Book Review | The Last Bear

In this instant literary classic about friendship, forging your own path, and doing what’s right, debut author Hannah Gold inspires fans of Pax and A Wolf Called Wander to make a difference in any way they can.

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.

Fusing environmental awareness with a touching story of kindness, The Last Bear will include full-page black-and-white illustrations as well as a note from the author with facts about the real Bear Island and the plight of the polar bears. -Goodreads

Huge thank you to Harper Collins for sending me a proof copy of The Last Bear to read and review!

I love a middle grade adventure story, and I cannot refuse any that feature animals in any way. As soon as I saw the cover of this one with the polar bear on it, I knew I needed to read it! This novel is a wonderful story of adventure and friendship and the power of one girl to change the world.

This is a very sweet and quick read following April and her quest to take her best friend Bear (a polar bear) back to his home. I loved the scenes between April and Bear, although I would issue a word of caution to not recreate these scenes at home, I’m pretty sure a starving polar bear would try to eat me! But these scenes are lovely, very heart-warming and sweet, its impossible not to love them.

I wasn’t too keen on the relationship between April and her father however. It seemed to be written specifically to fit the plot line, and the scenes with her father, and his actions didn’t seem to match up. It jolted me out of the story a few times. He was so worried about her and stressed not to do anything dangerous, but seemed totally unconcerned with her vanishing for hours on end, or returning home late in the evening. It just read a bit odd to me.

The novel does have an important message about climate change and the impact humans are having on our environment. Due to the melting of the polar ice caps Bear is stranded on the island unable to travel along the ice to get home. April goes to great lengths to save Bear and get him home again.

The novel also has an important message about the power each of us has to change the world, even just a tiny bit, and make it a better place. I liked this message, and I thought it was well done by the author.

Overall I liked this adventure story. April and Bear are great characters, and I loved their interactions a lot! If you are a fan of animal stories and snowy adventures, check this one out!

Buy from Waterstones here

Looking for something similar? My review of The Castle of Tangled Magic is here.

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