Girl Solves a Mystery (Amazing Indian Children Book 5) Kindle Edition

Pathki Nana is an eight year old girl dubbed "The Sad One" by the people in her village. Clumsy and eager to prove herself of worth, she often makes mistakes--angering her mother and causing the young girl to isolate herself from others in grief. What's worse, she feels that her family favors her older sister--Red Willow--who is very talented and lovely. The only one who seems to understand her is her beloved grandmother Quiet One. One day, as part of her coming of age ceremony, Pathki Nana is sent into the mountainside to find her spirit animal. However, before she is able to, she accidentally witnesses a terrible crime--and by doing so puts her life in danger.This is one of those books that truly inspired me to begin writing when I was 12 years old. The attention to details is beautiful and made me want to create such things myself. I picked it up after a self-made challenge to read all the books in the fiction section of the school library. I started at one end and progressed, reading not only this novel, but the majority of Kenneth Thomasma's books in this series. Each tale, based on a different character from different times and tribes, has a delicate and perfect balance between childhood and that moment where childhood comes to an end. The characters are dynamic, growing with the story, and provide good role models without being overly idealized. Each character has their own personal struggles--whether it is coping with being enslaved by another tribe, losing a loved one, or adjusting to the change that comes with time. While some of the stories do discuss the introduction of immigrants entering America or moving west, some are based in more ancient times before settlers from Spain, England, and France even knew of the New World. This is the case with Pathki Nana.For those who have never read the series, I would certainly recommend them for readers of all ages.

I’ve read this book countless times, and I’m amazed by how the book steps up to greet me in new ways the older that I get. It’s a beautiful tale of bravery, daring, and discovering oneself. The story of Pathki Nana is timeless and applicable to experiences of spiritual awakening that happen throughout our lives, not just in childhood or adolescence. Reading this book is like watching a movie about artistry in nature, and it truly boosts my appreciation for tribal culture and Native America. Read, enjoy, and reread.

I choose this rating because it was a sad but good book. I liked how exciting it was. I would recommend it .

I wish I could have done this. It was exciting, adventurous and dangerous. I am a 6 year-old and thought it was awesome!

Excellent book loved reading it with my grandchildren love the author. He seems to research the topic well before writing.

Excellent book! Great read.

Review from 9 year old daughter: Pathki Nana is great for ages 9-14 to read. Challenging words, action and good entertainment are in the book. I think outdoor girls and boys would like this. Inside this book a wimpy kid turns into a hero and solves a mystery. I learned that horses were important to the Nez Perce Indians. I learned that aspirin comes from a type of tree, and Pathki used it to help her leg when it was hurting. I would recommend this book.

My daughters favorite book. She’s read it 10x and I had to purchase her all of Kenneth Thomasma’s books. I would highly recommend for young readers.