In the winter of 1764, after Kaya and her sister are kidnapped from their Nez Percé village by enemy horse raiders, she tries to find a way to escape back home. Includes historical notes on education and learning among the Nez Percé Indians.

Kirsten and her family celebrate their first Christmas in their new home on Uncle Olav's farm in mid-nineteenth-century Minnesota.

On a Minnesota farm in the mid 1800's, the hard working members of the Larson family find time to celebrate Kirsten's tenth birthday.

In 1764, Kaya greatly admires a courageous and kind young woman in her Nez Perce village and wants to be worthy of her respect. Includes historical notes on the winter activities of the Nez Perce Indians, including ceremonies and crafts.

While looking for Steps High, the horse that had been stolen from her, Kaya faces danger from a sudden grassland fire. Includes historical notes on the Nez Percé Indians.

When Kaya and her family join with other Nez Percé and Salish Indians to fish for the red salmon, she and her older sister hope to be reunited with their younger sister, who had been kidnapped some time before. Includes historical notes on the summer activities of the Nez Percé Indians.

In 1856, Kirsten and her cousins look after the farm while the adults go to town for supplies, and everything is fine--until a blizzard surprises them.