The Last Bear
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- $11.99
Publisher Description
An instant classic with a bear-sized heart, Hannah Gold’s debut novel is a touching story of kindness,
adventure, and forging your own path—perfect for fans of Pax and A
Wolf Called Wander.
There are no polar bears left on
Bear Island. At least, that’s what April’s father tells her when his scientific
research takes them to a faraway Arctic outpost.
But one night, April catches a
glimpse of something distinctly bear shaped loping across the horizon. A polar
bear who shouldn’t be there—who is hungry, lonely and a long way from home.
An excellent choice for readers
in grades 3 to 7, this fierce celebration of friendship includes full-page
black-and-white illustrations throughout, as well as information about the real
Bear Island and the plight of the polar bears.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Though debut author Gold conveys the danger of approaching polar bears, this lightly fantastical tale will have readers dreaming of an ursine friend of their own. Ever since her mother's death seven years before this book's start, April Wood, 11, has lived alone with her neglectful father, whose job at a nearby university researching weather patterns makes for an unpredictable schedule. When he secures a six-month-long position measuring temperatures for the Norwegian government on secluded Bear Island, April has nothing but a set of encyclopedias to keep her busy in the arctic circle. But sensitive April, who knows the key to making animals feel safe lies in listening to them, has a knack for befriending wild animals. When she meets an injured polar bear, she helps him heal and regain weight. As the two grow closer and embark on adventures together, April soon learns that the melting ice caps mean Bear can't travel to other areas with polar bear populations. Slater's full-page b&w illustrations amplify tension by visualizing majestic or dramatic scenes, often featuring April and Bear. While Gold's conservationist message is occasionally heavy-handed, fans of Pax will appreciate this endearing story of interspecies friendship, which will inspire young eco-activists. Ages 8–12.
