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The Last Bear Hardcover – February 2, 2021
An instant classic with a bear-sized heart, Hannah Gold’s debut novel is a touching story of kindness, adventure, and forging your own path—perfect for fans of Pax and A Wolf Called Wander.
There are no polar bears left on Bear Island. At least, that’s what April’s father tells her when his scientific research takes them to a faraway Arctic outpost.
But one night, April catches a glimpse of something distinctly bear shaped loping across the horizon. A polar bear who shouldn’t be there—who is hungry, lonely and a long way from home.
An excellent choice for readers in grades 3 to 7, this fierce celebration of friendship includes full-page black-and-white illustrations throughout, as well as information about the real Bear Island and the plight of the polar bears.
- Reading age8 - 12 years
- Print length288 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- Grade level3 - 7
- Dimensions5.5 x 0.89 x 8.25 inches
- PublisherHarperCollins
- Publication dateFebruary 2, 2021
- ISBN-100063041073
- ISBN-13978-0063041073
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Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal
Review
"Fans of Pax will appreciate this endearing story of interspecies friendship." — Publishers Weekly
“For animal lovers, defenders of the environment, and fans of female-powered stories. Touching and poignant.” — Kirkus Reviews
"Gold has an ear for descriptive language, and the close narration of April's story keeps readers intimately engaged. The book's environmental message is clear without being overpowering, and the combination of internal and external conflicts allows the story to be quiet and dramatic at the same time." — Horn Book Magazine
"A bold, unapologetic look into the devastating effects of climate change and its impact on wildlife." — School Library Journal
“This is an important first novel, important for us, for polar bears, for the planet. It is deeply moving, beautifully told, quite unforgettable.” — Michael Morpurgo, bestselling author of War Horse
About the Author
Hannah Gold is the author of The Last Bear and The Lost Whale. She grew up in a family where books, animals, and the beauty of the outside world were ever present, and 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, is busy hunting for her next big animal story as well as practicing her roar.
Product details
- Publisher : HarperCollins; Illustrated edition (February 2, 2021)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 288 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0063041073
- ISBN-13 : 978-0063041073
- Reading age : 8 - 12 years
- Grade level : 3 - 7
- Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
- Dimensions : 5.5 x 0.89 x 8.25 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #510,835 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #1,281 in Children's Bear Books (Books)
- #1,387 in Children's Parents Books
- #11,718 in Children's Action & Adventure Books (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author
Hannah Gold grew up in a family where books, animals, and the beauty of the outside world were ever present, and is now passionate about writing stories that share her love of the planet.
Her debut, The Last Bear, was a Sunday Times bestseller and won a number of national awards, including the Waterstones Children's Book Prize and the Blue Peter Book Award in 2022. She is also the author of The Lost Whale which won the Edward Stanford Children's Travel Book 2022 and Finding Bear, the bestselling sequel to The Last Bear. Finding Bear was longlisted for the Children's Fiction Wainwright Prize and shortlisted for the Week Junior Book Awards 2024. In September, her brand new book, Turtle Moon became an instant bestseller on release. All novels are illustrated by renowned artist Levi Pinfold.
Hannah's books have sold over 250,000 copies in the UK alone, and been translated into 27 languages. She is an ambassador for Whale and Dolphin Conservation, and lives in Lincolnshire with her tortoise and her husband.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the story engaging and heartwarming, providing a good way to teach children about climate change. They describe it as a page-turner for all ages, with an incredible message about polar bears and the impact of climate change. The writing style is described as beautifully written and expertly crafted.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the story engaging for kids of all ages. They say it's a great way to teach children about climate change issues. The vocabulary is suitable for 4th graders, and the book is described as a page-turner.
"...The story will surely capture the imagination of kids while providing real-world climate change connections, and examples of complex family dynamics..." Read more
"...So this book, while aimed at middle-grade kids is actually a page-turner for all ages, it seems :)" Read more
"What an incredible story of a young girl and her determination to save a polar bear. Anyone who has an affinity for animals will like this book." Read more
"...Told in a heartwarming way and beautifully written. Kids of all ages will love this. Read this with my 8 year old and she absolutely loved it." Read more
Customers find the story heartwarming and beautifully written. They say it's an amazing story for kids to learn about polar bears and climate change.
"...as she discovers and befriends one lonely, hungry, and stranded polar bear...." Read more
"This is a beautifully-written book with a whole lot of heart...." Read more
"What an incredible story of a young girl and her determination to save a polar bear. Anyone who has an affinity for animals will like this book." Read more
"...Told in a heartwarming way and beautifully written. Kids of all ages will love this. Read this with my 8 year old and she absolutely loved it." Read more
Customers find the book engaging and informative about climate change. It provides real-world connections while fostering kids' imaginations. The examples of complex families are also appreciated. Overall, customers describe it as an excellent book on the subject.
"...will surely capture the imagination of kids while providing real-world climate change connections, and examples of complex family dynamics that are..." Read more
"An amazing story for kids, to learn about polar bears and the impact of climate change. Told in a heartwarming way and beautifully written...." Read more
"An excellent book about Climate Change..." Read more
Customers enjoy the writing style. They say it's beautifully written and expertly crafted.
"This is a beautifully-written book with a whole lot of heart...." Read more
"...Told in a heartwarming way and beautifully written. Kids of all ages will love this. Read this with my 8 year old and she absolutely loved it." Read more
"...It is expertly crafted and told with such beauty and clarity. If I could give it 10 stars I would. HIGHLY recommend!" Read more
Reviews with images
What a great story.
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2021The Last Bear by Hannah Gold and it is an ideal climate fiction book for middle grades students. It tells the story of middle grades girl, April, who travels to Bear Island in Norway for her father to conduct scientific research. The book follows her adventure as she discovers and befriends one lonely, hungry, and stranded polar bear. The story will surely capture the imagination of kids while providing real-world climate change connections, and examples of complex family dynamics that are explored within the book. As a middle grade teacher, I love that the book encourages kids to consider what they can do to help improve our plant. My favorite quote from the book is, “But imagine if every single person on the planet just does one thing.” I think this quote alone has the potential to spark a multitude of conversations with students and help them begin exploring how they can be a voice for climate justice.
- Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2021This is a beautifully-written book with a whole lot of heart.
It's the perfect way to teach children about the escalating climate change issues. It also highlights some of the differences that people can make to reduce pollution and save animals, especially, of course, polar bears!
I read this book to my 5 year old son on the way to school every day. He loved it and was always excited to hear the next part of the story. My husband, who is 78, really enjoyed it too. So this book, while aimed at middle-grade kids is actually a page-turner for all ages, it seems :)
- Reviewed in the United States on August 8, 2023What an incredible story of a young girl and her determination to save a polar bear. Anyone who has an affinity for animals will like this book.
What an incredible story of a young girl and her determination to save a polar bear. Anyone who has an affinity for animals will like this book.
Images in this review - Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2021Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Kids for a free digital copy for my review.
A heartfelt middle grade novel that celebrates a love of nature and conservationism as well as deals with grief and coping.
April is an 11 year old girl who, with her father, moves for 6 months to an island in the Arctic Circle called Bear Island, but due to the ice caps melting there are no longer Polar Bears there... or are there?
Infused with a layer of magic and wonder, this book explores what it means to take care. Take care of yourself, take care of others, and take care of your world. The message is that even if you can't do a lot, the little you can do matters. I love that message for children and parents alike that our actions have consequences, good or bad.
TW: Parental Loss
- Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2022An amazing story for kids, to learn about polar bears and the impact of climate change. Told in a heartwarming way and beautifully written. Kids of all ages will love this. Read this with my 8 year old and she absolutely loved it.
- Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2022I just finished this book, and I'm still crying. EVERYONE should read it, not just middle-grade readers. It is expertly crafted and told with such beauty and clarity. If I could give it 10 stars I would. HIGHLY recommend!
- Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2022The vocabulary is suitable for a 4th grader. Satisfied customer
- Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2021This is an incredible story with an incredible message. It takes your heart on a journey, and leaves you wanting to Roar.
5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible storyThis is an incredible story with an incredible message. It takes your heart on a journey, and leaves you wanting to Roar.
Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2021
Images in this review
Top reviews from other countries
- SandraReviewed in Canada on November 16, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars great quality, quick shipping!
great quality, quick shipping!
- BIJURAJ N SReviewed in India on December 2, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Captivating and Thought-Provoking Story!
I bought The Last Bear for my son, and he was completely captivated by it! This book tells a beautifully written, emotional story with themes of conservation, courage, and the importance of nature. My son loved the adventure and the deep connection between the main character, April, and the last remaining polar bear.
The narrative is engaging and thought-provoking, with stunning descriptions that really bring the Arctic setting to life. It's also filled with important lessons about protecting the environment and standing up for what’s right.
This book sparked great conversations between us about climate change and wildlife conservation, which I really appreciated. Highly recommend for young readers who enjoy adventurous, heartwarming stories with a meaningful message!
- gemsdReviewed in the United Kingdom on November 25, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars A beautifull written story
This book takes you on an adventure with the little girl, April. An enjoyable bedtime story for both my daughter and myself. The illustrations are beautiful too.
- sophieReviewed in France on October 16, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent livre
Excellent
- Mara CoimbraReviewed in Germany on September 28, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars So sweet!
My 9 yo daughter read this book in less than 3 days! Very good, she said.