D.R.E.A.M Dolls Rule Everything Around Me

American Girls

I’m really curious to know what they’re removing from her books because logically, nothing can really be removed without affecting the rest of the stories. The first book sets the stage; the second book introduces the story of finding her horse and her sister, which ties it to the last book; I suppose they COULD remove the third book and any future mention of Swan Circling in the second volume, but this is a terrible idea for one major reason.

At the beginning of her story, Kaya is given the name “magpie” against her wishes. The magpie is a silly, selfish bird who only thinks of its own impulsive wishes. After she grows and matures, she is given the name “Swan Circling”. Instead of a nickname given as a punishment, this name is given to her as a gift. One that she also has to earn, but with maturity and mindfulness. A swan is, like a magpie, also a bird, but a bird that is more steadfast and loyal to others. Removing that element of her story would remove the beautiful arc, the common thread of the meaningfulness of names, the changing of identities as one grows and changes, the magpie rising into the sky and the swan circling as it descends and circles back to take the name of a bird. 

Without seeing that evolution from magpie to swan, then Kaya’s sacrifices and growth seem meaningless. Without that element, you’ll still be lead to believe that they still call Kaya “magpie” even though she’s proven herself to be no longer selfish and impulsive. 

Honestly. Kaya’s stories are just too intertwined with each other to remove anything at all! This is so frustrating! Imagine bringing home your new friend, a Kaya doll, and reading her books, and NOT knowing some crucial and wonderful things about her!!! 

“Nearly all of Kaya Shows the Way is removed. “The Sound of the Falls” contains the arrival at the falls, river crossing, and reunion with Speaking Rain. But while there is a brief mention of White Braids, there is no subsequent conflict of Speaking Rain’s vow to live with White Braids and never leave her. It is thus implied in the text that Speaking Rain remains with her own tribe full time after her return.”

I’m glad that Kaya’s Hero got to stay, but the events that show her learning to be thoughtful and of her showing selflessness are gone. Which sort of ruins the whole significance of her taking a new name!! Caring for the puppies, letting Lone Dog go her own way even though Kaya wants her to stay, and coming up with the idea to let Speaking Rain fulfil her vow…. all of that was why she felt that she could one day be honored with the name of Swan Circling, who was herself selfless and generous! 

My brain: Kaya’aton’my

Me: