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Clan
The classic survival story gets a prehistoric twist in this gripping middle-grade adventure featuring a boy and his sabre tooth tiger cub, perfect for fans of Hatchet .
Part survival story, part animal-human friendship story and part redemption story, Clan follows the journey of Atlatl and the saber tooth cub he rescues from a dire wolf attack.
Injured as a child, Atlatl dreams of one day earning his father's respect as a hunter. But when Atlatl brings the young saber tooth to his Clan, it leads to a devastating moment of torn loyalties between Atlatl and his father--a moment that will change their lives forever.
Then an epic disaster strikes, and suddenly Atlatl has to rely on wits, ingenuity and bravery to face his biggest foe yet and try to save what remains of his Clan.
Part survival story, part animal-human friendship story and part redemption story, Clan follows the journey of Atlatl and the saber tooth cub he rescues from a dire wolf attack.
Injured as a child, Atlatl dreams of one day earning his father's respect as a hunter. But when Atlatl brings the young saber tooth to his Clan, it leads to a devastating moment of torn loyalties between Atlatl and his father--a moment that will change their lives forever.
Then an epic disaster strikes, and suddenly Atlatl has to rely on wits, ingenuity and bravery to face his biggest foe yet and try to save what remains of his Clan.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published August 4, 2020
9 people are currently reading
160 people want to read
About the author
Sigmund Brouwer
260 books407 followersSigmund loves going to schools to get kids excited about reading, reaching roughly 80,000 students a year through his Rock&Roll Literacy Show.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 1, 2020
If you know a kid who wants adventure, give them this book!
June 8, 2020
Clan is the story of Atlatl, a boy on the verge on manhood in prehistoric times, at the end of the last ice age. His father is the leader of the Clan, his uncle the Clan's shaman, and the Clan is everything. Atlatl has a severe limp, the result of shattering his knee in a fall when he was younger, which causes some in the Clan to belittle him, and he is acutely aware of his father's shame and disappointment. Despite this, he is fiercely loyal to his people and has tried to find a role for himself in the Clan.
One day he rescues an orphaned saber-tooth cub and brings it to live with the Clan, which causes friction and gives his uncle and cousin an opportunity to exploit to bring humiliation to Atlatl's father, and results in Atlatl and the cub being banished. Shortly after, a sudden, massive flood destroys the entire valley, and Atlatl is left to survive on his own.
This is a touching story not just of survival, but of the bond between a boy and his cub, his search for his place and role in the world, and gaining the confidence that comes with maturity and self-acceptance. This is a story of relationships, intrigue, loyalty, betrayal, overcoming obstacles, and surviving against all odds. It is well-written, engaging, and both character and plot driven. Atlatl is a strong and well-developed character that the reader can empathize with and cheer for.
While this has been compared to Hatchet and will appeal to Hatchet fans, it goes far beyond being a mere survival story.
[I received a digital ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.]
One day he rescues an orphaned saber-tooth cub and brings it to live with the Clan, which causes friction and gives his uncle and cousin an opportunity to exploit to bring humiliation to Atlatl's father, and results in Atlatl and the cub being banished. Shortly after, a sudden, massive flood destroys the entire valley, and Atlatl is left to survive on his own.
This is a touching story not just of survival, but of the bond between a boy and his cub, his search for his place and role in the world, and gaining the confidence that comes with maturity and self-acceptance. This is a story of relationships, intrigue, loyalty, betrayal, overcoming obstacles, and surviving against all odds. It is well-written, engaging, and both character and plot driven. Atlatl is a strong and well-developed character that the reader can empathize with and cheer for.
While this has been compared to Hatchet and will appeal to Hatchet fans, it goes far beyond being a mere survival story.
[I received a digital ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.]
June 30, 2020
A courageous coming of age tale of friendship, family, forgiveness and finding one's place.
I grew up reading the Accidental Detectives by this author, and am also a huge fan of his teen and adult books as well, so when I saw that he was releasing a new middle grade book it was a no brainer for me. And it did not disappoint, Sigmund Brouwer is an excellent author, and I love how his storytelling appeals to all ages, and even though this is written for a younger audience I thoroughly enjoyed it. Though I will note that this book is different from his more well known previous releases as it would not be categorized as Christian fiction--and I knew that going into this book.
Atlatl is a boy on the verge of becoming a man, he feels rejected by his father because of his crippled foot, but he is also a gifted storyteller. He saves a sabertooth cub, which begins a series of events that drive a wedge between himself and the clan. Atlatl is a clever young man, I admired his determination, and ingenuity, as well as his heart for others.
This is a coming of age tale of survival, with a powerful message of forgiveness and friendship. Great for middle-grade readers, as well as a book to read together as a family. Fast paced and satisfying, this book explores what life might have been like in the early days for indigenous peoples, as well as the dynamics of a clan. Atlatl is a courageous hero, he is logical and clever, and grows in maturity over the course of the story. This book did a great job of exploring the relationships between members of the clan and how they must work together to survive. I found this to be an enjoyable and entertaining read, full of adventure, great for families and middle grade readers.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I grew up reading the Accidental Detectives by this author, and am also a huge fan of his teen and adult books as well, so when I saw that he was releasing a new middle grade book it was a no brainer for me. And it did not disappoint, Sigmund Brouwer is an excellent author, and I love how his storytelling appeals to all ages, and even though this is written for a younger audience I thoroughly enjoyed it. Though I will note that this book is different from his more well known previous releases as it would not be categorized as Christian fiction--and I knew that going into this book.
Atlatl is a boy on the verge of becoming a man, he feels rejected by his father because of his crippled foot, but he is also a gifted storyteller. He saves a sabertooth cub, which begins a series of events that drive a wedge between himself and the clan. Atlatl is a clever young man, I admired his determination, and ingenuity, as well as his heart for others.
This is a coming of age tale of survival, with a powerful message of forgiveness and friendship. Great for middle-grade readers, as well as a book to read together as a family. Fast paced and satisfying, this book explores what life might have been like in the early days for indigenous peoples, as well as the dynamics of a clan. Atlatl is a courageous hero, he is logical and clever, and grows in maturity over the course of the story. This book did a great job of exploring the relationships between members of the clan and how they must work together to survive. I found this to be an enjoyable and entertaining read, full of adventure, great for families and middle grade readers.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
July 4, 2020
Clan by Sigmund Brouwer, 256 pages. Penguin Random House, 2020. $16.99.
Language: G (0 swear, 0 ‘f”): Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG
BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS – OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Atlatl saves a cub from sure death and, as a result, puts his own safety and security in jeopardy. This is just the beginning of many events that will threaten his life and the lives of others. Atlatl will face physical, mental, and emotional challenges. He will deal with situations within his own life, within his family, and with the Clan. Will Atlatl, his family members, and the Clan survive? What will Atlatl learn from his experiences?
This story takes place in a prehistoric setting. Some actual prehistoric connections are provided by the author within the text, and there are also references with nonfiction information provided at the back of the book. Human-animal relationships, family relationships, and Clan relationships are portrayed within the book. The importance of each of these relationships is demonstrated. A death-choice decision in the book affected the “Content” and “Buying Advisory” ratings.
RCW
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2020...
Language: G (0 swear, 0 ‘f”): Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG
BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS – OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Atlatl saves a cub from sure death and, as a result, puts his own safety and security in jeopardy. This is just the beginning of many events that will threaten his life and the lives of others. Atlatl will face physical, mental, and emotional challenges. He will deal with situations within his own life, within his family, and with the Clan. Will Atlatl, his family members, and the Clan survive? What will Atlatl learn from his experiences?
This story takes place in a prehistoric setting. Some actual prehistoric connections are provided by the author within the text, and there are also references with nonfiction information provided at the back of the book. Human-animal relationships, family relationships, and Clan relationships are portrayed within the book. The importance of each of these relationships is demonstrated. A death-choice decision in the book affected the “Content” and “Buying Advisory” ratings.
RCW
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2020...
October 30, 2022
I want to thank NetGalley and Penguin Random House (Tundra Books) for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book caught my eye due to the setting being in prehistoric times. The author at the end explains how the events and animals depicted in the story. Don't skip reading that at the end. This is not a long book. It will be a great new book to introduce to reluctant readers. It has lots of action- a great hook at the start of the book. It also explores great themes: honesty; loyalty; grace; forgiveness; malice. This story provides some rich discussions to ask readers what they would do in the characters' shoes. Many of the characters are very dynamic and I love that aspect when discussing stories with adolescents. The story is unique and full of adventure to visualize. A great title to add to the popular survival adventure story genre.
Reread a second time as I added it as a book club choice for our survival stories. This is a great story for all readers- advanced or not.
Reread a second time as I added it as a book club choice for our survival stories. This is a great story for all readers- advanced or not.
September 23, 2021
This title is nominated for the 2022 Hackmatack Award in the English fiction category. Atlatl is a regular kid who just wants to fit in, except that a childhood injury prevents him from fulfilling his manly duties to the clan. Oh yeah, did I mention the setting? It's prehistoric North America. So we've got Atlatl, who wants to earn the respect of his father (who happens to be the best hunter and leader of the clan). He has a contentious relationship with his cousin, which closely resembles the fraught relationship between their fathers. When Atlatl befriends a young saber tooth cub & takes him home, his cousin and uncle conspire to manipulate the situation to their advantage & force the leader (Atlatl's father) to make a devastating decision.
This probably isn't the type of story that I would have gravitated towards as a kid, but I can definitely think of a few kids that I think would really get into the survival aspects. Atlatl is very likeable & shows a lot of character development over the course of the story. I think the lessons imparted by his grandmother and father about how anger and envy will rot a person from the inside out, and how shifting mindset/attitude isn't easy but can be incredibly rewarding. I would definitely recommend this, especially to kids who aren't necessarily the smartest or most athletic in the class. The story shows how not everyone can be a shining star, but we all have a purpose.
This probably isn't the type of story that I would have gravitated towards as a kid, but I can definitely think of a few kids that I think would really get into the survival aspects. Atlatl is very likeable & shows a lot of character development over the course of the story. I think the lessons imparted by his grandmother and father about how anger and envy will rot a person from the inside out, and how shifting mindset/attitude isn't easy but can be incredibly rewarding. I would definitely recommend this, especially to kids who aren't necessarily the smartest or most athletic in the class. The story shows how not everyone can be a shining star, but we all have a purpose.
Currently reading
May 27, 2020I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
For fans of Hatchet and Maroo of the Winter Caves by Ann Turnbull comes this gem of a children's historical fiction book. Set at the end of the last Ice Age, Clan is the sweetly told coming-of-age adventure of a young misfit, the relationships he forges and lessons learned, storytelling, wisdom, and his search for love, all wrapped up in a very readable little novel that transports you straight into the Pleistocene Epoch.
Atlatl is a compelling and well-done character that I think kids and adults alike will relate to and cheer on as he navigates surviving the Great Flood, and (perhaps the more challenging feat!) achieving peaceful forgiveness with those who have wronged him. His exploration of the ideas of truth in storytelling, his broken-but-redeemed relationship with his stony father, the loss of his grandmother and beloved saber tooth friend. All come together to really flesh out the story and make it deeply human in a way that connects readers to the past.
All in all, a really lovely book that my kids and I really enjoyed as a way to put a face to some of our history studies. Don't hesitate to grab this one!
For fans of Hatchet and Maroo of the Winter Caves by Ann Turnbull comes this gem of a children's historical fiction book. Set at the end of the last Ice Age, Clan is the sweetly told coming-of-age adventure of a young misfit, the relationships he forges and lessons learned, storytelling, wisdom, and his search for love, all wrapped up in a very readable little novel that transports you straight into the Pleistocene Epoch.
Atlatl is a compelling and well-done character that I think kids and adults alike will relate to and cheer on as he navigates surviving the Great Flood, and (perhaps the more challenging feat!) achieving peaceful forgiveness with those who have wronged him. His exploration of the ideas of truth in storytelling, his broken-but-redeemed relationship with his stony father, the loss of his grandmother and beloved saber tooth friend. All come together to really flesh out the story and make it deeply human in a way that connects readers to the past.
All in all, a really lovely book that my kids and I really enjoyed as a way to put a face to some of our history studies. Don't hesitate to grab this one!
September 19, 2020
Crippled from a childhood injury, Atlatl is unable to hunt with the other men. While he’s smart, it takes hunting prowess to be considered a man in his clan. After rescuing a saber tooth cub from a dire wolf attack and bringing it to live with him, he is accused of angering the gods. Then disaster strikes when a great flood sweeps through his valley. With only his wits and his saber tooth cub, Atlatl chooses to make the dangerous journey across unknown terrain into the realm of the gods to demand answers.
Clan is a very enjoyable coming-of-age story set in prehistoric times. Atlatl is shunned by his clansmen and taunted by his cousin for his deformity. He doesn’t fit in society, and this thread is handled with empathy. Atlatl’s companion through his trials is his loyal saber tooth cub, who young readers will adore. The landscape and its dangers are well defined during Atlatl’s trek to the realm of gods. However, the emotional currents are a bit shallow. There are a couple of powerful moments that just didn’t pull at my heart strings as I’d hoped. Despite this, I was drawn to the story and very much enjoyed Brouwer’s characters. The author has created a hard-to-put-down middle-grade tale about redemption, relationships, and believing in yourself. Recommended.
Clan is a very enjoyable coming-of-age story set in prehistoric times. Atlatl is shunned by his clansmen and taunted by his cousin for his deformity. He doesn’t fit in society, and this thread is handled with empathy. Atlatl’s companion through his trials is his loyal saber tooth cub, who young readers will adore. The landscape and its dangers are well defined during Atlatl’s trek to the realm of gods. However, the emotional currents are a bit shallow. There are a couple of powerful moments that just didn’t pull at my heart strings as I’d hoped. Despite this, I was drawn to the story and very much enjoyed Brouwer’s characters. The author has created a hard-to-put-down middle-grade tale about redemption, relationships, and believing in yourself. Recommended.
August 19, 2020
Quietly epic, Clan is a coming of age tale of survival, of the power and value of stories, of bitter sibling rivalry passed to the next generation, of persistence and growth, of pride and its victims, of ritual and of breaking the cycle. Set towards the end of the Ice Age, it follows Atlatl, a boy with a badly twisted leg in a culture where most men are valued for their physical prowess and skill at the hunt. A gifted storyteller who sparkles with intelligence, Atlatl is painfully aware that his father, clan leader Nootau, would much rather have his brother’s son, athletic Powaw, for his own. The story grapples with all of the classic conflicts—human vs human, human vs nature, human vs self—and feels as though it could have been written (or told) in another century. It’s an unadorned, refreshing, satisfying read—I enjoyed every minute I spent reading it. It’s definitely one I’ll use for my Catch a Chapter program at the library—where I read the first one or two chapters of a book aloud and have copies available for intrigued kids to check out. Many thanks to #edelweissplus for a digital ARC.
May 21, 2023
Anyway, on to Clan. Like so many books before it, the story follows the same pattern: Set in prehistoric times, a boy has a bad (leg|foot), so he's an outcast in his clan. But he's more intelligent than anyone else, so he goes on to (save the day|change humanity's future). In Clan's case, it was the latter: The boy's name was Atlatl and he went on to invent... the atlatl (spear thrower). But I swear, I've read five books now with that same setup. Always a boy, always with a bad leg or foot, never something more creative.
While I finished the book (it was a pretty fast read), if it had been longer I would have DNFed it. Characters made 180 changes for no reason and in the blink of an eye (Atlatl's father hated him his entire life, then in a day it changed and he loved him and valued him more than anything).
Atlatl found a saber tooth tiger cub and raised it, but I don't think the author even owned a pet cat before. Atlatl carried the half-grown cub into a river, and while in the story saber tooth tigers hate water, it never even scratched the boy. Try taking a pet cat into a pool! Most of them would claw you while trying to climb you as if you were a tree.
While I finished the book (it was a pretty fast read), if it had been longer I would have DNFed it. Characters made 180 changes for no reason and in the blink of an eye (Atlatl's father hated him his entire life, then in a day it changed and he loved him and valued him more than anything).
Atlatl found a saber tooth tiger cub and raised it, but I don't think the author even owned a pet cat before. Atlatl carried the half-grown cub into a river, and while in the story saber tooth tigers hate water, it never even scratched the boy. Try taking a pet cat into a pool! Most of them would claw you while trying to climb you as if you were a tree.
April 28, 2020
Clan
by Sigmund Brouwer
Penguin Random House Canada
Tundra Books
Children's Fiction | Middle Grade
Pub Date 04 Aug 2020
I am reviewing a copy of Clan through Penguin House Canada/Tundra Books and Netgalley:
Clan is not only a survival story, it is also a story of human and animal friendship as well as a story of redemption.
Clan follows the journey of Atlatl and the Sabre Tooth Tiger cub he rescued from a dire wolf attack.
Atlatl was injured as a child, and now has a twisted knee, despite that he is determined to prove his worth as a hunter to his Father.
Bringing the cub to the clan leads to devestating consequences though as well as torn loyalties between Atlatl and his Father.
After an epic disaster strikes. Atlatl must rely on his wits ingeunity and bravery to save the remaining members of his Clan.
Perfect for fans of adventure stories such as Hatchet!
I give Clan five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
by Sigmund Brouwer
Penguin Random House Canada
Tundra Books
Children's Fiction | Middle Grade
Pub Date 04 Aug 2020
I am reviewing a copy of Clan through Penguin House Canada/Tundra Books and Netgalley:
Clan is not only a survival story, it is also a story of human and animal friendship as well as a story of redemption.
Clan follows the journey of Atlatl and the Sabre Tooth Tiger cub he rescued from a dire wolf attack.
Atlatl was injured as a child, and now has a twisted knee, despite that he is determined to prove his worth as a hunter to his Father.
Bringing the cub to the clan leads to devestating consequences though as well as torn loyalties between Atlatl and his Father.
After an epic disaster strikes. Atlatl must rely on his wits ingeunity and bravery to save the remaining members of his Clan.
Perfect for fans of adventure stories such as Hatchet!
I give Clan five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
June 12, 2020
This book has captured my heart! The characters are so engaging. And the relationship between Atlatl and Cub is so endearing. My heart just about exploded when Atlatl & Nootau met again during Atlatl's dangerous encounter. Sigmund Brouwer did a great job of grabbing the readers attention and emotions!
I love reading periodical novels and imagining how people lived and what the landscape looking like. This is the perfect Middle Grade read with the right amount of tension, adventure, relational conundrums, and wise lessons. What makes this Middle Grade book even better is that it is one of those rare books that is equally suitable and enjoyable for both boys and girls.
This is one of those books that you wish would never end.
I recommend this book to all age groups. Thank you to #NetGalley & #TundraBooks for an advanced copy of #Clan in exchange for my honest opinion.
I love reading periodical novels and imagining how people lived and what the landscape looking like. This is the perfect Middle Grade read with the right amount of tension, adventure, relational conundrums, and wise lessons. What makes this Middle Grade book even better is that it is one of those rare books that is equally suitable and enjoyable for both boys and girls.
This is one of those books that you wish would never end.
I recommend this book to all age groups. Thank you to #NetGalley & #TundraBooks for an advanced copy of #Clan in exchange for my honest opinion.
July 13, 2021
My quick notes while listening:
- It’s good. Not earth shattering.
- Interesting. Author does a good job of working in interesting survival techniques.
- Moves faster than Hatchet and is shorter. Definitely for hatchet fans. I wasn’t a hatchet fan. Way too solitary for me and I like survival stories. This one is more interesting actually. Pace is a tiny bit faster.
- The survival details are great but they do slow down the story and pull you out if the story a bit.
- Interesting time, characters and ideas.
- Not for a super wide audience, must be patient and like survival stories.
- It’s good. Not earth shattering.
- Interesting. Author does a good job of working in interesting survival techniques.
- Moves faster than Hatchet and is shorter. Definitely for hatchet fans. I wasn’t a hatchet fan. Way too solitary for me and I like survival stories. This one is more interesting actually. Pace is a tiny bit faster.
- The survival details are great but they do slow down the story and pull you out if the story a bit.
- Interesting time, characters and ideas.
- Not for a super wide audience, must be patient and like survival stories.
July 15, 2021
Clan is a quick-moving story of adventure, survival, and innovation. It also emphasizes the importance of storytelling and community. Atlatl is on the brink of coming of age when a series of missteps (and a saber tooth!) alter his place in the clan. When disaster strikes, he must rely on his quick-thinking, innovation, and resilience.
Clan is a 2022 MYRCA Northern Lights nominee. I recommend it for grades 5-7.
Clan is a 2022 MYRCA Northern Lights nominee. I recommend it for grades 5-7.
May 14, 2020
This is a well written book that every school should have in their library. It has just the right amount of drama and adventure to hold your attention. It was a wonderful read that I will purchase when it's released. I highly recommend this book. Thank you Penguin Random House Canada/Tundra Books via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
January 17, 2021
At first I wasn't crazy about this book. The story wasn't getting me. The setting seemed too outlandish to enjoy. But as it kept going I really fell for it, and by the end when I saw it all come together I was so pleased I'd stuck it out. Also loved learning a bit more about the megafauna of ancient North America at the end.
July 20, 2022
Clan By Sigmund Brouwer, great book for all ages! Story taking place in prehistoric time, when a young boy heads out. He can’t hunt with the men because of his injured leg, and learns to weave baskets. When he is out trying to hunt birds with his invent sling shooter a Sabertooth tiger approaches, with a young cub…. Then a pack of wolves. This is a book filled of life lessons and adventure.
May 17, 2024
The book starts with a boy out in the wilderness. The boy was alone until he stumbled upon a sabretooth tiger. Him and his tiger become very close and help him with THE BEAST.
I really liked this book. It never stopped being suspenseful. And I love animals and the wilderness so it was right up my alley. And this is saying a lot because I don't really like reading.
I really liked this book. It never stopped being suspenseful. And I love animals and the wilderness so it was right up my alley. And this is saying a lot because I don't really like reading.
January 12, 2021
This is a classic survival story with a prehistoric twist . . . and a sabre-tooth cub.
Read
March 14, 2022Read out loud to my kids. Enjoyed the characters. They go through some very hard situations. Googling animals and prehistoric camps helped the kids to visualize the book.
September 4, 2022
Quick moving. Lots of action and adventure. Survival. Father son relationship
January 17, 2023
I think this book is good because it is full of action
July 5, 2023
It was good but not the best book. It was also very sad, I almost cried.
January 4, 2025
I absolutely loved this one - especially the relationship with Cub!
June 18, 2025
all i remember is being really pissed when the author killed the cat, it really wasn’t even necessary..!
also I met the author.
also I met the author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews