A Bone from a Dry Sea

Reach for this book when your child starts asking the big questions about where humans came from or shows a deep interest in the 'detective work' of science. It is a sophisticated, dual-timeline story that helps children bridge the gap between abstract evolutionary concepts and the lived reality of an individual life. By mirroring the experiences of a prehistoric girl and a modern-day teenager, it fosters a sense of continuity and shared human resilience. The book follows Li, a member of an early hominid tribe millions of years ago, and Vinny, a modern girl visiting her father's archaeological dig in Africa. While the prehistoric sections deal with survival and the dawn of intellect, the modern sections focus on the scientific process and navigating complex adult dynamics. It is a brilliant choice for building empathy for the 'other' and encouraging a scientific mindset, though parents should be aware of the realistic, sometimes harsh, depictions of prehistoric life. It is most suitable for mature readers aged 10 to 14.