Prehistory Brought to Life for Young Readers
(from Thea, age 11)
Marjorie answers:
Dear Thea,
I spent several years learning about prehistoric archeology at UCLA and then I taught the subject to middle school student for some fifteen years. It never occurred to me to write a book until I put together a birthday poem for my first grandchild. I was so delighted when I did this I thought: what if I could write a “real” book. I began and five years later I finished it and sold it! I was off and haven’t stopped.
A drought in the Mesopotamian farmland makes their father send Jomar and his sister Zefa to the vibrant city of Ur. Both young people experience difficulties on the way there and in the city which both frighten and strengthen them and ultimately bring them closer together.
Anooka and her clan live by a river where she makes a remarkable discovery, but is forbidden to develop the skill that grows out of this discovery. A mysterious stranger comes to offer her a different life and she must make a difficult decision: follow the stranger or remain with her clan.
Dar will receive his manmarks at his initiation ceremony, but worries that he hasn't the skill or strength to be a great hunter. His passion to possess a spear-thrower sends him on a journey into unknown territory where he faces both dangers and opportunities.
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