Recommended children's booklists sorted by age or topic

Home > Books > When the Mountains Roared

When the Mountains Roared

Book Synopsis

A vivid, warm and atmospheric adventure set in the mountains of India, about a girl who is determined to protect the wild leopards of the mountain from poachers, perfect for fans of Katherine Rundell.

I thought we’d live here forever … but then, I thought Mum would be here forever too.

When Ruby’s dad uproots her from Australia to set up a hotel in the mountains of India, Ruby is devastated. Not only are they living in a run-down building in the middle of the wilderness surrounded by scorpions, bears and leopards, but Ruby is sure that India will never truly feel like home – not without her mum there.

Ever since her mum died, Ruby has been afraid. Of cars. Of the dark. Of going to sleep and never waking up.

But then the last remaining leopards of the mountain are threatened and everything changes. Ruby vows to do all she can to protect them – if she can only overcome her fears…

Our Review Panel says...

When the Mountains Roared is the much anticipated second novel from Jess Butterworth after her first book, Running on the Roof of the World went down a storm in Key Stage 2 classrooms. This is an atmospheric and enticing story that explores an important theme about preservation and it will appeal to readers in Years 4-6. The physical book itself is actually really beautiful both inside and out, with its stunning cover by Rob Biddulph and the leopard-print design of its pages. This is the kind of book that makes you want to stop and admire it, to flick through the pages and to just enjoy holding it. Although I was kindly sent a digital proof by the publisher, I was keen to purchase the book itself too because its design is just so appealing…

This book is available on these booklists:

Year 4: 50 Recommended Reads
Branching Out: Books for Fans of Michael Morpurgo
Storytime Favourites: Year 3 and Year 4 (Ages 7-9)
Animals Topic (KS2)
Mountains and Volcanoes Topic

When the Mountains Roared: Teacher Notes

A pack of reading questions and activities provided by the publisher, with a focus on reading comprehension and inference, but also providing suggestions for cross-curricular links. The resources work as an introduction to the themes and ideas within the book, taking students’ understanding of the text to a new level and inspiring them to read further.