A Tree in Time by Pam C Golden takes readers on a journey through time, following the adventures of Jenni, an ordinary girl who experiences extraordinary events. When a magical twist transports her from the 21st century to the Mesolithic forests of Ancient Britain, Jenni’s modern concerns fade as she discovers a vibrant world far different from what her history lessons depicted.
Jenni must adapt to this unfamiliar environment, learning survival skills and forming meaningful connections with the hunter-gatherer community until she is able to return to her own time. The narrative shines in its portrayal of these first true friendships and how they transform Jenni’s understanding of what makes life fulfilling. However, not all members of the ancient community welcome her presence, and the tension this creates propels the story forward as Jenni faces genuine dangers.
The novel’s pacing is satisfactory, maintaining reader interest while allowing sufficient time to explore the richly detailed Mesolithic setting. Particularly compelling is Jenni’s mysterious connection to Druantia, the wise Elder, which adds depth to the storyline and raises intriguing questions about Jenni’s purpose in this time period.
Beyond its adventure elements, A Tree in Time offers young readers thoughtful explorations of difficult relationships, unconditional love, and respect for the natural world. The author emphasises the healing benefits of nature without relying on modern technology as a solution—a refreshing perspective in contemporary children’s literature.
While the character development is sufficient for the first book in the series, the engaging narrative and positive ecological message make this a worthwhile read for young readers. The book effectively raises awareness about our connection to the earth and history in an entertaining format.
I award 4 stars