WOW! This book was incredible. I went through a rollercoaster of emotions and the world leapt off the page. I definitely will be recommending this book to everyone!

I can see that people will draw obvious comparisons with Skellig and Stig of the Dump when it comes to this book. I can also see a lot of merit in it, it just wasn’t really for me. I’ll definitely sell it in the shop and I’m sure it will do well,

After finally reaching this book in my ‘to read’ pile, I couldn’t help feeling disappointed that I hadn’t read it sooner!

When Charlie’s new born brother arrives his life is changed within minutes. After finding himself in The Stone Age, Charlie experiences what it is to be a strong person who looks out for others.

The story had a small range of characters which gave me chance to get to know them better and really follow the emotional journey. I loved the central message that was woven throughout the story and felt every moment towards the end of Charlie’s adventure.

A definite recommended read going in to my classroom!

The Wild Way Home is award-winning poet and writer Sophie Kirtley’s middle-grade (MG) debut and really took me back to the sheer wonderment I felt when I first discovered the power of books all those many decades ago; I had no idea quite how magical an adventure this was going to be but I was soon completely captivated. It is undoubtedly one of the best MG stories I have had the pleasure of dipping into. It's a simple, well-told tale following young protagonist Charlie as he flees into a local wooded area to deal with his fear, grief and anxiety when his baby brother is born with serious health problems that knock Charlie's frame of mind from happy go lucky to worrisome. Discovering what is seemingly a Stone-Age boy of a similar age to himself dressed in deerskins floating face down in a stream, his focus shifts to helping out the injured visitor with more than a few hiccups in the process. Slipping effortlessly between present day and Stone Age epochs we are treated to a stunning and gripping novel brimming with heart, hope and acceptance and highlighting the importance of friendship, family, love and open-mindedness.

This is an unforgettable journey with an original yet straightforward story, an engaging and realistic cast of characters, and many thought-provoking and inspirational messages subtly placed throughout the narrative perfect for young minds to ponder. Taking place predominantly in the natural world it draws attention to the environment and how we are forever searching to be led home sweet home. We are taken back in time to a richly-imagined and hugely detailed surroundings that evoke times past. With both protagonists sharing much in common: they both are very raw emotionally and have lost their family and with that the sense of belonging that such a supportive unit provides. Introducing younger minds to emotions they may have only felt fleetingly before is important in highlighting how one can deal with said emotions when they arise in real life. Despite the book addressing lots of topical issues, they are never a replacement for the fun, action-packed and pacy tale which unfurls at the forefront. A beautiful, high quality and atmospheric read. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Bloomsbury Publishing for an ARC.

Rating 4.5/5*

What an enthralling middle grade reader this proved to be - I think children will love it and so will their teachers! This is a superb story that I would definitely have used with pupils in my class so highly recommend to primary teachers to check out, especially if they are doing any work relating to the stone age or anything concerning family and courage.

Charlie has always wanted a sibling and was eagerly anticipating their arrival. His brother is born near midnight on the day before Charlie's twelfth birthday but the excitement is tinged with dread as his baby brother is born with a heart defect that needs immediate surgery. That news has Charlie literally running off to the nearby forest where he usually plays with his friends. This time, however, he finds a boy, lying in the river and discovers that he may be on familiar ground but he's no longer in his own time! Thus starts a moving adventure set in the stone age in which he discovers the meaning of family and how important it is to 'make safe'.

This story has great descriptions, fantastic characters and plenty of adventures, too. It is an enthralling and somewhat emotional read which I thoroughly enjoyed.

I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.

This was a great book to get me out of a reading slump. Was such a fast read which took on some hard topics. The story flowed nicely and the writing style was spot on. Definitely recommend.

Oh. My.
This had absolutely everything I wanted from a middle grade title- lovable characters, driven plot and constant excitement. I can’t wait to read Sophie’s next book!

I'd heard so many wonderful things about 'The Wild Way Home' that I couldn't wait to read it. I certainly wasn't disappointed. Sophie Kirtley brings the ancient past alive in such a warm, accessible way, with lush description and wonderful 'Stone Age' speech that makes you want to say the words out loud: 'Cholliemurrum'....'Shudda. Missda. Passca'. Harby is one of the most memorable characters I've come across in a long time and I really enjoyed the interplay between him and Charlie. The present day sections of the story are sensitively told too, making this a fabulous five star read from start to finish.

Charlie is lost. This isn't the familiar Mendel forest that Charlie knows so well. Then Charlie finds an injured boy and realises this is actually a different time, rather than place. Maybe by helping new friend Harby, they can both go home.
I loved Charlie and Harby and their motto - Make Safe. Together they learn that even though sometimes you really want to run away from all your problems, you have to face them as they won't just go away.
Lots of mystery and such a touching story.

An action-packed and thoughtful middle grade book that would be perfect for reading out loud to a class (or to kids at bedtime, although the cliffhangers might make sleep afterwards very difficult!).
I love the main character Charlie - she is bright and brave, but realistic for her age. She makes mistakes, she isn't perfect, she behaves selfishly sometimes (with very heartbreaking justification, to be fair), and she doesn't always have the answers. Her courage and kindness ultimately guide her through.
The plot is rapidly paced, which works really well for driving the story forwards - it also makes it very hard to put down! For all the action and adventure, the story is bookended by very moving and real portrayals of family life and pain. It is primarily an adventure story, but one that never loses its emotional connection.

The Wild Way Home takes you on an exciting journey into the Stone Age, with horrors and joys aplenty to be discovered. It's the kind of adventure story I would have loved as a child, and the kind that I would want to place in the hands of my own children. There's plenty of great messaging in the book, with the main being that running away from difficult issues doesn't make them go away.

I loved that Charlie is never assigned a gender or specifically described, so can embody whoever the young reader wants/needs them to be. I had a quick browse of the reviews and found it really interesting that almost everyone had assigned Charlie 'he' pronouns.

The growing friendship between Charlie and Harby was really sweet, and the way they learnt to communicate with each other despite the various barriers is a great message. The challenges they overcome and the laugher they shared was just lovely to read.

A really sweet little book, highly recommend checking out.

I had heard wonderful things about this from, but didn't actually have a clue who or what it was about. I only knew I wanted to read it!

As it turned out, it was not what I was expecting in the slightest (not that I could really tell you what I was expecting)! BUT that's no bad thing at all - I absolutely devoured this and loved the way it blended contemporary family drama with history and fantasy.

There's echoes of both Skellig and Stig of the Dump, as well as occasional whispers of other classic children's stories; at the same time though, this feels utterly fresh and original.

Charlie has longed for a sibling for years, but now that the moment is here it's not going quite as imagined.

I thought the way we saw Charlie's feelings become overwhelming was so powerful and real, and I thought it was really important to see an older child struggling with that complicated mix of emotions a new sibling brings.

Charlie seeks refuge in his favourite place, Mandel Forest, but all is not what it seems and he has somehow stumbled into the Stone Age where he meets Harby, who needs his help.

This is both an exciting, wild adventure and a heart-warming tale of friendship and personal growth.

I loved the way Charlie and Harby's relationship and communication developed, and how this helped Charlie come to terms with his emotions and events in his 'real life'.

They go from a tense and mistrustful meeting to warily opening up and - in some roundabout and hilarious moments - starting to talk, learn more about each other and becoming friends who help each other, both practically and in working through their feelings and actions.

The forest itself is depicted brilliantly, as are the changes it has seen over time. As with many of the books I've loved in recent years, there is a clear sense of wonder and respect for nature which makes for a really immersive and gripping read (the cave scene especially!)

Sophie Kirtley manages to strike the perfect balance between the heart-stopping, perilous wild, humour and raw emotion. I had my heart in my mouth, tears in my eyes and laughter in my belly and I can't wait to see what she does next.

This was a really cute story with a nice theme of friendship and family running through it. I highly recommend it for kids of all ages.

Fully enjoyed it!! It was totally amazing and I wish that I could read it for the first time all over again just so I could re-capture that feeling.

A journey of self discovery for Charlie and a look into the lives of people who lived in his local area thousands of years in the past.. Charlie is overwhelmed with fear when he finds his newborn brother has a heart defect and requires surgery. He goes from intense excitement to fear and and is unable to manage these feelings. He runs away and mysteriously travels back in time and connects with Harby, a Stone Age child who has lost his baby sister.
There are similarities between the two boys and Charlie begins to see how Harby’s and his own feelings are related, and in his search for the baby girl, he comes to terms with own feelings: his fear, love and guilt. He wishes to be home and to care for his brother, knowing that family is of fundamental importance to him.
Thanks to #NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ahead of publication in exchange for an honest review

I really enjoyed this book. The descriptions are beautiful and a real sense of the forest is created. It is pacey and adventurous with a satisfying parallels between Charlie's story and Harby's which work well. I don't think I've ever read SoTD but I know my daughter's school read this in yr3 so I will be recommendng the Wild Way Home to the teachers as an alternative/complementary text. The Shadow Man is a suitably scary presence for MG readers and the fast paced nature of the story keep you reading. Charlie's struggles with becoming an older sibling and his worries about the health of his baby brother are dealt with sensitively. I was strongly reminded of Skellig and Bog Child as I read.

Really lovely little story - family, friends, and home, and the importance of all.
Reminiscent of Skellig

This was an absolutely stunning MG fantasy book. The writing was beautifully powerful and descriptive, which made for a real feast for the senses. This threw books like Ug and Littlenose to the wayside completely. If I was looking for a Stone Age book to teach with, this would be high up on the list. It doesn't just show you a view of the Stone Age, it highlights the importance of family and friendship too!

The blurb sold me on this book and I'm so glad I got the chance to read it. Charlie has always longed for a younger sibling and when his sibling is born with a chronic illness, he doesn't know what to do or how to cope. He runs into the familiar forest near the hospital and is transported back in time after seeing a young boy lying upside down in the stream.

I was so emotionally invested in this book and the gorgeous characters. Charlie has such a wonderfully supportive family and such a great bond with the mystery character he finds in the forest. I absolutely loved the fact this book kept me guessing throughout.

A brilliant book that is well worth reading!

My attention was brought to this book being on Net Galley by a friend and, drawn by its gorgeous cover, I requested it, not knowing anything about the storyline. From the cover, I had inferred it would be something similar to the classic Stig of the Dump – a book I have read several times and loved – was I right?

In some respects, yes, but here the time travelling is done in the opposite direction with modern-day Charlie finding himself back in the Stone Age. It is here that we briefly find ourselves in the opening chapter with the birth of a boy – something that is echoed shortly after the main narrative starts with the birth of another boy.

This baby is the much longed-for younger brother of Charlie, who is woken very early on his birthday by his father to share the news. Sadly, on visiting the hospital later that day, it transpires that the baby, Dara, has a serious heart condition which requires immediate surgery. Overwhelmed with a range of emotions, Charlie flees the hospital to hide in the reassuringly familiar woods where he spends much of his time playing with his best friends.

Here, he comes across a body floating face down in the river. On dragging it to the bank, he discovers that rather than a corpse the body is a boy who has suffered a head injury. After trying to summon help and failing, Charlie at first feels threatened by the now conscious child who is strangely dressed in animal skins before the two of them realise that neither poses a threat and they befriend one another.

The strange boy, who later identifies himself as Harby, appears concussed and is anxious to find his baby sister, Mothga. Charlie decides he should help and together they face several challenges as they try to locate her such as wolves and a bear while Charlie tries to work out how to get home.

This is a beautiful book in so many ways. Firstly, Charlie and Harby are credible characters and the developing friendship with them is well-written, bearing many comparisons with Stig and Barney in Clive King’s classic text. Here, it is again the modern boy who comes across the caveboy but it is a reflection of the huge changes in children’s literature since that book was published in 1963 that the story is a lot more ‘edgy’ in its coverage of issues which affect many of today’s children.

Charlie, in common with most of us, anticipates the arrival of a ‘perfect’ sibling and is not emotionally equipped to deal with the reality of Dara’s heart condition when it is presented to him. His panic and initial rejection of his baby brother, and his later guilt at his feelings and actions, are described perfectly here and will strike a chord with many readers, both child and adult. As he reflects on the love that Harby feels for Mothga, Charlie comes to realise that love is unconditional and is determined to make amends for his actions, if he is able to return home.

This is a wonderful book, packed full of action but one that definitely tugs at the heartstrings and I would recommend it to anyone of Year 5 age and above, especially fans of Stig of the Dump, although you do not need to have read that to enjoy this. The good news for everyone who enjoys this is the release of a sequel in 2021.

Huge thanks to both Net Galley and Bloomsbury Children’s Books for allowing me to read this title ahead of its publication on July 9th.

The Wild Way Home is an absolute treasure trove of adventure, excitement and danger set in a wild and natural environment whilst, at its heart, it resonates with the importance of family, friendship and acceptance. This is a truly breath-taking story that completely captured me as I was transported back in time for an action-packed adventure with Charlie and Harby who prove that being born millennia apart is no barrier to friendship.

Twelve-year-old Charlie has been wishing for a baby brother or sister at every birthday and that dream is finally realised when her father gives her the news that Dara, Charlie’s baby brother, has been born. Charlie’s dream soon turns into a painful nightmare when it is revealed that Dara has a life-threatening heart condition.

With her fragile emotions in turmoil, Charlie escapes to Mandel Forest where she rescues a young, injured boy from the river. But this boy is wearing deerskins, owns a spear and is hostile towards her. Charlie soon comes to the realisation that she has travelled through time to a Stone Age Mandel Forest which is familiar, yet unfamiliar. Is her journey back to the past linked to her predilection for collecting forest treasures? How will she find her way home?

The Stone Age boy, Harby, is desperate to find his baby sister Mothga, so the children soon find themselves on a dangerous undertaking to discover what has happened to her, an adventure that sees them coming face-to-face with some of the Forest’s wild inhabitants, with a dangerous stranger and with painful truths that cannot stay locked in memory.

Can being lost in the past, caught up in Harby’s quest to find his sister, help Charlie to find her way back to her family, to have the courage to accept her heart-breaking situation and no longer run from her pain?

The relationship between Charlie and Harby is wonderfully portrayed from their fear-filled, uncertain first meeting, to the leap of faith shown in the tentative building of trust which leads to a protective friendship which allows them both to open up to each other and overcome fear. Both children show incredible courage and resilience when faced with terrible danger and heart-breaking discoveries. They help each other to accept the heartache and pain in their lives and, in doing so, find a shared bond and wonderful camaraderie.

I really enjoyed the genuine appreciation for the natural environment with its vivid depiction of Mandel Forest both in the present and the past. Landmarks from the past have undoubtedly changed over the passage of millennia, but are still recognisable in Charlie’s time. She enjoys living at the edge of the forest and has a real affinity for it, making it a well-loved playground and a source of natural treasures to collect.

Charlie’s gender is not made explicit in the story, so it is left for the reader to imagine Charlie through their own inferences and experiences. Growing up in the wilds of rural Ireland, I completely understand Charlie’s affinity with nature, the collection of found items, and just the joyous abandon in roaming this environment which is a natural playground. For me, Charlie resonates as a young girl who runs from her pain to the place where she can seek solace, to the place that she feels in the depths of her soul.

The Wild Way Home is an exhilarating and heartfelt journey into the depths of an ancient past, resounding with a powerful message of the strength to be gained from family and friendship. A simply stunning and richly evocative must-read story which lingers long after the last page is closed.