Reviews

I'm currently reading Finding bear by Hannah Gold. This is the second book in The last bear series (duology?). I'm listening to the audiobook. Reading this one, because I read book one and really enjoyed it. Saw on my audiobook app that this just published, so therefore reading it now. Also reading it for the Orilium challenge for my second character. This is a middle grade book and apparantly magical realism? but I would just call it contemporary.

Enjoying this so far. Did not remember much about book one, but that is not really a problem. Really like the main character. I especially love what this book has to see about climate change and taking care of animals.

Wasn't a great book in the end. Felt like a pretty unnecessary sequel. Do still enjoy the main character, but the story was a bit meh.

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juliethebookcat's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful informative sad tense medium-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

3.0

oceanxbluess's review

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adventurous emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective

5.0

Hannah Gold has done it again!

It was so lovely to be reunited with April and Bear once again - along with a little surprise addition to the family!

Finding Bear is a beautiful story full of heart, friendship and hope, paired with Levi Pinfold’s stunning illustrations - you won’t want to miss this one.

Just brilliant!

Thank you to NetGalley & Harper Collins for the DRC

Content Warnings

hjreads16's review

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adventurous emotional medium-paced

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

4.25

struckbybooks's review

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5.0

When April hears that a polar bear has been shot and injured in Svalbard, she's convinced it's her friend and persuades her dad to travel with her to the northernmost reaches of the Arctic. So begins an unforgettable journey across frozen tundra and icy glaciers.

Finding bear is the second instalment of the last bear series and what a beautiful book it was, hanna gold has outdone herself on this one, if the first book made you cry the second book will make you sob.

this book gives of a very powerful message and image of what the artic is like and what is happening to our beloved polar bears because of global warming, even though finding bear touches on such hard topic it does show a beautiful heartwarming friendship between girl and bear.

hazelrayson's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

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

5.0

motherbooker's review

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5.0

The sequel to The Last Bear is just as well-written and charming as the first book. It does deal with some heavy themes and April often finds herself in dangerous situations. For a story about a girl and her polar bear friend, it's not a cute and sweet read. April is a conscientious and determined girl. She sees what humanity has done to the natural world and will do anything she can to help. She's an inspirational protagonist and manages to bring environmental issues to the forefront in a digestible way. It will certainly help to start a conversation about global warming and conservation. Not only do we see April's passion but we see how the world is changing. Hannah Gold expertly blends realism with fantasy to write an emotional and important story.

As an adult reader, there needs to be a certain amount of suspension of disbelief to get into this. After all, Bear is given human emotions and more awareness than he would have. He is shown to be a doting father but we know this wouldn't happen in the wild. Although, he's a character in a children's story and I get it. He's anthropomorphised to some extent but not so much that you don't believe Throughout the book, we are constantly reminded that April understands that he is a wild animal. It's just that her relationship with the polar bear is the stuff of fantasy. To counteract this, we meet a real polar bear and see just how dangerous they are.

As well as showing the consequences of global warming, Bear and his cub also mirror April and her father. April feels that her father is moving away from her and she is worried that he is moving on without her. She is facing the prospect of getting a new stepmother and isn't sure how she feels. Part of the reason why she feels such a connection to Bear's cub. She sees herself in the baby bear and is able to work through some of her own feelings at the same time. This is a perfect book to help children going through grief or a big change. There is positive character development here and it just makes the story stronger. It's the perfect book for younger readers.

Overall, I'm not sure if this is quite as good as the first book but it's still a fantastic read. It keeps up the tradition and manages to be both charming and informative. It's adorable and I loved every part of it. Obviously, April gets herself into some life-threatening situations but it's definitely not too much for the age range. It's an exciting adventure that faces one of the biggest issues facing humanity today. It's a wonderful book and I'm glad Gold reunited these friends.

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