Books with title Ratha's Challenge

From the PEN Award–winning author: The Named series continues as the prehistoric tribe of sentient cats confronts a rival tribe of feline hunters. Twenty-five million years in the past, a clan of sentient, prehistoric big cats called “the Named” have their own language, traditions, and law. Ratha, a female Named, has brought fire to the clan and serves as their leader. In RATHA'S CHALLENGE, Ratha faces a separate clan of hunter cats, entranced by the telepathic song of their leader, True-of-voice. When that clan's future becomes entwined with that of the Named, Ratha faces the difficult task of deciding everyone's fate. Her daughter, Thistle-Chaser, is her only hope for guidance in making the right decision, but Thistle-Chaser is plagued by nightmares of the "Dreambiter," a distant half-memory that threatens to tear apart her mind. Author Clare Bell crafts a serious adventure and coming-of-age story, filled with triumph and heartbreak. RATHA’S CHALLENGE, the Fourth Book of the Named in the series, finds Ratha struggling to gain the maturity needed to be both a leader and a mother. This story of large, noble cats is a larger story, indeed.

The Named believe that they are the only cats who can think and speak, so they are shocked and intrigued to discover a mammoth-hunting tribe of cats who also speak. The other tribe, united in a kind of group mind, is so different that understanding them appears impossible, and conflict threatens. Should Ratha increase her efforts to talk to these strange cats, or should she destroy them with the Red Tongue so the Named can take their mammoths? Ratha's daughter Thistle-chaser, has strange gifts that could lead to a solution, but she can't do it alone. Mother and daughter must challenge the darkness of their shared past before they can work together.

Jed thought to become seer, but first he must undergo tests to prove his mental power. However, the greatest challenge of his life lies ahead. With his father Ankzar, King of Jeddon recently dead and Jai, the rightful heir to the throne of Jeddon gone missing, the elders offer Jed the Badge of Ruling. Should Jed become King to save his beloved planet from chaos? But where is Jai, and why is Jyari their sister missing too? Jed risks his life in an attempt to find out, but the peril is greater than he thought.

An exhilarating ride with one of New Zealand’s foremost adventure photographers, Andy Belcher as he takes on the New Zealand Targa Rally against a variety of cars – from 1960s Austin Healeys and Ford Cortinas to the latest Ferraris. Wonderful photography supports Andy’s recount of the trials and tribulations of this exciting event.• White/Band 10 books have more complex sentences and figurative language.• Text type - A non-fiction recount of an event.• A photography rally map on pages 30 and 31 encourages discussion and provides lots of opportunities for further activities.• Curriculum links - DT: Vehicles; Geography: Where in the world is Barnaby Bear?• This book has been levelled for Reading Recovery.

An exhilarating ride with one of New Zealand’s foremost adventure photographers, Andy Belcher as he takes on the New Zealand Targa Rally against a variety of cars – from 1960s Austin Healeys and Ford Cortinas to the latest Ferraris. Wonderful photography supports Andy’s recount of the trials and tribulations of this exciting event.• White/Band 10 books have more complex sentences and figurative language.• Text type - A non-fiction recount of an event.• A photography rally map on pages 30 and 31 encourages discussion and provides lots of opportunities for further activities.• Curriculum links - DT: Vehicles; Geography: Where in the world is Barnaby Bear?