Stone Age Themed Chapter Books for Tweens and Teens

Maroo of the Winter Caves by Ann Turnbull

This gripping novel follows Maroo, a young girl living during the Ice Age, as she leads her family on a perilous journey to survive the harsh winter. With her father gone and her mother injured, Maroo must take on a leadership role and navigate dangerous terrain. Full of heart, bravery, and adventure, this story introduces young readers to the resilience required to survive in prehistoric times.

I read this aloud 2 years ago and this year I gave it to my 10 year old as her first assigned reading book.

** Highly Recommended **

Stone Arrows by Elizabeth Barber

Set in 7000 BCE during the Mesolithic period, Stone Arrows follows Zeta and her brother, Finn, who are forced to flee after their father is killed. Accompanied by Zeta’s loyal pet wolf, Kuba, the siblings embark on a dangerous journey across the land, seeking refuge with their mother’s birth tribe. Along the way, they must outsmart their pursuers, relying on their hunting skills and deep knowledge of the land to survive. As they strive to reach safety, they also face the challenge of rescuing their friend Arden from certain death. Combining meticulous historical research with a thrilling adventure, Stone Arrows vividly brings to life the landscapes, animals, and customs of Mesolithic hunter-gatherers, creating a fast-paced and engaging tale of survival.

The Cave Beyond Time by Malcolm J. Bosse

This adventure follows Ben, a modern boy who stumbles upon a cave that transports him to a prehistoric world. As Ben navigates the dangers of this ancient landscape, he encounters primitive tribes and wild animals. The novel explores how Ben must use his wits and knowledge of the modern world to survive and find his way back home. The Cave Beyond Time is a thrilling read that merges elements of time travel with the harsh realities of Stone Age survival.

A Way of His Own by Thomas A. Dyer

Shutok, a young boy from a nomadic tribe, is abandoned by his family when they follow the bison herds, fearing that the bad luck which caused his crippled back might affect them all. Despite his limitations, Shutok stubbornly tries to keep up, but eventually falls behind and is left to survive on his own in the wild plains of North America. As the seasons change and his people return in the spring, events unfold that lead Shutok to earn their respect and challenge the superstitions that once caused his exile. This compelling story explores themes of survival, courage, and the overcoming of deep-rooted fears.

Wolf Road by Alice Roberts

Set in prehistoric Britain, Wolf Road follows the journey of a young girl growing up in a world shaped by nature and survival. As she faces the challenges of living in the wilderness, she develops a powerful bond with a wolf that becomes her steadfast companion. The novel paints a vivid picture of life in early Britain, focusing on the deep connection between humans and the animals they rely on. Through her extensive knowledge as an anthropologist, Alice Roberts brings the prehistoric landscape to life, weaving a compelling narrative of survival, resilience, and the natural world.

Horse Boy by Tanya Landman

This fast-paced novel takes readers to the late Stone Age, where a boy named Oak dreams of taming wild horses. After saving a foal from a pack of wolves, Oak is determined to make the horse his companion, despite the opposition from his tribe. Horse Boy is a rich, emotional story about courage, dreams, and the deep connection between humans and animals during the dawn of civilization.

The Boy with the Bronze Axe by Kathleen Fidler

Set in the Neolithic village of Skara Brae in ancient Scotland, this story follows a young boy named Tenko, who arrives at the village carrying a mysterious bronze axe. As Tenko helps the villagers survive a flood and introduces them to new tools, he changes their way of life forever. The Boy with the Bronze Axe provides a vivid look at early technological advances and the challenges of transitioning from a Stone Age to a Bronze Age society.

Skara Brae in Scotland is the best preserved neolithic settlement in Western Europe. This book would also make an excellent addition to any unit study on Scotland.

Wolf Brother by Michelle Paver

In this thrilling series opener, 12-year-old Torak is left alone after his father is killed by a demon-possessed bear. Set in a world of hunter-gatherers, Torak must journey through forests and mountains with the help of a lone wolf cub to defeat the evil that threatens his world. Wolf Brother combines elements of magic, survival, and ancient lore, making it an exciting read for fans of action and adventure.

This book was our top read and it started us down the path of reading all 9 of the books from the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness series.