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GEOFFREY BAILEY Professor of Archaeology, Cambridge University, England "The setting was authentic and
so were the details for cooking, fire, weapons, and tools. The book
also carried fine messages about bravery and responsibility." "Dar is superb. We have ordered
copies for our museum store and will strongly recommend it." "Cowley weaves together many
often-omitted themes that are central to a full interpretation of
Stone Age life. Among these are the transmission of technological
ideas, the integration of art into everyday life, and the importance
of oral tradition." "In Dar and the Spear-Thrower,
there is a sufficient character development to maintain readers'
interest, the detail is accurate, and the setting is clearly described.
The book can 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 consistent." "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 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." "In this coming-of-age
story set during the time of the Cro-Magnon people in southern France,
Dar must come to terms with his desire to create art and his uncle's
disapproval of his abilities. A solid, readable, well-researched
book." "Dar and the Spear-Thrower
offers an authentic portrayal of life in France 15,000 years ago
and deals with the challenges of becoming an adult, the necessity
of cooperation within a family, the power of forgiveness, and the
importance of cultivating one's own talents. A great read!" "Dar's story inspired my students
to research and recreate artifacts, form a Stone Age clan, and write
about prehistoric life. I could see genuine learning and growth
from my entire class." "Your book was like music.
I saw things in my mind. It was sad, funny, interesting." "I couldn't put it down. Dar
creates strong visual images for youngsters, who otherwise use their
imaginations far too little in this TV-dominated world. The book
will be excellent for sixth graders, and the Teacher's Guide will
be invaluable." "Dar is stupendous. I am considering
creating a 4-6th grade course on prehistory built around the book
and Dar's clan." "I really liked Dar. He seemed
like a person you could meet." "My 9-year old son devoured
the book, the first he had ever read straight through. He fell in
love with prehistory." "My son eagerly awaited each
chapter “Let's read one more” until finished. It just
flowed, a masterful job." "Dar demonstrates loyalty, courage,
a love of family, humility and a fine balance of independence and
interdependence. Each character embodies values that are sorely
lacking today. There is an inner glow that lingered long afterwards."
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© 2008, Marjorie Cowley. All rights reserved. |