Release: February 2nd, 2021
Format: Ebook
Publisher: HarperCollins
Source: Amazon
Find it at Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N.
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In this instant literary classic about friendship, forging your own path, and doing what’s right, debut author Hannah Gold inspires fans of Pax and A Wolf Called Wander to make a difference in any way they can.
When April heads to a remote Arctic island with her father, who is there for scientific research, she’s not sure exactly what to expect. The trip to ‘Bear Island’ has the potential to be a very lonely trip – with an isolated wilderness. According to her father, no actual polar bears were left on the island for April to spot despite its name.
Surprisingly, April encounters a real polar bear on the island when nobody else is around. Isolated from his family, the bear is starving and alone, with nobody to help him. Over time, a friendship develops, and April becomes more determined than ever to save the bear. April knows that she will have to tread carefully to nourish the bear in secret. And she has to navigate the issue of making the adults listen at the right moment. Before long, April realizes that she is witnessing first-hand the impact of a much bigger global problem. With courage in the face of powerlessness, April embarks upon a quest to get the bear to safety. This is an adventure that she will never forget.
The Book is an excellent choice for readers in grades 3 to 7. This fierce celebration of friendship includes full-page black-and-white illustrations throughout. Also, there is more information about the real Bear Island and the plight of the polar bears.
About the Author:
Hannah Gold grew up in a family where books, animals, and the beauty of the outside world were ever-present, and she is passionate about writing stories that share her love of the planet.
She now lives in the UK with her tortoise, her cat, and her husband, and, when not writing, she is busy hunting for her next big animal story and practicing her roar. The Last Bear is her debut novel.
The Last Bear Review:
Firstly, I loved the issue that the author highlights on how melting ice-caps and increased temperates would affect humankind in the long run. I think it is a topic not highlighted in middle-grade novels, and I admired the author for educating younger readers to take care of the environment. Moreover, the author includes interesting facts about the Arctic Circle, North Pole, and even the Midnight Sun. I didn’t even know about the phenomenon of the Midnight Sun until I read this story. The author also includes interesting concepts like measuring the air temperature, which would interest youngers readers into meteorology.
April is fantastic as the main character! I loved her strength and determination. Moreover, she and the Bear share a beautiful bond. The author wrote these scenes in such a charming manner. I loved the way she initially connects with him as she tends to his paw.
The author also beautifully wrote the emotions. I loved the scene where her father gets angry at her, and she runs away. Yet she is not mad at him, but instead, sad that he misses his wife. This scene touched me because it showed that April was mature for her age and didn’t anger for long. I also loved her curiosity to learn more about Bear and how he survived. My favorite scene in the book was when she rides on Bear’s back for the first time and feels on top of the world. This scene was so beautiful and probably one I will remember for a long time. On a side note, I also adored the illustrations.
Overall, “The Last Bear” is a beautiful middle-grade novel that proves that love and friendship have not boundaries.
