
Mollie Hunter's Carnegie Medal-winning historical novel, "The Stronghold," transports readers to the Orkney Islands in the 1st century BC, where Roman slave-raids are a constant threat. The story centers on Coll, a young man left lame by a raid, who conceives of a revolutionary circular drystone fortification, the broch. Despite being dismissed by tribal elders and facing internal power struggles, including a plot for human sacrifice and betrayal, Coll perseveres. This immersive tale explores themes of resilience, innovation, leadership, and the courage to stand up for one's vision, offering a rich blend of historical detail and compelling adventure for middle-grade readers.
Crippled in a Roman raid on his native island, Coll spends many years planning an impregnable defense but has to overcome many obstacles before he is given a chance to put it to the test.