Dar and the Spear Thrower
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.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.