The Wild Way Home

Product Information

Deze passage illustreert het thema perfect: 'I think about how things aren't always what they seem; how bad things can sometimes just happen and there's nothing you can do about it, no matter how hard you try to forget … or how far you run.' De twee jongens vinden troost en inspiratie bij elkaar om te verwerken wat er is gebeurd en terug te vinden wat ze zijn kwijtgeraakt. This story has great descriptions, fantastic characters and plenty of adventures, too. It is an enthralling and somewhat emotional read which I thoroughly enjoyed.

This book is an enjoyable read full of mystery and adventure. It teaches us about the importance of friendship and family, always protecting those we care for and giving thanks for everything we have. Oh I utterly feel everything Charlie feels when I’m writing those scenes in the book, it’s hard not to. I kind of lose myself when I’m writing – it’s a bit like living a double life: when Charlie’s happy, I’m happy; when Charlie’s distraught, I’m distraught. Charlie has long dreamed of having a sibling and is delighted when he's woken on his 12th birthday to be told he has a baby brother. But his happiness doesn't last when he discovers Dara is very poorly. He's not the pink, beautiful baby brother he was expecting. As fear takes over, Charlie runs and ends up far, far, far away with no idea how to get home.The Wild Way Homeauthor Sophie Kirtley shares her favourite Northern Irish books - from stories steeped in history and lore to beautiful books about the natural wonders of her homeland. The most interesting character in this book for me was Harby. Harby was interesting as he tried very hard to learn English. He was a very brave character, he was always making sure he was safe and was careful about where he was going even though he was shy he wouldn't let that stop him. There are some beautiful descriptions of the woods and nature throughout the story. I wondered if Mandel Forest was inspired by a place near you? Did you spend a lot of time outside whilst writing this book?

Which brings me to another warm-hearted Northern Irish gem of a book, this time for teenage readers. Flying Tips for Flightless Birdsby Kelly McCaughrain

Activity sheets

I actually had my first review (on Toppsta) from an actual real child the other day. Aubie (aged 7) said: “I loved The Wild Way Home because you travel to the stone age!! It is set in a forest and there are lots of adventures and you have to sing the spirit song to the animals to keep them away. I really liked the character Harby because he talks in stone age language and he knows how to sing a spirit song. Some bits of the book were sad and some bits were happy so it made me feel happy and sad. I also felt very excited as I wanted to find out what happened next!” Hello, I’m Sophie Kirtley, the author of The Wild Way Home. Come and take a little wander with me to one small corner of our wonderful planet; I’d like to share a special place with you – that place is Mandel Forest, where my new book is set. Fans of Stig of the Dump will find this a delight but I would highly recommend that all middle grade readers give it a go. It is an adventure story with a difference. The setting is memorable in it's beauty yet menacing silence. The tone feels reflective. Compared to other current middle grade adventures on the market, this feels slower and tamer in pace but makes for a deeper impact on the soul. What follows is a wild, big-hearted adventure as Charlie and the Stone Age boy set out together to find what they have lost - their courage, their hope, their family and their way home.