Kiki's Journey

Written by Kristy Orona-Ramirez and illustrated by Jonathan Warm Day, Kiki's Journey is a picturebook about modern Native American life. A young Tiki girl living in Los Angeles knows little about her traditional culture and heritage, as her parents brought her from the pueblo to the city when she was a baby. During spring break from school, she has the opportunity to experience the pueblo with her parents for the first time. At first she feels like a tourist in a place that should be home, but the more she learns and sees, the better she understands the proud cultural history and traditions that precede her, and above all, the importance of family ties. The boldly simple and colorful artwork is the perfect complement to this heartwarming story of discovery.

This story was extremely meaningful; it had a very good plot. My favorite part of the story was when Kiki figures out how to be proud of her Indian race.The whole plot of the story is Kiki travels from the city to the Indian reservation and feels intimidated and ashamed about her traditions. Kiki then is told by her grandma to be proud of what she is.

I like the book because a girl goes see her grandmother. She lives in Los Angles but, she her people live to far away from her. She visits her people for 2 weeks they cook food, they need to burn it in a fire they dont use ovens and all that stuff we use today because they are Native people from the Pueblo.After when she is going home she says she dose not want to go home because she wants to stay with her grandma but, she can't stay so she takes one more look at the pueblo then she goes home. I like the book because it makes me proud for who I am.

This is the fresh and modern tale of Kiki, a young girl who comes to better understand herself and her family through a journey to the Pueblo reservation. A great read with honest dialogue, and tender family moments, this tale is presented with beautiful images created by Pueblo artist, Jonathan Warm Day. A must-have for the classroom, children's libraries and kid's bookshelves at home.

This story reminds us all that we have a home, where ever that may be, that is special and is in our hearts. My students and I enjoyed reading about Kiki and her journey.