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.