Journey of the Pale Bear

(Paperback, Reprint)

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Description

A lovely little miracle of a book. Katherine Applegate, Newbery Medalwinning author of The One and Only Ivan
[A] large-hearted and riveting medieval adventure. William Alexander, National Book Awardwinning author of Goblin Secrets
A breathtaking adventure. Kirby Larson, Newbery Honorwinning author of Hattie Big Sky

A runaway boy befriends a polar bear thats being transported from Norway to London in this stupendous coming-of-age tale stuffed with adventure (Kirkus Reviews, starred review).

The polar bear is a royal bear, a gift from the King of Norway to the King of England. The first time Arthur encounters the bear, she terrifies him. Yet, strangely, she doesnt harm himthough she has attacked anyone else who comes near. So Arthur finds himself taking care of a polar bear on a ship to England.

Tasked with feeding and cleaning up after the bear, Arthurs fears slowly lessen as he begins to feel a connection to this bear, who like him, has been cut off from her family. But the journey holds many dangers, and Arthur knows his own freedomperhaps even his lifedepends on keeping the bear from harm. When pirates attack, Arthur must make a choicedoes he do everything he can to save himself, or does he help the bear to find freedom

Based on the real story of a polar bear that lived in the Tower of London, this timeless adventure story thoughtfully looks at the themes of freedom, captivity, and the bond between a boy and a bear.

Reviews

"I simply adore this novel. It has it all:gorgeous prose, fascinating history, riveting adventure. But its the unlikely tender friendship between a lonely boy and a polar bear that makes this a story to cherish. A lovely little miracle of a book." * Katherine Applegate, Newbery Medal Winning author of The One and Only Ivan *
Master storyteller Susan Fletcher creates a breathtaking adventure. Every reader will want to be Arthur, bonding with that exquisite bear, in their search for true freedom. * Kirby Larson, Newbery Honor Winning author of Hattie Big Sky *
"I loved every single thing about this large-hearted and riveting medieval adventure." * William Alexander, National Book Award Winning author of Goblin Secrets *
* "A stupendous coming-of-age tale stuffed with adventureand laced with deeper questions." * Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW *
"Fletcher (Falcon in the Glass, 2013) blends high-seas action-adventure with a heartwarming animal-human friendship. Based on historical events, this is a heartfelt tale with plenty of middle-grade appeal." * Booklist *
"Kindred to such timeless read alouds asCharlotte's WebandThe One and Only Ivan...Readers of all ages will not be able to put this one down." * School Library Connection *

Author Bio

Susan Fletcher is the acclaimed author ofJourney of the Pale Bear;as well asthe Dragon Chronicles, composed ofDragons Milk,Flight of the Dragon Kyn,Sign of the Dove, andAncient, Strange, and Lovely;and the award-winningAlphabet of Dreams,Shadow Spinner,Walk Across the Sea, andFalcon in the Glass. Ms. Fletcher lives in Bryan, Texas. Visit her at Susan Fletcher.com.