THE WILD WAY HOME BY SOPHIE KIRTLEY

Charlie has wanted a little brother or sister for ages, and when Dara is born with a serious heart problem, Charlie is devastated. Running from the hospital and into Mandel Forest, Charlie tries to deal with all the feelings that have suddenly sprung up. Deep into the forest, Charlie finds a boy seriously injured and tries to run for help, but something is different. Charlie realises that although the forest is basically the same, it’s the era that’s different. Harby is dressed in deer skins and has lost his memory, somehow Charlie has landed back in the prehistoric age.

Together Charlie and Harby try to find the injured boy’s home and family. This is not as easy as it sounds because the forest is now a wild place inhabited by wolves and other dangers, so much is different from Charlie’s usually favourite place. Harby slowly starts remembering his life and realises his baby sister Mothga is missing and alone in the forest. Will they find her before she is taken by predators? And more importantly, how will Charlie find a way back home? The journey with Harby, and the lessons learnt along the way, all help Charlie realise that running away from problems is not the answer.

Sophie Kirtley’s middle grade novel is a time-slip adventure wrapped around the themes of family and courage. The characters are real and even Harby and his life come alive as the reader is dragged into his existance and everyday fears. Charlie’s character is kind and brave and also, intriguingly non-gender specific. It’s great to read a book where any reader can so easily align themselves with the main character. This book will be enjoyed by readers who enjoy seeing the world through different eyes.

 For Ages: 9+ 13 years

Number of Pages: 256 in paperback form.

Published: July 2020

Themes: Family, courage and acceptance.

Rating: 3/5