About This Book
Reach for this book when your child feels sidelined by a physical limitation or is struggling to have their big ideas taken seriously by adults. Set in Iron Age Scotland, it follows Coll, a young man whose physical disability, caused by a Roman raid, makes him an unlikely hero in a warrior culture. Instead of traditional combat, Coll uses his brilliant mind for engineering and strategy to design a revolutionary defensive tower that can save his people. It is a powerful story about how intellectual innovation and resilience can overcome both physical barriers and social skepticism. This historical adventure is ideal for middle schoolers ready for complex themes. While it features intense moments of tribal conflict and sacrifice, it ultimately celebrates the triumph of logic and perseverance. Parents will appreciate how it frames disability not as a tragedy to be cured, but as a catalyst for a different, equally vital kind of strength. It is a sophisticated choice for fostering a growth mindset and discussing the balance between tradition and progress.
