Dar and the Spear-Thrower - Hardcover

Cowley, Marjorie

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0395681324 ISBN 13: 9780395681329

Publisher: Clarion Books, 1994

Synopsis

A young Cro-Magnon boy's longing to be a carver goes against his clan's traditions of hunting, but an encounter with a stranger from a neighboring clan inspires the boy to embark on a quest to find his true talents and the meaning of manhood.

About this title

About the Author

Marjorie Cowley has taught prehistoric archaeology to students of all ages, but now devotes her time to writing for young people. For Clarion, she has written Dar and the Spear-Thrower, about a boy living during the Ice Age. Ms. Cowley lives in Los Angeles, California.

Reviews

Grade 4-6-On the verge of the ceremony that will initiate him into manhood, young Dar, a Cro-Magnon boy, faces the conflicts in his life: his demanding uncle who has no tolerance for his nephew's desire to carve, his grandmother's growing frailty, and his own fears. When he wanders farther than usual one day to check some snares, he meets a man from a different tribe. The man, Toreg, has a device that enhances the distance he can throw his spear. Determined to trade for it, Dar leaves his tribe and begins a journey that will change life for his entire clan. The plot moves swiftly and there is sufficient character development to maintain readers' interest. The historical detail is accurate, and the setting clearly described. Cowley's narrative reads aloud well, and could certainly be used as an introduction to not only the time period but also to the idea that over time, though our technology has advanced, human emotions remain amazingly constant.
Ann Welton, Terminal Park Elementary School, Auburn,
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Gr. 5-7. Coming into manhood during the Cro-Magnon age is the essence of this middle-grade novel. Set within the framework of carefully researched information about early humans, the common concerns of all young men--their attempts to wean themselves from their mothers' (or grandmothers') nurturing and their defiant need to prove themselves to their friends and father figures--are paramount. Smaller than the only other boy his age and, frankly, frightened of his pending adult responsibilities of hunting and protecting his clan, Dar leaves his family in search of the stranger who offered him a spear-thrower (bow and arrow) in exchange for his sun stones. He has decided that the trade will benefit him and his people even though he must sacrifice the fire starter, the only link he has to his deceased grandfather. Cowley has created a fast-paced, truly interesting coming-of-age novel for younger readers based on a little-known but fascinating period of history. The only drawback? The book jacket. Readers will assume the story is about a girl. Far from it! Make sure this doesn't become a barrier to access. Frances Bradburn

Edition details

• Publisher: Clarion Books
• Publication date: 1994
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0395681324
• ISBN 13: 9780395681329
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 118