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The Last Bear Hardcover – February 2, 2021

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 2,441 ratings

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.

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Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 3-5-A novel that immerses the reader headfirst into the cold, bare landscape of the Arctic melting under the effects of climate change. Young April and her scientist father travel to Bear Island for his research. Ironically, no bears are believed to be left. That is, until April catches a glimpse of a malnourished polar bear. They form a friendship as April nurses him back to health. She discovers that he has been stranded on the island for many years and devises a plan to get him home to Svalbard before her time in the North comes to an end. Gold's debut middle grade novel is a bold, unapologetic look into the devastating effects of climate change and its impact on wildlife. Scientific facts and statistics are seamleassly integrated into the narrative, strengthening the book's urgent tone. While the themes are clear and compelling, certain plot points remain nebulous, such as how April is able to communicate so well with the bear (a gift briefly tied to her late mother) or how her father seems unconcerned with her wandering the island alone all day. These small details will likely not bother young readers, who will be eager to find out if Bear makes his way home. Sections of the book are divided by gentle black-and-white illustrations that help bring April's story to life. The author includes a helpful and informative note at the end about the real Bear Island she used as inspiration. VERDICT A fast-paced novel that will awaken or strengthen readers' concern for their environment and that has the potential to act as a powerful discussion tool in classrooms and book clubs.-Katherine Hickey, Metropolitan Lib. Syst., Oklahoma Cityα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

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

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
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 2,441 ratings

About the author

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Hannah Gold
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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

4.7 out of 5 stars
2,441 global ratings

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Customers 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

6 customers mention "Story length"6 positive0 negative

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

5 customers mention "Heartwarming message"5 positive0 negative

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

3 customers mention "Climate change"3 positive0 negative

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

3 customers mention "Readability"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book readable and suitable for their 4th graders.

"This is an amazing book!..." Read more

"Great read..." Read more

"Good read for my 4th grader daughter. Satisfied customer..." Read more

3 customers mention "Writing style"3 positive0 negative

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

What a great story.
5 out of 5 stars
What a great story.
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.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2021
    The 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.
    6 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2021
    This 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 :)
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 8, 2023
    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.
    Customer image
    5.0 out of 5 stars What a great story.
    Reviewed in the United States on August 8, 2023
    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
    Customer image
    Customer image
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2021
    Thank 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, 2022
    An 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.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2022
    I 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!
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2022
    The vocabulary is suitable for a 4th grader. Satisfied customer
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2021
    This is an incredible story with an incredible message. It takes your heart on a journey, and leaves you wanting to Roar.
    Customer image
    5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible story
    Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2021
    This is an incredible story with an incredible message. It takes your heart on a journey, and leaves you wanting to Roar.
    Images in this review
    Customer image Customer image
    Customer imageCustomer image
    One person found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Sandra
    5.0 out of 5 stars great quality, quick shipping!
    Reviewed in Canada on November 16, 2024
    great quality, quick shipping!
  • BIJURAJ N S
    5.0 out of 5 stars Captivating and Thought-Provoking Story!
    Reviewed in India on December 2, 2024
    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!
  • gemsd
    5.0 out of 5 stars A beautifull written story
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 25, 2024
    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.
  • sophie
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent livre
    Reviewed in France on October 16, 2024
    Excellent
  • Mara Coimbra
    5.0 out of 5 stars So sweet!
    Reviewed in Germany on September 28, 2024
    My 9 yo daughter read this book in less than 3 days! Very good, she said.