Originally Posted by freeranger

Looks like a great bike for a kid! According to the specs on Cannondale's site, the brake lever reach is adjustable. Looks like the brake cables are a bit slack in the pics, taking out the slack should decrease the pull a little, but maybe the levers aren't set for smaller hands?
If she doesn't like the grip shift, shouldn't be too difficult to change (or have it changed) to a trigger shifter. If not doing it yourself, maybe have a shop change the tires (which you mentioned) and adjust the brakes and brake lever reach and change out the shifter while they have it. Shouldn't be too expensive. Nothing like a nice bike, shows that kids can tell the difference too!