The Last Bear

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.

For April, this is more than an adventure. It’s a promise to a friend in a world that’s running out of time.

• An Unlikely Friendship: April has always preferred animals to people. But forging a secret bond with a starving polar bear on a remote Arctic island is a connection she never imagined.
• A Father-Daughter Story: April’s father is lost in his work and his grief. Can her mission to save her new friend be the one thing that finally brings them back together?
• Climate Change for Kids: A powerful, gentle introduction to the impact of melting sea ice, this story shows how the planet’s changes affect its most vulnerable creatures.
• A Thrilling Survival Adventure: With time running out, April must embark on a dangerous journey to get Bear home, facing down storms and her own fears along the way.