Reviews
by Kathleen Fidler
Set in the Stone Age village of Skara Brae on Orkney. A strange boy arrives in the village with a sharp axe of a type never seen before. Conflict soon arises, and a deadly storm threatens the village.
Kathleen Fidler's classic story is set in the ancient Stone Age village of Skara Brae on Orkney. This is a fascinating and vividly portrayed story of life nearly 3,000 years ago.
Kali and Brockan are in trouble. They have been using their stone axes to chip limpets off the rocks, but they've gone too far out and find themselves trapped by the tides. Then, an unexpected rescuer appears, a strange boy in a strange boat, carrying a strangely sharp axe of a type they have never seen before.
Conflict arises as the village of Skara must decide what to do with the new ideas and practices that the boy brings. As a deadly storm threatens, the very survival of the village is in doubt.
Step back into the Stone Age and learn about the daily life and rituals of the ancient village of Skara Brae in this compelling, fictional account of the famous Orkney settlement. Vivid descriptions and accurate historical details bring the village to life and make this an ideal choice for those studying the Stone Age curriculum.
Recommended for young readers 8-12 years old.
Softcover, 176 pages.
198 x 130 mm.
Floris Books.
About the Author:
Kathleen Fidler (1899-1980) was the author of over eighty books for children, many of which were broadcast on BBC Radio Children's Hour and Schools programmes. She had a long-standing affection for Scotland, and was inspired to write The Boy With the Bronze Axe after a visit to Skara Brae on Orkney. The Fidler Award stood as a memorial to her deep interest in children and writers.
'This is a fascinating story about a stone-age village on Orkney and their struggle to deal with new technology and ways of thinking. An ideal read for history fans.'
-- Fiona Petrie, Waterstone's Guide to Children's Books
'As stories about the Stone Age communities are not that plentiful, teachers of the Y3 UK new national curriculum might struggle to find something that will appeal. This is a good story about Skara Brae and the changes that affect a community as it moves from one type of culture base to another. It is not a 'horrible history' type of book but a genuine fiction that children enjoy following. Thumbs up from Year 3 so far!'
-- Teacher review (via Amazon.co.uk)
'10 to 14-year-olds will get excited about The Boy With the Bronze Axe, set in prehistoric times.'
-- Greenock Telegraph, June 2005
'A brilliant story.'
-- Jack, age 8, Education Otherwise
'A classic children's tale -- a new generation of readers will enjoy this story.'
-- The Scots Magazine, June 2005
'I work at Skara Brae here in Orkney and my most frequently asked question is "Do you have The Boy with the Bronze Axe?"'
-- Diana Potter, Skara Brae
'I lived 45 minutes from Skara Brae and read this book as a kid. It's a book that conjures up so many different emotions for a young reader. Four stars.'
-- amazon.com reader review
'I read this book at the age of 10. It was my first novel about prehistoric times and lead me to buying many more as I got older. Great for children with an interest in archaeology or history. Five stars.'
-- amazon.com reader review
'Excellent details of prehistoric life are presented. Honor, gratitude and hatred combine to create an interesting read for middle-school students.'
-- amazon.com reader review
