Tag Archives: prehistory

British Iron Age / Celts – Children’s Historical Fiction

Children's books, Children's fiction, History, History Books, , , , ,

There is very little historical fiction on the Iron Age before the coming of the Romans.

  • sunhorsemoonhorseSun Horse, Moon Horse by Rosemary Sutcliff
    Unusually this is set in Iron Age before the Romans. Although the story is concerned with inter-tribal warfare, the drama comes less from this, and more from the tension between the practical world of the warrior and and the spiritual world of the artist.
    Lubrin Dhu is the third son of the chief, and sees the world differently to others, through artist’s eyes. This is a bittersweet, story of friendship, duty and sacrifice in a tribal culture devoted to the horse.
    It is written in Rosemary Sutcliff’s signature poetic style. It is a shorter story than many of her books, and as a result makes a good introduction to Rosemary Sutcliff’s work for those unused to her style – descriptive language and long sentences.

 

 

More children’s historical fiction set in the bronze age (we haven’t read these yet)

Many of the stories from this period are viewed through Irish and Welsh mythology – the surviving tales written down in medieval times.

The Ulster Cycle:

Cornish Mythology:

 

The Secrets of the Stonehenge

Children's books, Children's fiction, History, History Books, ,

The Secrets of Stonehenge, by Mick Manning (Author) and Brita Granström (Illustrator) (Frances Lincoln Children’s Books)

This is a factual picture book aimed at older children charting the history of Stonehenge. Starting from the Mesolithic nomadic hunter-gatherers, through the first farmers to Stonehenge as a modern tourist destination. It examines how the henge was built, how it changed over time and what it may have been used for.

Each page bursts with movement and Brita Granstrom’s characteristic lively illustrations dominate each page. An information packed paragraph starts each page, and annotations, and speech weave through the pages. Packed with information, and theories about Stonehenge, but without overwhelming or being boring in way that factual books often are.

Side panels on each page clearly separate out the background information. The multi-layered illustrations and writing mean that this book can be used on many levels – as a simpler picture book by focusing on the illustrations and annotations, right up to a summary of Stonehenge for adults.

My only gripe is that I would have preferred to see the dates in the very attractive timeline at the back use BC/BCE as well as years ago. This would make it easier for younger readers to put Stonehenge into wider historical context.

secrets of stonehenge

  Find Secrets of Stonehenge on Amazon…

 

British Bronze Age – Children’s Historical Fiction

Children's books, Children's fiction, History Books, , , , ,

Historical fiction is a great way of finding out more about history.
But some places and times are harder to find books on than others. Where as there is lots of historical fiction for children on the stone age which could be set in the British Isles, I have found very few books on bronze age Britain, and nothing for younger children.

Both of the books featured examine the possible impact of the introduction of objects of new metals on a community.

Mini reviews of the ones we have read:

  • boybronzeaxeThe Boy with the Bronze Axe by Kathleen Fidler
    Kali and Brockan live in the village of Skara Brae on Orkney.  Their’s is a stone age way of life, but when a boy with a bronze axe is washed ashore everything changes.
    This is a good read, which despite its age doesn’t seem stilted. The story vividly depicts stone age life on Skara Brae and wrestles with the issues that arise when new technologies and ideas are introduced.
    It is a more approachable read than Warrior Scarlet.
  • warrior scarletWarrior Scarlet by Rosemary Sutcliff
    Drem is born with a withered arm. Follow his story as he faces the obstacles this poses for him in proving himself and becoming a warrior. Will he be able to overcome his disability?
    A story of friendship, persistence, and harsh realities.
    Rosemary Sutcliff’s descriptive, more complex style makes this book a harder read than The Boy with the Bronze Axe.

 More children’s historical fiction set in the bronze age (we haven’t read these yet)

View Children’s Historical Fiction: Bronze Age Britain on Amazon Listmania

Do you have any comments on these or any other historical fiction set in the bronze age?

Stone Age – Children’s Historical fiction

Children's books, Children's fiction, History, History Books, , , , , ,

Historical fiction is a great way of finding out more about history. This list includes some great picture books and novels for young adults.

***HIGHLY RECOMMENDED***

Stone Age Boy

This historical fiction picture book is a great introduction to archaeology and stone age people for younger children – for us it is the one essential book on the subject.

Read full review

Historical Fiction

Mini reviews of the ones we have read:

Picture Books

  • The First Dog (Reading Rainbow) by Jan Brett
    Another beautiful picture book – Stone age boy Kip encounters Paleowolf. Paleowolf would like some of his food, but Kip doesn’t want to share. But they are not alone, and Kip soon finds out that having a wolf for a friend has advantages. A lovely look at how the first dog might have been welcomed into our lives. The artwork not only tells the story, but gives clues as to what is happening next and the page borders are filled with pictures of stone age artefacts.

minnowandbear

  • Minnow and the Bear by Benedict Blathwayt
    A good picture book for a child that loves visual elements and tiny details, but disappointing as stone age historical fiction. Full review …
  • Adventures in the Ice Age (Good Times Travel Agency) by Linda Bailey
    Comic book time travelling adventures. This entertaining series takes modern day children back in time. We have found this a really approachable way to learn about the stone age.
  • The First Drawing by Mordicai Gerstein
    Who drew the first cave art? A picture book imagining how the Palaeolithic world might have inspired a boy to create the first cave art.
    Vibrant and lively illustrations.

Chapter books

  • Wolf Brother: Chronicles of Ancient Darkness Book 1 by Michelle Paver
    Book 1 of Chronicles of Ancient Darkness  (9+)
    Torak’s father is killed by a giant, possessed bear and he must find new friends and family and save the clans. Very detailed descriptions of stone age life in Northern Europe, particularly strong on natural history and animals of the time. It touches on fantasy as it brings the mages and belief in magic of these people to life. Although an enjoyable read even as an adult, the six book series feels as though something is lacking in the writing or pace of the books.

Older children/Young Adult

  • 11, 000 Years Lost (Amulet) by Peni R Griffin
    Young adult fiction. A modern Texan girl Ester discovers an 11,000 year old spearhead. Her fascination with the people who made it leads to her time travelling into the past. Adopted by a group of mammoth hunters, who are an interesting mix of characters she must learn how to survive in a very different world. What was life like as a mammoth hunter, can they find food, and survive? Will Ester ever find her way home? A really good read.

More children’s historical fiction set in the stone age (we haven’t read these yet)

 

View Children’s Historical Fiction: Stone Age on Amazon Listmania

Do you have any comments on these or any other historical fiction set in the stone age?