The Ice is Coming

Reach for this book when your teen is grappling with their place in the world, particularly if they are navigating the tension between a modern lifestyle and a deep, perhaps untapped, cultural heritage. It is a sophisticated choice for a child who feels a strong but quiet connection to the environment and is ready for a story that treats nature as a living, breathing participant rather than just a backdrop. The story follows Wirrun, a young Aboriginal man living a contemporary life, who is called by the ancient spirits of the Australian landscape to stop an unnatural ice age. As he journeys with a fickle rock-spirit, he must learn to command ancient powers and redefine his identity. The book explores themes of environmental stewardship, bravery, and the weight of ancestral responsibility. It is best suited for readers aged 12 and up due to its lyrical, complex prose and the subtle, slow-burning nature of the conflict.