From the Publisher
Despite the world Atlatl lives in being very different from the one we live in today, Brouwer does a fantastic job of making it clear that the human experience is universal. Highly Reccomended.” —CM Magazine
"A solid read for fans of Gary Paulsen’s Hatchet and general adventure fiction." —School Library Journal
“The author has created a hard-to-put-down middle-grade tale about redemption, relationships, and believing in yourself. Recommended.” —Historical Novel Society
School Library Journal
07/01/2020
Gr 4 Up—Atlatl, a young boy living in the Stone Age, hopes to earn his father's respect as hunter. Atlatl's father is the leader of the Clan and shows his disappointment on an almost daily basis. Atlatl, who sustained a debilitating childhood injury, can't hunt and provide food. One day, when Atlatl experiments with a new weapon that he intends to show his father, he is stalked by a large female saber-toothed tiger. When a pack of wolves attacks and kills the mother, Atlatl is thrust into the caregiver role of protecting the baby sabertooth. He decides to bring the cub back to the Clan, which leads to consequences and even further isolation from his father—banishment, the worst punishment for any Clan member. Without the protection of the group, Atlatl is susceptible to a variety of predators: The short-nosed bear, dire wolves, and cheetahs. As the rainy season approaches and the Clan decides to move to higher ground, disaster strikes. Atlatl must find a way to survive using his wits, loyalty, and bravery to face his biggest foe yet and to save what remains of his Clan. VERDICT A solid read for fans of Gary Paulsen's Hatchet and general adventure fiction.—Amy Caldera, Dripping Springs M.S., TX
