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 the our Golden State wasn’t always as we 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 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 they 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 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 middle-grade readers about California in the early 1800’s.
Clara Stites taught school for more than twelve years, worked as a writer and creative director for an advertising and public relations agency, and edited several adult non-fiction books, including In the Shadow of the Giant (Ohio University Press, 1988). She lived in California for five years and now lives in Massachusetts where she writes fiction. Her stories have appeared in a number of literary journals. |
