Children of the Dawnland (Middle Reader)

Released July 2009

www.tor.com

Reviewed by Tracy Farnsworth

I'll admit to learning a little about history after reading CHILDREN OF THE DAWNLAND. Kathleen O'Neal Gear, a former historian and archaeologist for Kansas, Nebraska and Wyoming, and W. Michael Gear, a professional archaelogist, share their knowledge regarding North American history. The story takes place about 13,000 years ago and covers the events of global warming and how it affects the Dawnland tribe.

Twelve-year-old Twig has powerful dreams, but her mother is not ready to admit that Twig might be the tribe's new Dreamer. Twig is concerned because her dreams predict a horrible event that will destroy their world. She seeks the last Dreamer, a woman named Cobia who left the tribe with hate in her heart when she learned the people of Dawnland stole her from her village as a toddler.

Meanwhile, the Dreamer from another tribe, the Thornbacks, is having the same dream and will destroy anyone that gets in his way as they struggle to find a safe place. He needs Cobia's guidance too. He dreams of Twig and her talents and knows that he must stop her from reaching Cobia and finding the safe land before he can.

CHILDREN OF DAWNLAND is gripping and avoids graphic violence making it a great choice for middle school readers. The characters are enjoyable, many readers will cheer Twig and her friend Grayhawk on their journey.

I'd recommend it to any pre-teen reader interested in historic events.