The Boy with the Bronze Axe

By Kathleen Fidler

Book Overview

A classic children's tale by much-loved author Kathleen Fidler, set in the Stone Age village of Skara Brae on Orkney.

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.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 086315882X
• ISBN13: 9780863158827
• Release Date: May 2012
• Publisher: Kelpies
• Length: 176 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.2" x 7.7"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

Excellent fiction based upon the actual archeological finds of Skara Brae

This story is fiction but is based upon the actual archeological finds of Skara Brae. Items recovered at Skara Brae are included in the story and this gives us a glimpse into what life may have and probably actually was like 5000 years ago. I am 48 and found the read very interesting yet somewhat predictable but for young to older teens, it certainly would be a great read. I am reading it to my 7 year old and he is absolutely enthralled with it. Not only is he is learning about prehistoric life but he is truly loving the fact that the story uses actual artifacts in the story. It just makes it come to life. Kathleen Fidler did a wonderful job with this book.

Bronze Axe - Educational and very enjoyable

A superb book - I got it when I was 8 and am now re-reading it with my kids and finding it just as enjoyable and educational for myself as well as them. It is a wonderful story about a visitor to a stone age village with plenty of historical references that are very true to fact. Reading the book we were inspired to go looking for Skara Brae on the Internet and what we found matches what is in the book. If it were republished, I am sure it would sell well. The paperback copy I got in 1972 cost UK£0.20!

amazing

I lived only 45mins away from Skara Brae and read this book as a kid. Living so close to where the book was set was really something for me. It's a book that conjures up loads of different emotions for a young reader (1st read it when i was 9) and now 15yrs later i'm trying desperatly to find a copy and recapture those feelings again. If you've read it you know what i mean...and if you haven't get out there and find yourself a copy and get reading. If anyone manages to find someone/anyone that sells it could they let me know i really really want it!!!!

Excellent novel about a Prehisotirc village

I read this book in 1985 at the age of 10 and have been looking for a copy ever since. It was my first novel about prehistoric times and lead to me buying many more as I got older. I really enjoyed it. Great for children who have an interest in archarology or history. ****I would like to know if it is ever reprinted or if somebody has a secondhand copy for sale****

Fond memories

This was one of the first books I ever read. I remember reading the book was a great learning experience. The setting is a prehistoric bronze age community. I would highly recommend the book for a third to sixth grader if it ever comes back in print.