The Windeby Puzzle History and Story

Lois Lowry's "The Windeby Puzzle" is a unique middle-grade novel that masterfully combines historical fiction with real archaeological mystery. Set in the Iron Age, it tells the story of Estrild, who longs to be a warrior, and Varick, an orphan with a twisted back, both struggling to survive in a society intolerant of differences. Their fictional lives intertwine with the true discovery of the 2,000-year-old Windeby bog body, prompting readers to ponder the life of this ancient child. The book includes compelling photos of archaeological finds, making it an engaging read for children aged 8-12 who enjoy history, mystery, and stories of resilience.

Newbery Medalist and New York Times bestselling author Lois Lowry transports readers to an Iron Age world through the suspenseful dual narrative of a boy and girl both battling to survive. In an utterly one-of-a-kind blend of fiction and history, a master storyteller explores the mystery and life of the 2,000-year-old Windeby bog body. Estrild is not like the other girls in her village; she wants to be a warrior. Varick, the orphan boy who helps her train in spite of his twisted back, also stands apart. In a world where differences are poorly tolerated, just how much danger are they in? Inspired by the true discovery of the 2,000-year-old Windeby bog body in Northern Germany, Newbery Medalist and master storyteller Lois Lowry transports readers to an Iron age world as she breathes life back into the Windeby child, left in the bog to drown with a woolen blindfold over its eyes. This suspenseful exploration of lives that might have been by a gifted, intellectually curious author is utterly one of a kind. Includes several arresting photos of archeological finds, including of the Windeby child.