Reviews

The Last Bear by Hannah Gold

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Haunting illustrations denote a beautiful friendship in a fitting story for a climate-focused world.

This is just wonderful. Scientist father takes his reluctant daughter with him to the Arctic, where she hopes to spend time with her obsessive parent. When he continues to monitor his measuring implements more than he does his daughter though, she explores her temporary home, and discovers something rather amazing...

Bear Island was thought to be empty of the once plentiful mammals. But there's one left.

There's the element of danger with a vulnerable human befriending a wild animal. But then there's the lovely connection between the two as they bond over human snacks and foodstuffs.

And of course there's the ecological story - the Bear has no food, no certainty of survival on the island (due of course to humans). April determines she must help him find a better home.

What a fabulous adventure, friendship and family story. I understood April's dad, I felt for April, and of course, I loved the outstanding illustrations of the humans, animals and landscape that captured them all.

Heartfelt and moving, an absolute winner for ages 8-13.

katypicken's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional inspiring slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

te2005's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional relaxing slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

hewlettelaine's review

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4.0

A lovely read for young people with a climate change message

torip's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No

5.0

k_lupin's review

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emotional hopeful

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

msliz's review

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adventurous emotional inspiring medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

summer_winter's review against another edition

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5.0

This book was very cute and explores themes of friendship, family, loss and identity. It also talks about the importance of climate change and that no bit of help is too small.
A very magical and heartwarming book.