Wolf Road

Lindsay Hasluck's Review 

The well-known British archaeologist Alice Roberts has written a gradually unfolding story, set in the Ice Age world of Europe, designed for young girls. The plot follows the movements of young Tuuli and her mother’s Swan Clan, as she follows them in trekking from the winter mountain snow fields to the summer sea-side camps, where all the clans gather. Along the way she befriends a wolf pup, and is saved by a strange looking boy, a young Neanderthal. After further encounters when hunting with her cousin, they all become close friends. But trouble strikes when the boy, Andar, tries to join the clan meet-up at the summer camp; trouble which will change Tuuli’s life forever.

Written with extensively detailed descriptions of the physical world, Roberts’ book takes the reader through an imagined past, based very loosely on archaeological knowledge and interpreted through modern feminist ideas. A great read for aspiring young boss-girls needing a fantasy of stone-age matriarchal power. Suitable for ages 9-13.

Publisher's Review 

Discover the history of our lifetime through the adventure of a girl and her wolf, in the bestselling children's novel from Digging for Britain presenter, Professor Alice Roberts. Selected as Waterstones Children's book of the Month and The Times Children's Book of the Week.

Tuuli is a prehistoric girl, travelling with her tribe through the seasons – making camp, hunting for food and protecting themselves against the many hazards that the climate throws at them. Tuuli knows there’s a bigger world out there, and when she spots a strange boy lurking outside their camp, she realises that he might hold the adventure she is looking for. 

He is from another tribe, sent to find safer ground and as he and Tuuli strike up an unlikely friendship, they set out on a journey that will impact the rest of human history. 

A vast adventure with a very human heart, full of wild animals, huge scenery and heart-stopping danger and inspired by real anthropological discoveries. The stunning debut novel from Digging for Britain presenter, Professor Alice Roberts, for fans of His Dark Materials, Wolf Brother and The Last Bear.

Praise for Wolf Road

'A fine storyteller' - Philip Pullman

‘This lost world is beautifully rendered, so rich in detail you can almost smell the campfires . . . a captivating tale.’ - The Times Children's Book of the Week

‘A wonderful book – exciting, fascinating, gripping, beautifully written’ - Anthony McGowan

'Highly atmospheric, this impressive story asks questions about human fears across the ages.' - Daily Mail

'When and where would you go if you could go back in time?  I wouldn't hesitate to whizz past all the great civilizations . . . and go straight to the moment our early human ancestors met Neanderthals.  What did they think of each other? How did the communicate? . . . A captivating children's tale that can be enjoyed by anyone with an interest in the origins of humanity.  Paleo-tastic.' - Lucy Bannerman, The Times Children's Book of the Week