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Paint the Wind

(2007, Fiction - Literary Fiction, Written by Pam Munoz Ryan)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 5, age appropriate for kids over 7; suggested age 7.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Horse tale shines with rich plot and characters.

updated 07.04.08

Why We Rated This on for Ages 7 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Kids 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.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence :

    A mountain lion kills a colt, not described.
  • Sex :

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Paint the Wind

Parents need to know that this book has 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.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • 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?
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer
    Age 13
    Lives in South Carolina
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    First book that ever made me cry!!!

    In my whole life I have yet to come to a book that can even match this one! The way the author describes the ghost horses is amazing. The little girl in the story amazes me with how clever she is, even though she has a diabolical mind. I love this book to the moon and the stars and back again!!!

  2. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in California
    Kids ages: 10
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0

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