readmayahread 's review for:

The Last Bear by Hannah Gold
4.25
adventurous emotional hopeful 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: Yes

This book is an example of a well-written Middle-grade book and it is certainly a worthy recipient of the Waterstones Children's Book Prize and The Blue Peter Book Award. 

April is a wonderful main character. Her kindness, sensitivity and intelligence will motivate young readers to be like her. Her friendship with Bear, though it may sound rather fantastical, is a beautiful and endearing one. 

As an adult, I would rate the book 4.5 stars but I would have loved it even more if I were to have read it as a child. The writing is simple but full of meaningful messages.

Highly recommended for Middle-graders, perhaps to be read with their parents or teachers. The book provides many interesting topics to be discussed including familial relationships, friendship and the importance of caring for the environment.