When the Mountains Roared

Author: Jess Butterworth

Publisher: Orion Children’s Books

Details: 288pp, £6.99, paperback

ISBN: 9781510102118

The animals promised by the cover of When the Mountains Roared were a powerful motive for us to start reading and, from the kangaroos to a cute leopard cub, the scorpions to the goats, they didn’t disappoint. Both boys and girls were equally hooked by the story, and the fast-paced chapters kept everyone reading.

The cover design was a big hit, as the leopard graphic and quotation on the rear created mystery from the outset. Each chapter leads you deeper into the story to a remote Indian village where nature is threatened by humankind.

The narrative begins with Ruby’s story, leaving Australia and starting a new life with her dad and grandma in India. Ruby is continually facing change and dilemmas, and we all warmed to her immediately. What would you pack if you were told to leave your home with just seconds to spare?

We felt Ruby’s heartache at leaving her mum’s orange scarf behind; as she scattered her note into the sea on the journey to India, we felt we were standing right beside her. The children enjoyed all of the characters, but particularly liked the dynamic between Ruby and her new friend, Praveen.

In the same way as Jess Butterworth’s previous novel, Running on the Roof of the World, which is set in Tibet, the local culture, creatures and atmosphere are richly woven into the story. Somehow, the description affects all your senses: the smell of the lush rainforest, the prickle on your skin as the scorpions crawl, the intensity of the storm, the quiet stillness hiding from the poachers…You really feel like you are travelling with Ruby.

As a teacher, I was drawn to the rich description of culture, especially when Ruby visits an Indian city during the festival of Holi. But I can see this book becoming a classroom staple for more than the mesmerising snapshots of India. The determined characters who persevere, who show a growing independence of mind to overcome difficulties and strive to achieve a goal by working together, all while being part of a spellbinding story, make this a must-have book for every classroom of 9- to 12-year-olds.

Catherine Lang is a teacher at Wellsprings Primary School in Taunton. She writes a book-review blog, wellsprings.edublogs.org, and tweets @ClassBookCorner

Pupil reviews

‘Ruby leaves everything behind, but finds friends’

I think this story is about losing and finding things. There is a girl called Ruby who is trying to stop leopard poaching. Like the leopard, she has lost her own mum. Ruby leaves everything behind, but by the end of the story, she has found friends in a new country.

Maisy, Year 6

‘I couldn’t put the book down’

The whole book was an emotional adventure - I couldn’t put the book down. I was really happy that, with all the things they left behind in Australia, they kept the snakeskin.

Marcel, Year 6

‘It will make your heart race with curiosity’

This is both a very sad and heartwarming book that will make your heart race with curiosity. I couldn’t stop reading until I knew what happened with the leopard! My favourite character was Praveen; I liked seeing how they made friends and worked together to try to stop the poachers.

Mia C, Year 6

‘I was worried it would be a sad book, but it wasn’t’

It is so emotional because at the beginning Ruby’s mum and the mother kangaroo both die. I was worried it would be a sad book, but it wasn’t. I thought the whole story was adventurous and wonderful.

Harry, Year 5

‘If you love animals, then you should read this book’

I think that When the Mountains Roared was a brilliant mystery book. I really don’t like poachers. If you love animals, then you should read this book.

Keely, Year 5

If you or your class would like to write a review, please contact sarah.cunnane@tes.com