Prehistory Books

The Bronze Bow

Elizabeth George Speare

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 96 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

planning to read it again 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This is an interesting read for kids over the age of 10, and for adults as well. The main character depicts a Jewish teenager named Daniel living at the same time as Jesus. Daniel is very disturbed over the Roman occupation of Israel and the death of his parents. The book provides an excellent forum to teach children about religious tolerance and getting along with others. The characters are complex, allowing for deep literary analysis, and the historical context is educational, something that adolescents will associate with, given their background in world history. The story is both endearing and stimulating, with an active plot. My 11 year old is planning to read it again.

5 stars is not enough! 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

There are a great deal of "Young Adult Fiction" books that I didn't get around to reading at the "right age." The Bronze Bow is one such book. I didn't read it until I was out of college and had a better understanding of the Jewish faith and customs, and I wondered what had taken me so long. This book is wonderful! It presents an accurate picture of everyday life in early Christian Jerusalem and reveals how family tragedy can scar young lives. Daniel's hatred of the Romans is an obssessive passion; it consumes him to the extent that he cuts himself off from other people and future relationships that he could have. "It is Roman blood I want!" he says and he lives for the day when the last Roman is driven from the land. He sees his relationsips with others, his feelings for his girlfriend Thacia, his sister Leah, and his friend Sampson as his "weakness", something to hold him back from this goal he is trying to reach, and he continually shuts them out, though he is very lonely and unhappy when doing so. Only when he is alone and everyone is slipping away from him does he realize that hatred will not fill the emptiness in his heart.

I have always enjoyed Biblical fiction and am presently working on a book of my own. When I knew that this took place in early Christian times, I grabbed it right away! The unusual thing is that it ends before the
Crucifiction, leaving readers to wonder how the characters of this story will react to it. It beautifully illustrates Christian truths, the power of love over hatred and the power to do all things, even impossible things, with God's help. A treat for fans of Biblical and historical fiction!

Editorial Review:

Set in Galilee in the time of Jesus, this is the story of a young Jewish rebel who is won over to the gentle teachings of Jesus.

Chronicles of Ancient Darkness #4: Outcast (Chronicles of Ancient Darkness)

Michelle Paver

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Just as good, if not better, than the previous powerful books in this gripping series 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

I am the oldest of the clans of the Open Forest...I speak for them all...The boy bears the mark of the Soul-Eater. The law is clear. He must be cast out.

What does it mean to be an outcast? For Torak it means he is no longer accepted among the clans. He leaves his tribe in disgrace because he has the mark of the Soul-Eaters on his chest. He cannot communicate with anyone, and if he is found, he will be killed. Fin-Kedinn, the Raven Leader who has been like a father to him, has been forced to cast him out. Even Renn, his best friend, is not allowed to help him and must turn her back on him or risk her own death. He is clanless. Torak travels alone, always in danger and with the curse of the Viper Mage, Seshru of the Soul-Eaters, haunting his every step.

The young warrior, however, does not give up. As he walks away from his beloved peoples he declares:

I may be outcast and clanless, but I'm no Soul-Eater. And I will find a way to prove it..."

With his long-time companion Wolf at his side and his confidence in the forest, he is determined to tear the mark from his chest and prove his worthiness. Though Renn is supposed to stay away, she finds him and reveals the magic rite he must use to remove the evil scar. Yet, as he moves deeper into the forests and is faced with more obstacles, his confidence is challenged from all directions. Hunted and haunted by the Viper Mage, Torak is unable to escape her powerful magic. Worst of all, he discovers that he cannot control the sickness creeping through his body and that he might, without intent, harm those he loves.

Renn now travels with a skilled Skinboater from the Seal Clan known as Bale. Risking their own lives, they try to protect Torak and help him as he fights against the Soul-Eaters. But for Renn there is even greater danger as the Viper Mage, Seshru, controls Torak and, in her raging jealously, sends a giant, slithering horror to destroy her.

The snake stretched its jaws wide --- its fangs unfold from the roof of its mouth and point down --- they fill with venom, ready to strike...Bite, bite..

How can OUTCAST be just as good, if not better, than the previous powerful books in this gripping series? The introduction of Bale is a good addition and brings an interesting character into the close relationship of Renn and Torak. All the wonderful details of life 6,000 years ago, the mystic happenings, the customs of everyday living and the abilities to survive in a world full of unknown threats is fascinating reading. Michelle Paver keeps every minute tingling with excitement, mystery and adventure.

The black and white drawings by Geoff Taylor again beautifully illustrate Torak's world. Book five will be out in January and no doubt will have an eager audience waiting for more fabulous stories of the amazing Torak and his ancient world.

--- Reviewed by Sally M. Tibbetts

Editorial Review:

Torak crouched on a beach of black sand, his clothes in tatters, his face wild and hopeless as he lashed out with a flaming brand—lashed out at Wolf.

Ior two moons Torak has hidden a terrible secret—and now it is revealed. He bears the mark of the Soul-Eater and must pay the price. Cast out from the clans, he is alone and on the run: cut off from his best friend, Renn, and his beloved pack-brother, Wolf.

In the haunted reed-beds of Lake Axehead he is hunted by the Otter Clan and taunted by the Hidden People and, as soul-sickness claims him, falls prey to an even greater menace. Tormented by secrets and broken trust, he uncovers a deception that will turn his world upside down.

Outcast is a thrilling story of friendship, survival, and the need to belong. Like all the books in the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness, Outcast explores the complexities of an ancient world filled with good and evil.

Chronicles of Ancient Darkness #2: Spirit Walker (Chronicles of Ancient Darkness)

Michelle Paver

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 27 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Not watered down 4 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

When I first heard about the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness series it was through this book. I was drawn to it because a rave review from my favourite local bookstore, but also because the cover art looked so Pacific Northwest. It is, in fact, supposed to be set in a more nordic setting, but I couldn't help but think of ancient times in my own backyard San Juan islands. Hey, we have Orcas too, you know. Once again Torak, Renn and Wolf must vanquish a terrible evil that threatens the Forest, and this time their trek leads them to the Sea. Michelle Paver's dedication to first-hand research made the setting come alive for me, and I saw many elements of Haida and Inuit cultures sprinkled throughout the novel, but never too heavy-handed, which was refreshing. Although these book are a little predictable, I still enjoy being transported to a fresh-scented outdoor world filled with spirits, demons, and lots of adventure. I put this in the "Mist of Avalon" catagory, but I would liken it most to Clan of the Cavebears.

Editorial Review:

As the Moon of No Dark waxes large, the clans fall prey to a horrifying sickness. Fear stalks the Forest. No one knows the cause—and only Torak can find the cure.

His quest takes him across the sea to the mysterious islands of the Seal Clan. Here, Torak battles an unseen menace and uncovers a betrayal that will change his life—forever.

Chronicles of Ancient Darkness #3: Soul Eater (Chronicles of Ancient Darkness)

Michelle Paver

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 9 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Great Series 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

Chronicles of Ancient Darkness #3: Soul Eater (Chronicles of Ancient Darkness)
This series if wonderful. My son and I started reading this together as a school project. We have purchased all three books and enjoy the time together reading. This is a book that keeps me interested as well as keeping him interested and reading!

In the great forests of ancient times, Torak and his friend, Renn, once again hunt. 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

In the great forests of ancient times, Torak and his friend, Renn, once again hunt. With them is the giant wolf dog who is never far from Torak's side. Everything seems normal to them until Torak comes across the feather of the fierce eagle owl, which is a bad omen. Though Torak throws it away, the hunt is spoiled when a giant eagle owl swoops from the tree tops and scares their prey away. Then, unexpectedly, Wolf darts away as if in pursuit of new prey. Though they try to follow, he easily out-distances them.

After some debate they decide to continue their hunt for Wolf and not go back to their Raven tribe. Little do they know what this decision will mean as they struggle deeper and deeper into uncharted, frozen lands. This is the beginning of the end for Torak and Renn.

In the meantime, Wolf has fallen into a trap set by the dreaded Soul Eaters; he has been beaten, drugged and caged. The Soul Eaters are in the process of gathering the fiercest animal hunters to sacrifice. It is the strength of these hunters that will help make the Soul Eaters the strongest tribe. They are power hungry, evil and reek of rotting flesh as they move forward with their evil plan.

Without the help of the White Fox Clan, Torak and Renn might have perished. When attacked by the winter bear, it is Fox Clan member Inuktiluk who helps them and takes them to the frozen river so they can attempt to cross into the dangerous unknown. But even in their worst dreams, they have no idea how horrible it will be when at last they find the beloved animal.

...The tip of Wolf's bushy silver tail was matted with dried blood: but it wasn't that which turned [Torak] ill with fear. It was the slimy greenish-black flesh which showed through in patches. Flesh which stank of rottenness.

"It's the blackening sickness," said Renn. "It's poisoning him. The worms of sickness are eating him up from inside."

Once again, Michelle Paver has created a magical world in which good and evil are constantly at war. Torak and Renn are more fully realized as their characters mature and endure harrowing experiences. Paver's writing is fluid and strong, capturing the language, landscape and personalities of this ancient time. Readers of the first two installments of the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness series will be thrilled with this story --- probably the most powerful book yet.

--- Reviewed by Sally M. Tibbetts

Editorial Review:

It's winter, and Wolf, Torak's beloved pack-brother, has been captured by an unknown foe. In a desperate bid to rescue him, Torak and Renn must brave the frozen wilderness of the Far North.

As they battle for survival amid howling blizzards and the ever-present menace of the great white bear, their friendship is tested to the breaking point, and Torak is forced to get closer to his enemies than ever before. . . .

Chronicles of Ancient Darkness #1: Wolf Brother (Chronicles of Ancient Darkness)

Michelle Paver

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 56 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Really great book, slightly unusual setting 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I read this book not too long ago, and I thought it was really great. If I've ever read a book set in this time, I think the Stone Age, then I've forgotten it. Wolf Brother is well written and believable. The story pulls you in, and keeps you reading until the end. It's a hard book to pick up, but once you pick it up it's even harder to put it down. If you start reading it will pull you in, making it nearly impossible to stop until you've finished. The characters are well developed; I especially liked the parts from Wolf's point of view. All in all, Michelle Paver has written a marvelous book that will leave readers frantically searching for the next book in the series.

Editorial Review:

The epic journey of boy and wolf begins

Six thousand years ago. Evil stalks the land. According to legend, only twelve-year-old Torak and his wolf-cub companion can defeat it. Their journey together takes them through deep forests, across giant glaciers, and into dangers they never imagined. Torak and Wolf are terrified of their mission. But if they do not battle to save their world, who will?

The First Dog

Jan Brett

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

WOW! EXCELLENT STORY! WONDERFUL ART! GREAT GIFT OF ANY AGE! 4 out of 5 stars.
21 of 24 people found this review helpful.

To date this is my favorite of all of Jan's Bretts wonderful books! It's beautiful and it tells a heart warming story!

Brett's artwork (as usual) is tremondous! The action is so real you can't help but exclaim at the turn of every page (even if you're an adult)! In addition Brett's technique of putting clues as to what will happen next in the borders of each picture also helps build the suspense. My 5-year-old quickly spys a tusk on one page's border and shouts "Oh no! Look out Kip a Big Mammoth is coming! Hey wolf! Warn Kip that a Big Mammoth is coming!" My boy couldn't be more into the story if he is was Kip himself. The best part of the border art is that it is very thematic. For example on the saber-toothed tiger page there are carved figurines and cave art of saber-tooths based on actual archeological finds! I wish I could give 5 stars but saber-tooth cats didn't really climb trees...

I'm usually very critical of children's books & movies. In my opinion too many are either boring, plotless, or hopelessly inaccurate. Don't get me wrong, I love fantasy and other imaginitive works. But, for example elephants don't drink through their trunks like a straw! So why do we tell/show kids that they do?

Thankfully Brett would not make such an insulting mistake (saber-tooth in a tree is excuseable). This story is told so well, I assume that Brett actually did some serious research about Dog Domestication (she even uses the word Pleistocene!). The wolf befriends Kip the Cave Boy not just because it would make a cute story, but because Kip and the wolf have many things in common and while acting in each others self-interest they unite against common problems. AT LAST! Accurate Anthropology & Biology in a kid's book that KIDS ACTUALLY ENJOY!

P.S. looking for another excellent Kid's book on life in the Pleistocene? Try "Grunt the Primative Cave Boy" by Timothy Bush

Editorial Review:

Kip the Cave Boy offers to share all his woolly rhino ribs if Paleowolf will use his keen nose, fine ears, and sharp eyes to keep Kip from being eaten up. When Paleowolf agrees with a bark and a wag of his tail, Kip names his new friend Dog.

The Kin

Peter Dickinson

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 7 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

FIREY FANTASY 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 3 people found this review helpful.

I read a lot of books but, this was the first book I had pulled out of the "Teen" section at my local bookstore. I just have to say I wasn't disappointed it's a great book but, it could be improved(oh so now I'm the expert).

Lets start with Book 1 "Suth's Story". Peter Dickinson did a superior job in devoloping the character of Suth because he shows three sides to this teenage kin the first is his fatherly side the side that helps him raise Ko and Mana. He shows an adventurous side the one that makes him run away from his kin tribe and start his own life. The final side is that of a warrior this is shown when Suth kills the leopard and also when he attacks the cliff hawk in the very beginning! The main thing about "Suth's Story" is the Monkey kin and what goes on in the valley. I think this because that particular part shows the fatherly side of Suth when he is desperate to save his family.

Now for Book 2 "Noli's Story". This time Dickinson gives the main character (Noli) two sides and they are the "Day Noli" and the "Night Noli". The "Day Noli" is a regular kin woman she feeds Otan (her baby brother) she gathers crops and she cooks (not much more to be said about that). The "Night Noli" is the one that has visions of the "First Ones" like Moonhawk and Goma's "First One" I think this side is shown everytime Noli gets that spaced out look on her face. I think Noli is the most important character in the book.

I can't forget Book 3 and Book 4 which are "Ko's Story" and "Mana's Story". Ko and Mana are the exact oposites from ko's rambunctious ways to Mana's shy attitude.Ko has two sides and they are "Normal Ko" and "Dreaming Ko", the Ko that dreams is the central comedie of the story and normal ko is the perfect mirror of a young sugar-high boy. Mana on the other hand is "Shy Mana" and "Brave Mana", "Brave Mana" is the one at the end of the story who defeats the demon-man and that adds a nice twist to the ending.

There is one thing missing, another book, "Tinu's Story"

Editorial Review:

It is two hundred thousand years ago. A small group of children are cut off from their Kin, the Moonhawks, when they are driven from their "Good Place" by violent strangers. While searching for a new Good Place, they face the parched desert, an active volcano, a canyon flood, man-eating lions, and other Kins they've never seen before. Told from four points of view, with tales of the Kins' creation interspersed throughout, this epic novel humanizes early man and illuminates the beginning of language, the development of skills, and the organization of society. It is a triumphant book from one of the genre's most revered authors.

Dino Dudes Scratch And Sketch: An Art Activity Book For Fossil Hunters of All Ages (Scratch and Sketch)

Heather Zschock

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Lines make it easy for little kids 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

This one, and the Wizard of Oz one are prelined on the scratch pages, which makes it much easier for little kids. It is very difficult to tell which ones have lines - I think it is only the ones marked for ages for and up.

Dino Dudes.... 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I have a bunch of these books, and enjoy them a lot. "Dino Dudes" isn't like the others. All pages are pre-drawn, like a coloring book. There is room to add touches of your own sketch designs. The back has 20 card stock pages to doodle, which is always nice!

Colorful Creativity 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

The entire series of these scratch and sketch books provide hours of fun and quiet! They are ideal for restaurant waits and anywhere that requires well behaved, engaged children.

Editorial Review:

Dig up fun facts about these Dino Dudes as you trace simple sketches of 20 awesome prehistoric creatures. Ages 5 and up. White outlines on black scratch-off pages create a fun way for younger children to trace illustrations. Shrink-wrapped with a wooden stylus for drawing on black-coated paper to reveal colors beneath. 64 pages. Includes 20 scratch-off, 20 illustrated, 20 sketch pages. 6-3/8'' wide x 8-1/2'' high; wire-o bound hardcover.

Chronicles of Ancient Darkness #5: Oath Breaker (Chronicles of Ancient Darkness)

Michelle Paver

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The Boy of the Painted Cave

Justen Denzel

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 23 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Realistic Great Book!!!! 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

My class is using this book to learn about cavemen and it is a great book. The author learned about cavemen before he wrote the story so most of the things written in the book are based on something that actually happened.It is a great adventure and mystery book so you should read it. Also, you learn about what cavemen did. You find out what they do, what they wore,and their beliefs. Read it soon!

Chris's review of The Boy of The Painted Cave 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

What if you were born with a de-formed foot and everybody strongly disliked you and all you ever wanted to do was paint? Unfortunately, this happened in a story called " Boy of the Painted Cave" by Justin Denzel. This book is historical fiction. If you like action, adventure, art, and history this book you will enjoy.


This book takes place around the Middle Stone Age.( 10,000-15,00 BCE) The plot is that Tao, a average stone age kid, has a dream of becoming a cave painter. One day he is kicked out of his clan, but he still has to hunt for the them. When this happens, Tao befriends a wild wolf and names it Ram. While Tao is out hunting, he finds a mysterious marshland that the elders say that demons live in! Then Tao meets the wise shaman, Graybeard, and teaches Tao the true secret of the hunt. While Graybeard teaches Tao amazing secrets, Tao confronts his fears, earns respect from other tribes, and solves some problems in order to save his dream. If you want to know more, read this book to find out a secret so big, not even their ancestor's spirits would tolerate!


The reason I love this book is because the author describes the raw morsels that Tao or Graybeard devour! The action was spine tingling and terrific a book I would cherish forever. Reader's Note:
I guarantee you that a girl would like it more if the main character, Tao, was a girl. Other than that, the book was very interesting. Do you hear that Justin Denzel?! Keep up the great pre-historical stories!

Editorial Review:

"Set in the Cro-Magnon era, this story of Tao, who longs to be a cave artist, features a boy whose talent is viewed as a curse, making it impossible to be one of the Chosen Ones . . . a strong plot with a wealth of well-researched details."--Booklist. "A beautfully written story about a prehistoric boy."--Publishers Weekly.