Scan barcode
nomackenzie's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Wow. What a brilliant read. So poignant and on the nose it hurt. And I'm not even talking about the bear. A really realistic look at family and what happens when someone is living, but "isn't there". April's journey and her need for love got me right in the heart. She also annoyed me to no end, because HOW MUCH DANGER CAN ONE GIRL PUT HERSELF IN???
Gold is a fantastic and lyrical writer, but her style in no way detracted from the pace of the story. In fact, a lot of her beautiful imagery drived April's motivation forward. She's been added to my "must-buy" authors.
Gold is a fantastic and lyrical writer, but her style in no way detracted from the pace of the story. In fact, a lot of her beautiful imagery drived April's motivation forward. She's been added to my "must-buy" authors.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Abandonment
innastholiel's review against another edition
I cannot bring myself to finish this thing. The "I'm-not-like-other-girls" protagonist and domesticated-acting polar bear are bad enough, but the absent father just infuriates me in a way that seems bad for my general well-being.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment
Minor: Bullying, Car accident, and Death of parent
nikexistiertnik's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
i loved the connection between bear and april, but some of the conversations were honestly poorly written.
although april is a sweet girl, the "not like other girls" mentality is definitely shining through a few times.
nevertheless, i really enjoyed the setting and the story, and it was very easy to read.
the author very obviously wants to inspire the readers to do their own part to help fight against climate change. the way this is executed does leave a lot to be desired when it comes to the conversation about the climate crisis, but it's definitely suitable for children, and it is a children's book after all, so i won't judge it too harshly on that.
although april is a sweet girl, the "not like other girls" mentality is definitely shining through a few times.
nevertheless, i really enjoyed the setting and the story, and it was very easy to read.
the author very obviously wants to inspire the readers to do their own part to help fight against climate change. the way this is executed does leave a lot to be desired when it comes to the conversation about the climate crisis, but it's definitely suitable for children, and it is a children's book after all, so i won't judge it too harshly on that.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment
Moderate: Grief and Death of parent
Minor: Alcohol, Animal death, Bullying, and Car accident
winterteufel's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment
Moderate: Grief and Medical content
Minor: Car accident and Death of parent
lorie336's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
5.0
I felt seen by the character of April because at her age my mom was a single mom and worked a lot, my father wasn't around and I was an only child. I love nature especially the animals and still am trying to save it. I know real polar bears are dangerous, but like April I would not be afraid, yet would be respectful and admire the bear.
This book, although is a middle grade, is a beautiful book about love for the environment and wanting to save it, wanting to save animals that are on the brink of extinction, and changing the minds of others to help protect this world. The relationship between April and Bear makes my heart swell with love and sadness, this is the relationship we should have with every living creature.
There is more to this story, but I don't want to spoil it, I want you to read this heartwarming book and remember what it was like to be that young and full of curiosity, just suspend your disbelief for the moment and enjoy.
This book, although is a middle grade, is a beautiful book about love for the environment and wanting to save it, wanting to save animals that are on the brink of extinction, and changing the minds of others to help protect this world. The relationship between April and Bear makes my heart swell with love and sadness, this is the relationship we should have with every living creature.
There is more to this story, but I don't want to spoil it, I want you to read this heartwarming book and remember what it was like to be that young and full of curiosity, just suspend your disbelief for the moment and enjoy.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Death of parent and Abandonment
rea's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
5.0
I legit cried (I'm in my late 20s)
This book is so beautiful. The story of April and Bear and how they both deal with being alone and the friendship between them that continues to grow and evolve into something that cannot be described.
This book is so beautiful. The story of April and Bear and how they both deal with being alone and the friendship between them that continues to grow and evolve into something that cannot be described.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief and Abandonment
Minor: Death of parent, Animal death, and Car accident
More...