SOLVED. YA/Middle Grade (?) Historical novel read around 2006 about a girl living in an ancient/Bronze Age? village that worships a bear called Uma/Umma (?). [s]

[N]

One of the main details I remember about this book is that weaving was sacred in their village, and only men were taught to weave. The MC is an outsider, and I think she’s shunned for having red hair?

The village worships a bear/goddess from the nearby mountain, and they call the goddess Uma or Umma (if memory serves). I think “Uma” is incorporated into the title, but that might be completely wrong!

I read this book sometime around 2005-2007. I think it would be considered YA or middle grade. It might have been part of a series.

It is not Clan of the Cave Bear. That’s what always comes up when I try to search for it, but it’s definitely not the right book.

[Kris]

Serena, would you call this a prehistoric novel? What's the time period? Any fantasy?

[Rainbowheart]

Wind Rider?

Anooka's Answer?

Children of the Dawnland?

[N]

I would guess it’s set in the Bronze Age. The characters live in a settled community and their tech fits that period. No fantasy, just realistic historical stuff.

Rainbowheart—none of those 3 books are it, I’m afraid. :(

[Rainbowheart]

Might also check this list?

Prehistory in YA & Middle Grade Fiction

[SBC]

I think this might be Dark Heart by Betsy James. The bear is Ouma

[Rainbowheart]

Dark Heart for SBC's suggestion.

[N]

SBC, you’re completely right! Dark Heart is definitely it. Thank you so much for your help, everyone!