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I’m the author of several nonfiction books for children about nature, science, and the environment and writer/researcher for a wildlife biography television series. NOW I’M EXCITED TO INTRODUCE MY FIRST FICTION BOOK, a YA prehistoric adventure novel set in Ice Age Europe, SISTERS OF THE WOLF!  

40,000 years ago the Neanderthals (Krag) and early modern humans (Kula) of Ice Age Europe compete for survival in a world where the climate is changing and prey is disappearing. The dark-skinned Kulas, nomadic hunters with advanced tools move ever deeper into the territory of the pale, heavy-browed Krags.  Haken, a powerful Krag leader destroys a Kula camp in an effort to learn their hunting magic. Shinoni, daughter of the Kula Shaman flees into the forest, sent by her grandmother to protect their people’s knowledge. There she is treed by wolves and discovered by Haken's hunters who take her to the Krag camp.  At the camp she meets another captive, Keena, a Krag girl torn from her band by Haken as payment for killing a marauding cave lion. When Shinoni tricks Haken into leaving the camp to look for a magic rock, Keena helps her escape. There is one condition, Shinoni must take Keena with her...and so begins the epic journey that changes their lives forever. They are joined on their quest to find their families by Tewa, a powerful silver wolf who becomes their guardian and spirit guide.

SISTERS OF THE WOLF was published by Dundurn Press on August 24, 2021 and is available for purchase or order from booksellers everywhere.

NOMINATED FOR THE 2022 RED MAPLE AWARD

SISTERS OF THE WOLF BOOK TRAILER:

THE WORLD OF SISTERS OF THE WOLF

Sisters of the Wolf is a work of fiction. However, much of it is based on what we currently know from the work of scientists and researchers studying traces and clues left by our prehistoric ancestors about themselves and the animals, plants, and environment they lived in. Evidence comes from the work of archaeologists, paleontologists, geneticists, biochemists, and many others. Here are some highlights.

The prehistoric people living in Shinoni’s and Keena’s time and place 40,000 years ago faced a cold and unforgiving environment during the Ice Age. While living in open air camps was possible for part of the year, when winter arrived they would need access to a cave or rock shelter. Caves would also likely be important for safety from predators and perhaps for practicing rituals, and symbolic activities year-round. Some of the richness of their lives is demonstrated be the number of paintings and carvings they created and have been found in over 350 caves scattered over what is today Eurasia.

To learn more about the lives, culture, and possible belief systems of our ancient ancestors CLICK HERE.

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ENDORSEMENTS FOR SISTERS OF THE WOLF

Rebecca Wragg Sykes - Archaeologist and Award-Winning Author of Kindred:Neanderthal Life, Love, Death and Art.  One of 2020’s Best Books: New Scientist, BBC Science  Focus.

"An absorbing introduction for younger readers, Miller-Schroeder's story explores the fascinating world of 40,000 years ago, when humans of many sorts were forging new relationships with each other, and with the animals around them."

Judith Silverthorne - Author of multiple award-winning fiction and non-fiction books including her YA historical novel Convictions.

"Strong girl-power in this vibrant storytelling about friendship and trust across racial and species boundaries is even more compelling with its prehistoric setting. Intriguing and fast-paced, this adventure with its strong characters and vivid details of a long-ago time and place keep a reader captivated right to the satisfying end.”

 Kirkus Reviews

"The action in this fast-paced survival story moves quickly as the girls come across one fearful predator and pitfall after another, and the novel is sure to pique an interest in prehistoric people and places."

 CM: Canadian Review of Materials

"Sisters of the Wolf contains action and adventure, a unique historical setting and a story about strong women and girls, and so there is something to suit every taste in the intermediate age group."