Newbery Medalist Lois Lowry has penned a story of early feminism, portraying a strong young woman of the Iron Age in northern Germany. She has written both a historical account as well as a fictional story in this new middle grade selection. The structure of this work draws readers in with Lowry presenting essentially a history lesson of bog bodies (some 2,000 years old!) while at the same time, letting the reader get a glimpse of her writing process and what drives her story-crafting. Once you have this foundation, the second part of the book is the fictionalized story of a young girl named Estrild who yearns to be a warrior. You will be immediately transported back in time and feel a part of a special friendship between Estrild and Varick (a physically challenged orphan) as she prepares to stand her ground, take up her uncle’s shield and become the first woman warrior. However, differences are not tolerated and this is how her body is found perserved in a German bog some 2,000 years later. The conculsion, part three, contains a bit more fascinating history and actual photographs as well as Lowry’s windup of her own tasks to be able to write this book for all of us to enjoy. A great read that nourishes knowledge and affairs of the heart!