Walaas is excited to visit her family’s reserve, Kitkatla, for spring break.
Kitkatla always feels like home. She and her dzi’i (grandmother) travel there by fishing boat, and on the way Walaas spots porpoises in the sparkling waves. Once they arrive, they stay with her da’as (auntie), and her mom comes too to join in the fun.
The days pass slowly as Walaas spends time with family, wanders the shore and enjoys foods you can’t get in town, like fresh chiton and sea urchin. She likes listening to her family speak Sm’algya̱x, even though her mom won’t always tell her what they’re talking about, and sharing an evening snack of homemade anaay (bread) and jarred cherries. The visits to Kitkatla are never long enough, but Walaas knows she will always return to the reserve because it’s her home.
Praise for Kim Spencer:
★”Readers will be left with a rich image of Mia’s world and the family and people that surround her as well as a strong sense of how culture and class impact people’s experiences. A touching exploration of identity and culture.”–Kirkus Reviews, starred review for Weird Rules to Follow
Author: Kim Spencer
Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Orca Book Publishers
Published: 03/17/2026
Pages: 32
Weight: 0.44lbs
Size: 10.75h x 8.75w x 0.25d
ISBN: 9781459840102
Language: English
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