Katya of Fort Ross - Softcover

Stites, Clara

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1564743799 ISBN 13: 9781564743794

Publisher: Fithian Pr, 2001

In the mid-nineteenth century Katya, a Russian girl whose stepmother is Aleut, and Miyacha, a native Kashaya girl, trade knowledge about their cultures as they play together in and near Fort Ross, a Russian settlement in northern California. Includes historical information about the fort.In the mid-nineteenth century Katya, a Russian girl and Miyacha, a native Kashaya girl, trade knowledge about their cultures as they play together in and near Fort Ross, a Russian settlement in northern California.

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

From the Publisher:

A Story of Early California History, Adventure, Tolerance, and Friendship

Living in the bustling and thriving California of today, it’s sometimes difficult to imagine that our Golden State wasn’t always as we now know it. Katya of Fort Ross—A Story of Early California sheds light on an earlier time—one that was quieter in many ways. But even then, California was inhabited by motivated settlers with the spirit of excitement we often associate with our present-day California and its people. Written for young people, Katya of Fort Ross is a friendly introduction to old-time California. Set over 150 years ago, Katya of Fort Ross is the story of a ten-year-old girl living with her father, a Russian carpenter, and her stepmother, a native Alaskan woman, in the Russian settlement of Fort Ross, on the northern California coast. Young Katya is lonely in her new and unfamiliar home, but she passes pleasant hours looking out to sea, where she is sometimes fortunate enough to spot a mother otter with her pup. One day, after being soaked by a giant wave, Katya a is befriended by a native Kashaya girl her age, named Miyacha. Miyacha is a cheerful child, quick to laugh, and she easily wins the approval of Katya’s parents. The girls play together often, and one day the take a pony ride to the village where Miyacha’s people live. The Kashaya people lavish hospitality on Katya, and they send her home with a basket full of acorn soup for her stepmother. It is then that Katya learns what Miyacha has already observed: Katya has a new sibling on the way. At the end of the book Katya’s family receives the news that the Russians have decided to leave Fort Ross; the Russian colonization of northern California is coming to a close. But Katya’s family has decided to stay, and Katya can look forward to a long-lasting friendship with Miyacha. This historically accurate book presents colorful characters, adventurous settings, and an uplifting story. Katya of Fort Ross entertains as it educates young people about California in the early 1800’s.

From the Inside Flap:

From the back cover:

Rosalba and her family live in southern California on a 4000-acre rancho that has belonged to them for many generations. Rosalba is happy at Rancho Santa Juanita. She loves the animals and all the hard work and traditions of the rancho. She especially loves her Pap� and her mischievous sister, Ana.

But Rosalba lives in a time of great change. The Gold Rush has brought thousands of people to northern California. Southern California, once ruled by Spain and later Mexico, has been annexed by the United States. California has become the thirty-first state in the Union. Suddenly, politics and history are very important—even for a girl of eleven.

Will Rosalba’s family be allowed to keep Rancho Santa Juanita? Is their land grant still valid? Or will they have to leave the home that has been theirs for many generations?

Clara Stites is a writer, former middle school teacher, and mother of two avid readers. She lives and writes in Dartmouth, Massachusetts.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.